cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A new cluster model interpretation of the anomalous lifetime of 14C

A new cluster model solution to the long-standing nuclear structure problem of describing the anomalously long lifetime of 14C is presented. Related beta-decay data for 14O to states in 14N, gamma-decay data between low-lying positive parity states in 14N and the elastic and inelastic magnetic dipole electron scattering from 14N data are all shown to be very accurately described by the model. The shapes of the beta spectra for the A = 14 system are also well reproduced by the model. The model invokes four-nucleon tetrahedral symmetric spatial correlations arising from three- and four-nucleon interactions, which yields a high degree of SU(4) singlet structure for the clusters and a tetrahedral intrinsic shape for the doubly magic 16O ground state. The large quadrupole moment of the 14N ground state is obtained here for the first time and arises because of the almost 100% d-wave deuteron-like-hole cluster structure inherent in the model.
The space of common psychiatric disorders in adolescents: comorbidity structure and individual latent liabilities.

Objective To construct a virtual space of common adolescent psychiatric disorders, spanned by factors reflecting major psychopathological dimensions; and to locate psychiatric disorders in that space, examine whether the major psychopathological dimensions can be hierarchically organized, and determine the distribution of the latent scores of individuals in the space spanned by those dimensions. Method Exploratory factor analyses of data from the National Comorbidity Survey Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A) using the psychiatric diagnoses as indicators were used to identify the latent major psychopathological dimensions. The loadings of the disorders on those dimensions were used as coordinates to calculate the distance among disorders. The distribution of individuals in the space was based on the latent scores on the factors reflecting the major psychopathological conditions. Results A model with 3 correlated factors provided an excellent fit (Comparative Fit Index [CFI] = 0.97, Tucker-Lewis Index [TLI] = 0.95, the root mean squared error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.008) for the structure of disorders and a 4-factor model could be hierarchically organized, ultimately yielding a general psychopathology factor. Distances between disorders ranged from 0.079 (between social phobia and generalized anxiety disorder [GAD]) and 1.173 (between specific phobia and conduct disorder [CD]). At the individual level, there were 546 distinct liabilities observed (22% of all 2,455 potential liabilities). Conclusion A novel way of understanding psychiatric disorders in adolescents is as existing in a space with a limited number of dimensions with no disorder aligning along 1 single dimension. These dimensions are hierarchically organized, allowing analyses at different levels of organization. Furthermore, individuals with psychiatric disorders present with a broad range of liabilities, reflecting the diversity of their clinical presentations.
States and automorphism groups of operator algebras

Suppose that a group of automorphisms of a von Neumann algebraM, fixes the center elementwise. We show that if this group commutes with the modular (KMS) automorphism group associated with a normal faithful state onM, then this state is left invariant by the group of automorphisms. As a result we obtain a “noncommutative” ergodic theorem. The discrete spectrum of an abelian unitary group acting as automorphisms ofM is completely characterized by elements inM. We discuss the KMS condition on the CAR algebra with respect to quasi-free automorphisms and gauge invariant generalized free states. We also obtain a necessary and sufficient condition for the CAR algebra and a quasi-free automorphism group to be η-abelian.
Arthroscopic management of temporomandibular joint disc perforations and associated advanced chondromalacia by discoplasty and abrasion arthroplasty: Preliminary results

This article describes the arthroscopic surgical treatment of disc perforations by discoplasty to mobilize the disc and reduce joint friction. Grade IV chondromalacia with exposed bone was treated by abrasion arthroplasty with the goal of resurfacing the bone with fibrocartilage. Preliminary data on the results of these procedures are presented.
Representation and recognition of the movements of shapes.

The problems posed by the representation and recognition of the movements of 3-D shapes are analysed. A representation is proposed for the movements of shapes that lie within the scope of the Marr & Nishihara (1978) 3-D model representation of static shapes. The basic problem is how to segment a stream of movement into pieces, each of which can be described separately. The representation proposed here is based upon segmenting a movement at moments when a component axis, e.g. an arm, starts to move relative to its local coordinate frame (here the torso). For example, walking is divided into a segment of the stationary states between each swing of the arms and legs, and the actual motions between the stationary points (relative to the torso, not the ground). This representation is called the state-motion-state (SMS) moving shape representation, and several examples of its application are given.
Development of a Semi-Implicit Solver for Detailed Chemistry in I.C. Engine Simulations

An efficient semi-implicit numerical method is developed for solving the detailed chemical kinetic source terms in I.C. engine simulations. The detailed chemistry system is a group of coupled extremely stiff O.D.E.s, which presents a very stringent timestep limitation when solved by standard explicit methods, and is computationally expensive when solved by iterative implicit methods. The present numerical solver uses a stiffly-stable noniterative semi-implicit method, in which the numerical solution to the stiff O.D.E.s never blows up for arbitrary large timestep. The formulation of numerical integration exploits the physical requirement that the species density and specific internal energy in the computational cells must be nonnegative, so that the Lipschitz timestep constraint is not present [1,2], and the computation timestep can be orders of magnitude larger than that possible in standard explicit methods and can be formulated to be of high formal order of accuracy. The solver exploits the characteristics of the stiffness of the O.D.E.s by using a sequential sort algorithm that ranks an approximation to the dominant eigenvalues of the system to achieve maximum accuracy. Subcycling within the chemistry solver routine is applied for each computational cell in engine simulations, where the subcycle timestep is dynamically determined by monitoring the rate of change of concentration of key species which have short characteristic time scales and are also important to the chemical heat release. The chemistry solver is applied in the KIVA-3V code to diesel engine simulations. Results are compared with those using the CHEMKIN package which uses the VODE implicit solver. Very good agreement was achieved for a wide range of engine operating conditions, and 40∼70% CPU time savings were achieved by the present solver compared to CHEMKIN.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Vibrational spectra and normal mode assignments for (CH3)3SiN3, (CH3)3SiNCO and (CH3)3SiNCS

Abstract The i.r. spectra (20–3500 cm−1 of gaseous and solid (CH3)3SiN3, (CH3)3SiNCO and (CH3)3SiNCS have been recorded. The Raman spectra (25–3100 cm−1) of these three compounds in the gaseous (except (CH3)3SiNCS), liquid and solid states have also been recorded. A vibrational assignment is proposed for each molecule. The spectral data for the heavy atom vibrations are consistent with C3v symmetry for the isocyanate and the isothiocyanate and there is good evidence for lower symmetry for the azide. The SiNC bend was observed in the Raman spectrum of gaseous isocyanate at 37 cm−1 with the overtone centered at 84 cm−1. This same mode was observed in the Raman spectrum of the isothiocyanate in the liquid state at ∼45 cm−1. For the azide, this motion was observed in the Raman spectra of both the gaseous and liquid samples at 102 and 111 cm−1, respectively.
Three-dimensional longwave infrared synthetic image generation incorporating angular emissivity effects using ray-tracing techniques

A technique for longwave infrared (LWIR) synthetic image generation is shown which yields improved radiometric accuracy in the 8-14 micron bandpass. This process uses a modified LOWTRAN 6 atmospheric transmission/upwelled radiance code and computer graphics ray-tracing techniques. A scene is created by placing faceted objects into world coordinates with rotation, translation, and scaling parameters. Each facet is assigned a material index and temperature. The material index points to optical properties for that material. The modified LOWTRAN 6 code incorporates sensor response function when computing tables of the atmospheric transmission and upwelled and downwelled radiances. A ray-traced image is then generated. A final synthetic LWIR scene is generated to geometrically match an actual acquired scene so that radiometric comparisons can be made.
Immersive virtual exercise environment for people with lower body disabilities

This paper presents the development and evaluation of the use of virtual reality technology, together with appropriately adapted exercises through an augmented reality interface, to create Virtual Exercise Environments (VEEs). These environments allow persons with lower body disabilities to exercise and train just like what people do in real world. The major aim of this research is an architecture to create virtual exercise environments for people with lower body disabilities, which can make exercise more enjoyable and less repetitive. This paper presents our current research on this architecture to facilitate participation and adherence using a VEE as a prototype and common-off-the-shelf hardware components.
Metopic synostosis: in favour of a “simplified” surgical treatment

Metopic synostosis is a relatively simple form of craniosynostosis, resulting from premature fusion of the metopic suture. In this pathology different degrees of dysmorphia of the anterior cranial fossa and the presence of associated anomalies of the skull might enable specific subgroups to be identified. Since most functional and cosmetic anomalies benefit from early surgical treatment, over the last few years neurosurgeons have been forced to elaborate less drastic, but nonetheless effective, surgical techniques. In the present report we analyze the surgical results obtained in a series of 62 infants with trigonocephaly operated on within their 1st year of life. Patients were subdivided into two groups (group I: 8 patients; group II: 54 patients) according to the specific dysmorphic characteristics of the frontal bone and anterior cranial fossa, and the presence of compensatory deformities affecting the anterior cranial base and temporo-parietal region. All the patients were treated using one of two relatively simple surgical techniques (procedure A: inversion of two hemifrontal bone flaps-48 cases; procedure B: the “shell” operation-14 cases). Both surgical procedures appeared to be effective, allowing adequate functional and cosmetic correction of the cranial deformity. In patients operated on following procedure B surgical time and and blood loss were dramatically reduced. Long-term outcomes were satisfactory in all cases, irrespective of the surgical technique used. In the group II patients, however, progressive normalization of the interorbital distance was constantly observed, suggesting a different degree of stenotic involvement at the level of the anterior cranial base in these patients.
Environmental enrichment and cognitive complexity in reptiles and amphibians: Concepts, review, and implications for captive populations

Abstract Reptiles and amphibians have been neglected in research on cognition, emotions, sociality, need for enriched and stimulating environments, and other topics that have been greatly emphasized in work on mammals and birds. This is also evident in the historic lack of enriching captive environments to reduce boredom and encourage natural behavior and psychological well-being. This paper provides those responsible for the care of reptiles and amphibians a brief overview of concepts, methods, and sample findings on behavioral complexity and the role of controlled deprivation in captive herpetological collections. Most work has been done on reptiles, however, and so they are emphasized. Amphibians and reptiles, though not admitting of easy anthropomorphism, do show many traits common in birds and mammals including sophisticated communication, problem solving, parental care, play, and complex sociality. Zoos and aquariums are important resources to study many aspects of these often exotic, rare, and fascinating animals, and rich research opportunities await those willing to study them and apply the wide range of methods and technology now available.
Cover crops for sweet corn production in a short-season environment.

Legume cover crops can supply all or most of the N required by a subsequent crop if legume biomass is of sufficient quantity and N mineralization is approximately synchronous with crop demand. Three 2-yr crop rotation cycles were conducted on a Lamoine silt loam (fine, illitic, nonacid, frigid Aeric Epiaquept) soil in Maine to (i) evaluate biomass and N accumulation of alfalfa (Medicago saliva L.), winter rye (Secale cereale L.), and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth subsp. villosa) plus winter rye cover crops; (ii) determine sweet corn (Zea mays L.) response to legume and fertilizer N sources in a barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)-sweet corn rotation; and (iii) assess the accuracy of the presidedress soil nitrate test (PSNT) and leaf chlorophyll N test (LCNT) for distinguishing N-responsive and nonresponsive sweet corn. Both legumes accumulated more N than rye grown alone, although total biomass was similar. Sweet corn following rye always exhibited a linear response to N fertilizer (up to 156 kg N ha -1 ), but generally exhibited no response to added N following either alfalfa or hairy vetch plus winter rye (VR). Both PSNT and LCNT were 75% accurate in identifying plots responsive to additional fertilizer N. The legume cover crops grown were able to replace all or nearly all of the N fertilizer required by a subsequent sweet corn crop, with fertilizer replacement values (FRVs) of 58 to 156 kg N ha -1 in a short-season environment. These cover crops are a viable alternative source of N, greatly reducing or eliminating the need for N fertilizer.
Inhibition of juvenile hormone III biosynthesis in cockroach corpora allata by interference with the S‐adenosylmethionine‐dependent transmethylation

The synthesis of juvenile hormone-III by corpora allata of the cockroach Diploptera punctata is dependent under in vitro conditions upon a supply of exogenous methionine. Radiolabelled S-adenosylmethionine was identified by HPLC in extracts of corpora allata incubated with either [methyl-3H]methionine or [35S]methionine. Juvenile hormone (JH) synthesis by intact glands in vitro was inhibited by cycloleucine and selenomethionine, but this inhibition could be relieved by increasing the concentration of methionine. S-adenosylhomocysteine or sinefungin had little or no inhibitory effect on JH synthesis by intact glands, but 5′-deoxy-5′-methylthioadenosine was inhibitory. Adenosine and homocysteine synergistically inhibited JH synthesis. These results show that JH-III synthesis by intact glands can be inhibited by interfering with the S-adenosylmethionine-dependent transmethylation, and suggest that the product and inhibitor of that reaction, S-adenosyl-homocysteine, is rapidly hydrolyzed to adenosine and homocysteine in the corpora allata.
Micromachined optical trap for use as a microcytology workstation

A micromachined optical 'trap' to capture and move micron sized dielectric particles is presented. The trap consists of four single mode optical fibers mutually aligned to have a common optical beam intersection at the center of a micromachined housing. The intersection of the beams forms an optical 'cross-hair' which captures dielectric microparticles with a strong optical gradient force field, and holds them for further manipulation, visualization, and/or analysis. The stability and magnitude of the trapping force fields are comparable to the single beam 'optical tweezers' technique, but are considerably more versatile.
Comparative performance of voice/data local area networks

Using simulation, a network-independent framework compares the performance of contention-based Ethernet and two contention-free round-robin schemes, namely Expressnet and the IEEE 802.4 token bus. Two priority mechanisms for voice/data traffic on round-robin networks are studied: the alternating-rounds mechanism of the Expressnet, and the token rotation timer mechanism of the token bus, which restricts access rights based on the time taken for a token to make one round. It is shown that the deterministic schemes almost always perform better than the contention-based scheme. Design issues such as the choice of minimum voice packet length, priority parameters, and voice encoding rate are investigated. An important aspect that is noted is the accurate characterization of performance over a wide region of the design space of voice/data networks. >
Thermodynamics of the transformations of oxygen- and sulphur-containing functional groups during coal liquefaction in hydrogen and hydrogen donor

Abstract The thermodynamic equilibrium constants for the reduction of oxygen and sulphur functional groups in hydrogen and in tetralin were calculated for the temperature range 327–527 °C. All the reduction reactions of the oxygen groups are thermodynamically favourable both with hydrogen and with tetralin. The reduction reactions of all the sulphur functional groups in tetralin are favourable except for the reductions of thiophenes below 407 °C. However, molecular hydrogen cannot reduce thiophenes or aryl sulphides below about 590 °C. Reactions in which oxygen from water is captured by the organic matrix are not favourable reactions; however, capturing of sulphur from hydrogen sulphide or alkyl thiols can occur in this range of temperatures. The most stable products are condensed thiophenic structures.
Two-dimensional flag-transitive planes revisited

This paper shows that the odd order two-dimensional flag-transitive planes constructed by Kantor-Suetake constitute the same family of planes as those constructed by Baker-Ebert. Moreover, for orders satisfying a modest number theoretical assumption this family consists of all possible such planes of that order. In particular, it is shown that the number of isomorphism classes of (non-Desarguesian) two-dimensional flag-transitive affine planes of order q2 is precisely (q−1)/2 when q is an odd prime and precisely (q−1)/2e when q=p e is an odd prime power with exponent e that is a power of 2. An enumeration is given in other cases that uses the Mobius inversion formula.
Racial differences in opioid use for chronic nonmalignant pain.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain is a frequent cause of suffering and disability that negatively affects patients’ quality of life. There is growing evidence that disparities in the treatment of pain occur because of differences in race. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether race plays a role in treatment decisions involving patients with chronic nonmalignant pain in a primary care population. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A cross-sectional survey was administered to patients with chronic nonmalignant pain and their treating physicians at 12 academic medical centers. We enrolled 463 patients with nonmalignant pain persisting for more than 3 consecutive months and the primary care physicians participating in their care. RESULTS: Analysis of the 397 black and white patients showed that blacks had significantly higher pain scores (6.7 on a scale of 0 to 10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 6.4 to 7.0) compared with whites (5.6, 95% CI 5.3 to 5.9); however, white patients were more likely to be taking opioid analgesics compared with blacks (45.7% vs 32.2%, P<.006). Even after controlling for potentially confounding variables, white patients were significantly more likely (odds ratio (OR) 2.67, 95% CI 1.71 to 4.15) to be taking opioid analgesics than black patients. There were no differences by race in the use of other treatment modalities such as physical therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories or in the use of specialty referral. CONCLUSION: Equal treatment by race occurs in nonopioid-related therapies, but white patients are more likely than black patients to be treated with opioids. Further studies are needed to better explain this racial difference and define its effect on patient outcomes.
Barriers to Effective Palliative Care for Low-Income Patients in Late Stages of Cancer: Report of a Study and Strategies for Defining and Conquering the Barriers

The discipline of palliative care is growing rapidly in the United States but, as in many other areas of medical care, multiple barriers exist to providing such care to low-income patients with end-stage cancer and other diseases. Reports vary with regard to definition and scope of these and other barriers. This article briefly reports a pilot study of perceived barriers to palliative care and related issues in an urban cancer clinic, reviews the current literature, and suggest ways to identify and overcome such barriers in low-income patients with cancer.
EXCITONS IN SOLID C60

Exciton levels in undoped, solid ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ are calculated using a model Hamiltonian. We find excitation energies of 1.58 and 1.30 eV for the lowest singlet and triplet exciton, respectively, in comparison with the measured energies of 1.83 and 1.55 eV. Singlet and triplet states have similar energy diagrams, wherein exciton states having ${\mathit{T}}_{2\mathit{g}}$, ${\mathit{T}}_{1\mathit{g}}$, ${\mathit{G}}_{\mathit{g}}$, and ${\mathit{H}}_{\mathit{g}}$ symmetries are separated by up to several tenths of an electron volt. As a function of crystal momentum, exciton energies exhibit dispersion from 20 to 40 meV. Theoretical pressure derivatives of exciton energies are presented. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Explaining Race and Ethnic Variation in Marriage: Directions for Future Research

Racial and ethnic differentials in marriage are large and may contribute to maintaining inequalities. Previous research identifies economic factors, particularly low levels of employment stability and earnings, as important contributors to depressed marriage rates among blacks. Yet group differences in employment and earnings do not offer sufficient explanations for race and ethnic variation in marriage patterns—a fact which is not surprising given that marriage represents far more than an economic relationship. Future research in this area should consider other factors that distinguish marriage from other couple relationships, such as commitment, sexual fidelity, and trust. Moreover, it should recognize that marriage is a social institution that shapes social interactions ranging from informal relationships with family members to eligibility for formal benefits such as health insurance. We argue that taking a broader view of marriage will help identify new approaches to understanding race and ethnic variation in marriage patterns.
Modeling distribution changes for hyperspectral image analysis

We use physical considerations to show that an affine transformation can be used to model the effect of environmental changes on hyperspectral image distributions. This allows the generation of a vector of moment invariants that describes an image distribution but does not depend on the environmental conditions. These vectors maintain the invariant property after each image band is spatially filtered which allows the representation to capture spatial properties. We use the distribution invariants and the Fisher discriminant to reduce the size of the representation by selecting optimized spectral bands. We apply the methods developed in this work to the illumination-invariant classification and recognition of regions in airborne images. We also show that the distribution transformation model can be used for change detection in regions viewed under unknown conditions.
Use made of U.S. government supported technical reports by researchers in water resources

Abstract This study attempts to determine how and from whom authors of journal articles citing technical reports learned of those reports and how and from whom they obtained copies. There also was an attempt to find out how reports were used in the research reported and what kind and level of use was made of them. A questionnaire was sent to 100 authors of recent research articles appearing in four research journals in the area of water resources in the 10 months ending in April 1992. There was an 82 percent return rate of the research instrument. Colleagues were, as expected, the primary sources of reports and information about reports. Indexing services were used by only two reserachers to identify the cited reports, which consisted of U.S. Geological Survey open-file reports, technical research reports, and reports of water investigations. Libraries and librarians played only minor roles in researchers' awareness of technical reports or their availability. If librarians are to serve the needs of researchers, greater efforts need to be made to ensure the availability and use of this relatively obscure publication type.
Surgical risk factors for post-operative pneumonia following meningioma resection.

Abstract Objective Post-operative pneumonia (PNA) is a significant cause of surgically associated morbidity and mortality. We aimed to identify intraoperative factors during meningioma surgery that were associated with a high risk of post-operative PNA to risk-stratify patients and improve outcomes. Methods We conducted an institutional retrospective review on all patients who underwent craniotomies for meningioma between 2009 and 2012. Using medical records, we extracted patient demographics, tumor characteristics, tumor pathology, surgical positioning, procedure duration, estimated blood loss (EBL), and the occurrence of post-operative PNA. Results In our series, 464 patients underwent craniotomy for meningioma. There was a female predominance (331 women, 133 men), with mean age of 58 ± 13 years (range 18–92). There were 354 grade I, 79 grade II, and 30 grade III tumors. Overall, 1.3% of patients developed PNA. Patient age ( p = 0.01), procedure duration ( p p = 0.02) were associated with increased incidence of PNA. The development of post-operative PNA resulted in a significantly increased duration of hospital stay (19 ± 7 vs. 7 ± 7 days, p = 0.00). In multivariate analysis, patient age (OR = 1.13, CI: 1.04–1.22; p = 0.004), EBL (OR = 1.01, CI: 1.00–1.02; p = 0.023), and procedure duration (OR = 1.06, CI: 1.01–1.11; p = 0.012) were significant predictors of development of PNA. Conclusions Patient age and procedure duration are significantly associated with post-operative PNA following meningioma resection, which results in prolonged hospitalization. Efforts to minimize operative times and EBL, especially in the elderly, may reduce PNA rates and hospitalization time.
The Gordian Knot of Brazilian Foreign Policy: Promoting democracy while respecting sovereignty

President Cardoso has provided decisive impetus for strengthening Brazil's commitment to democracy abroad, both through multilateral diplomacy and foreign policy. However, there exist inherent tensions between the dual principles guiding Brazilian foreign policy, the promotion and protection of democracy abroad and the attachment to national sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs. This study assesses Brazil's response to threats to democracy during the last decade in 10 case studies. It argues that presidential diplomacy has played a key role in furthering the democratic commitment of Brazilian foreign policy. The author thanks Paulo Roberto de Almeida, Juan Fernando London ˜o, Anja Linder, and Riordan Roett and gratefully acknowledges the support of the Democracy Coalition Project (DCP) of the Open Society Institute (OSI) in Washington DC.
Chromosome abnormalities in low-grade central nervous system tumors.

Abstract Ependymomas, oligodendrogliomas, and low-grade astrocytomas are slow-growing central nervous system (CNS) tumors that occur in both adults and children, whereas craniopharyngiomas and choroid plexus papillomas occur predominantly in children. We examined karyotypes of 32 of these low-grade tumors, including ten oligodendrogliomas, six ependymomas, 11 low-grade astrocytomas, four craniopharyngiomas, and one choroid plexus papilloma. Only normal karyotypes were obtained from 6 oligodendrogliomas. The rest had normal stemlines; three tumors had 45,X,−Y sidelines and one tumor had a sideline of monosomy 22. The most frequent abnormalities in the ependymomas were +7 (three tumors), −21 (two tumors), −22 (two tumors), and del(9)(p22) (two tumors). Gains of chromosome 7 and deletions of 9p were found more often in high-grade gliomas. Seven low-grade astrocytomas had normal stemlines, two had chromosome 7 abnormalities, a pilocystic astrocytoma had +der(15), and one tumor had a −Y sideline. The four craniopharyngiomas and one choroid plexus tumor were all apparently normal. The cytogenetics of low-grade CNS tumors differ from higher grade gliomas in that most low-grade tumors show little deviation from the normal karyotype.
Assessment of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction: comparison of ACTH stimulation, insulin-hypoglycemia and metyrapone

The response to ACTH stimulation, insulin-hypoglycemia and metyrapone in patients with suspected HPA axis dysfunction due to corticosteroid therapy (Group I, n = 10), or pituitary surgery (Group II, n = 7) and in a control population (Group III, n = 8) was studied. Group I patients had been maintained on a stable low dose of prednisone 5.0–7.5 mg/day for 1 month-16 yr (mean = 31 mos) prior to testing. Basal 08:00 h cortisol levels in this group were not different from control values. However, the mean responses to all three testing procedures were suppressed (Group I vs III, ACTH p < 0.001, insulin p< 0.01, metyrapone p< 0.05). Group II patients had undergone surgery 1–26 months (mean = 10 mo) prior to testing and had been maintained subsequently on a stable dose of prednisone 5.0–7.5 mg/day. In this group basal mean 08:00 h cortisol and the cortisol response to ACTH and insulin-hypoglycemia were not significantly different from control values while the response to metyrapone was suppressed (Group II vs III p< 0.02). Basal serum DHEA-S levels were suppressed in both Groups I and II when compared to Group III (p< 0.001 ). Discordant responses to the three testing procedures were noted in 6 patients with suspected HPA dysfunction with abnormal test results in 1/6 using cortrosyn, 3/6 using insulin-hypoglycemia and 4/6 using metyrapone. We conclude that: (1) Low doses of prednisone cause subtle, but significant HPA axis suppression, (2) DHEA-S levels do not correlate with standard tests of the HPA axis, and (3) Although no single test identified every subject with an abnormal HPA axis, metyrapone was more useful in detecting subtle degrees of HPA dysfunction than ACTH or insulin-hypoglycemia. Metyrapone is simple, safe and may be the test of choice in assessing patients with suspected secondary adrenal insufficiency.
Polysomnographically measured sleep abnormalities in PTSD: A meta-analytic review.

Although sleep complaints are common among patients with Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), polysomnographic studies examining sleep abnormalities in PTSD have produced inconsistent results. To clarify discrepant findings, we conducted a meta-analytic review of 20 polysomnographic studies comparing sleep in people with and without PTSD. Results showed that PTSD patients had more stage 1 sleep, less slow wave sleep, and greater rapid-eye-movement density compared to people without PTSD. We also conducted exploratory analyses aimed at examining potential moderating variables (age, sex, and comorbid depression and substance use disorders). Overall, studies with a greater proportion of male participants or a low rate of comorbid depression tended to find more PTSD-related sleep disturbances. These findings suggest that sleep abnormalities exist in PTSD, and that some of the inconsistencies in prior findings may be explained by moderating variables.
Racial and ethnic disparities in pediatric renal allograft survival in the United States

This study was undertaken to describe the association of patient race/ethnicity and renal allograft survival among the national cohort of pediatric renal allograft recipients. Additionally, we determined whether racial and ethnic differences in graft survival exist among individuals living in low- or high-poverty neighborhoods and those with private or public insurance. Among 6216 incident, pediatric end-stage renal disease patients in the United States Renal Data System (kidney transplant from 2000 through September, 2011), 14.4% experienced graft failure, with a median follow-up time of 4.5 years. After controlling for multiple covariates, black race, but not Hispanic ethnicity, was significantly associated with a higher rate of graft failure for both deceased and living donor transplant recipients. Disparities were particularly stark by 5 years post transplant, when black living donor transplant recipients experienced only 63.0% graft survival compared with 82.8 and 80.8% for Hispanics and whites, respectively. These disparities persisted among high- and low-poverty neighborhoods and among both privately and publicly insured patients. Notably profound declines in both deceased and living donor graft survival rates for black, compared with white and Hispanic, children preceded the 3-year mark when transplant Medicare eligibility ends. Further research is needed to identify the unique barriers to long-term graft success among black pediatric transplant recipients.
Whole-body inhalation exposure to 1-bromopropane suppresses the IgM response to sheep red blood cells in female B6C3F1 mice and Fisher 344/N rats.

1-Bromopropane (1-BP) is categorized as a high-production-volume chemical and is currently used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and other chemicals. Its usage is estimated to be around 5 million pounds per year, resulting in the potential for widespread exposure in the workplace. Case reports and animal studies have suggested exposure to this compound may cause adverse reproductive and neurological effects. Using a battery of immunological assays, the immunotoxicity of 1-BP after whole body inhalation exposure in both mice and rats was evaluated. Significant decreases in the spleen immunoglobulin (Ig) M response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) were observed in both mice (125–500 ppm) and rats (1000 ppm) after exposure to 1-BP for 10 wk. In addition, total spleen cells and T cells were significantly decreased after approximately 4 wk of 1-BP exposure in both mice (125–500 ppm) and rats (1000 ppm). No change in natural killer (NK) cell activity was observed. The observed alterations in sp...
Grid analysis for sales supervision

Abstract Falling to recognize the unique need and desire of salespeople, the sales manager tends to allocate supervisory time according to the amount of his or her past selling experience. This time allocation results in either the excessive or insufficient supervision of sales personnel. This article describes a process of arriving at a more optimum allocation of supervisory time.
Elimination of background clutter in airports for instrument landing systems

Specular reflection from airport buildings interferes with instrument landing systems. It is possible to eliminate these specular reflections by periodic strip grating techniques. These metallic strips, when painted over a dielectric sheet, are found to eliminate the specular reflections from a plane metallic surface and the surface behaves as a `non reflecting conducting surface.' These inexpensive surfaces are lightweight and have the added advantage of ease in fabrication. It is easy to apply metallic paint in a regularly spaced strip pattern. By a suitable choice of the period `d' and the thickness of the dielectric medium (the wall), it is possible to eliminate reflections at any desired angle. It may also be possible to eliminate the reflections from other targets like cylinders and corner reflectors.
Silica and Magnesia Dopant Distributions in Alumina by High-Resolution Scanning Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry

Trace SiO2 and MgO additive distributions in sintered alumina have been studied using high-resolution scanning secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). When doped with each additive individually, evidence is seen for both strong silicon segregation to grain boundaries (Cgb/Cgrain similar/congruent 300) in SiO2-doped alumina and strong magnesium segregation to grain boundaries (Cgb/Cgrain similar/congruent 400) in MgO-doped alumina. When codoped with both SiO2and MgO, segregation of both ions to grain boundaries is reduced by a factor of 5 or more over single doping. The additive concentrations increase proportionally in the grains, and both dopants become more uniformly distributed throughout the bulk. It is concluded that codoping with these additives increases their mutual bulk solid solubility and decreases their interfacial segregation over single doping. The beneficial effect of MgO additions in controlling microstructure development in alumina and improving corrosion resistance to aqueous HF stems from its ability to redistribute silicon ions from grain boundaries into the bulk.
Tracing the spread of fibronectin type III domains in bacterial glycohydrolases

The evolutionary spread of 22 fibronectin type III (Fn3) sequences among a dozen bacterial enzymes has been traced by searching databases with the non-Fn3 parts of the enzyme sequences. Numerous homologues were found that lacked the Fn3 domains. In each case the related sequences were aligned, phylogenetic trees were constructed, and the occurrences of Fn3 units on the trees were noted. Comparison with phylogenetic trees prepared from the Fn3 segments themselves allowed inferences to be made about when the Fn3 units were shuffled into their present positions.
Home(land) Décor: China Adoptive Parents’ Consumption of Chinese Cultural Objects for Display in their Homes

American parents of children adopted from China frequently consume Chinese cultural objects for display in their homes. While parents defend this consumption for display as an effort to validate their children’s ethno-cultural origins, they also reveal how it signifies and solidifies their own identifications with Chinese culture. As part of a larger research project examining China adoptive parents’ evolving “Chinese” identities, this paper asks: Which parents “become ‘Chinese’” through the consumption and display of Chinese cultural objects, and why? To answer this question, I conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 91 Americans in the China adoption process and ethnographic fieldwork at two different field-sites: Families with Children from China (FCC) Chinese cultural celebrations and Chinese culture camps organized by/for China adoptive families. Focusing on the emergent and personal meanings that parents give to Chinese cultural objects, I demonstrate how these meanings both structure parents’ consumption and yield a display differential. In doing so, I reveal that white European-American parents and mothers are most likely to engage in this consumption and display, thereby amending the three types of ethno-cultural identity consumption represented in the literature. Specifically, I expose the central role of race in ethno-cultural identity consumption; demonstrate that the collective category of reference for ethno-cultural identity consumption is not always an ethnic category (in this case, such consumption refers to a gendered category); and illustrate the ways in which global ethno-cultural identity consumption both appeals to and satisfies distinctly local constructs.
Grazing incidence optics for synchrotron radiation X-ray beamlines☆

Abstract The applications of grazing incidence optics to synchrotron radiation beamlines in the X-ray region are considered. Particular emphasis is placed on the problem of simultaneously focusing the beam, and matching the angular dispersion of the beam to existing crystal monochromators. Both analytic and raytracing studies are described.
INDSCAL Analysis of Perceptual Judgments for 24 Consonants via Visual, Tactile, and Visual-Tactile Inputs

Twenty-four normal-hearing subjects received CV stimuli of uni- and bisensory inputs through the visual (speechreading), tactile (touch), and visual-tactile (speechreading and touch) modalities. St...
Effect of sequence-specific interactions on the stability of helical conformations in polypeptides.

A modification of the Zimm–Bragg two-state model for the helix–coil transition in polypeptides, which considers the effect of charge–dipole, charge–charge, and other specific interactions on helix stability, is presented. The new model introduces a series of adjustable parameters whose values are estimated by fitting to recent spectroscopic results on medium-sized peptides. This formalism, based on traditional two-state helix–coil transition models, provides a framework in which data on the helix contents of peptides of specific sequence can be rationalized by a statistical mechanical theory.
Discrete semi-classical orthogonal polynomials: generalized Meixner

On donne une version discrete de la propriete de quasi-orthogonalite appliquee a une extension de la classe des polynomes de Meixner
Ordered assembly of the duplicating Golgi in Trypanosoma brucei

The new Golgi in the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei grows near to the old and adjacent to the growing new endoplasmic reticulum exit site. Growth is now shown to be at least a two-stage process, in which a representative matrix marker (GRASP) and enzyme (GntB) are delivered to the site of assembly, followed ≈10 min later by a COPI component (e-COP) and a trans-Golgi network (TGN) marker (GRIP70). A secretory cargo marker (signal sequence-YFP) appeared early near the new endoplasmic reticulum exit site but did not enter the Golgi until the second stage. Together these data suggest that structural and enzymatic components of the new Golgi stack are laid down first, followed by those needed to move and sort the cargo passing through it.
Interpretation of Auroral “Lightcurves” with Application to Jovian H+3Emissions

Abstract Photometric observations of planetary aurorae may be used to constrain the time variation and spatial distribution of auroral emissions, thereby providing insight into planetary magnetic fields and magnetospheric dynamics. The variation of the total flux observed as a function of the planet's central meridian longitude (auroral “lightcurve”) is used to estimate the parameters of a simple auroral emission model. An inverse methodology based upon the singular-value decomposition of a matrix is used to estimate the model parameters and to characterize the uniqueness of the solutions obtained. The method of analysis is applied to images of Jupiter's polar regions at a 3.4-μm wavelength acquired during the first 4 months of 1992 using ProtoCAM at NASA's IRTF. The distribution and intensity of the H + 3 emission in Jupiter's auroral regions are estimated from the auroral lightcurves and compared with analyses of the actual images. Northern and southern auroral intensities covary, and for episodes of more intense activity during the period of observation, intensities observed in the north polar region generally exceeded those observed in the south. Auroral intensity varies with time in a manner that suggests considerable change in charged particle precipitation in Jupiter's magnetosphere, and energy deposition in Jupiter's atmosphere, on a time scale of months.
A community approach to the prevention of alcohol-related problems: the San Francisco experience

This article describes the San Francisco Prevention Project, a community level intervention designed to prevent alcohol-related problems. The intervention is based on a systems perspective and merges academic and practical perspectives at the community level. The project uses a three component approach of research, community education, and planning for action. Each component is described and a summary of the first year experience is provided.
Tracing H isotope effects in the dynamic metabolic network using multi-nuclear (1H, 2H and 13C) solid state NMR and GC–MS

Abstract Recent studies reveal substantial variability in biosynthetic 2 H/ 1 H fractionation between lipids and water, which highlights the effect of central metabolic pathways on the H isotopic composition of the end products. Using multi-nuclear ( 1 H, 2 H and 13 C) solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), we were able to track the incorporation of 1 H and 2 H metabolic fluxes into different cellular components of Escherichia coli during growth on two sets of media: (i) 10% deuterated water and non-deuterated glucose, and (ii) non-deuterated water and 10% deuterated glucose. In the 10% 2 H water experiment, the 2 H abundance of the bulk cell was 4.5%; the 2 H uptake by membrane lipids, aliphatic H in proteins, and all the non-aliphatic H positions (including nucleic acids and sugars) was 6.2%, 2.3% and 6.2%, respectively. In the 10% 2 H glucose experiment, the corresponding 2 H uptake was 2.0%, 1.4% and 2.5%, respectively, and 1.9% for the bulk cell. The net fractionation of fatty acids (FAs) relative to water and glucose was consistent with that in studies employing natural 2 H abundance, suggesting the 10% deuterated environment does not alter isotope fractionation during FA biosynthesis. Aliphatic H in proteins was significantly depleted in 2 H relative to FAs by 290–640‰. This depletion is likely related to the dynamic regulation of central metabolic pathways that gradually builds up 2 H in tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates though continuous interaction with water, leading to the rapid synthesis of isotopically light amino acids early in the cell cycle and the production of isotopically enriched FAs late in the cell cycle. Besides, enzyme malfunctioning caused by 2 H substitution is likely to promote proteolysis, which could also contribute to the 2 H depletion in proteins. Non-aliphatic H positions as a whole exhibited similar net fractionation factors to the lipids. The study provides an overview of H isotope distribution in the major molecular constituents of intact bacterial cells, offering insight into the mechanisms underlying the metabolic control on the H isotopic composition of biomarker precursors.
Time delay measurements using conventional E-beam technology

Abstract The ability to resolve sub-nanosecond phase shifts on internal IC nodes is central to the utility of electron beam test systems. In this work, the obtainable time delay resolution has been investigated both experimentally and via computer modeling. Initial time delay resolution results were obtained at working distances from 1 to 32 mm in a conventional electron beam test system. In order to obtain these results, a signal generation system was developed. This system proved to be adequate for resolution measurements down to 10 ps. Monte Carlo simulated waveforms were generated and used to develop a consistent method of determining the minimum detectable delay. This method, which is based on linear regression and confidence intervals, corresponded well with visual judgments of the resolution. The minimum detectable delays using this criteria ranged from 8 to 44 ps at a static beam current of 20 nA, a pulse width of 150 ps and a 100 kHz repetition rate. The degradation of resolution with increasing working distance was attributed to the transit time effect since there was no significant jitter noise and no increase in noise with working distance evident in the acquired waveforms.