cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Image resolution: the impact on finite mixture density models in medical applications

Finite mixture density (FMD) based approaches to medical image classification or quantification problems have received considerable interest lately. In this paper, we will show through use of computer simulations that as the resolution of the underlying imaging modality decreases (its full width at half maximum (FWHM) increases) the successful application of an FMD approach will become increasingly difficult. A 19 slice computer phantom of the human brain was used. This phantom, generated from MR images of a human brain, is composed of gray matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid regions. Image sets were generated using Gaussian kernels of various sizes and FWHM's. The distributions of single and multiple components pixels were then generated from these image sets. A planar acquisition of a single slice brain phantom is also presented for comparison. It is shown that, with decreasing image resolution, a major weakness of the FMD approach is its inability to incorporate spacial information. Decreasing resolution with respect to object size results in an increasing number of partial volume pixels with resulting effects on its FMD components.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
American intercity passenger rail must be truly high-speed and transit-oriented

Abstract The High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail (HSIPR) Program succeeds in proposing a truly high-speed rail route in California that will offer travelers significantly faster trips than driving on a route that is too short to conveniently fly instead. Unfortunately, the proposed routes in the Northeast, Midwest, and Northwest will continue to chug along at medium-speeds and attract few new riders from among those who currently travel those areas via highway or air. The plan does indeed succeed in calling for TOD around high-speed rail stations. The HSIPR Program must, however, encourage local planning jurisdictions to broadly liberalize land use controls to allow for compact development rather than writing new zoning codes to require the intensive land uses developers desire anyway. Trains must truly be fast, with stations surrounded by dense development, for America’s high-speed rail plan to realize its full potential.
The SARS Coronavirus: Rapid Diagnostics in the Limelight

As the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic spreads, specific, rapid, and practical diagnostic tests will become increasingly critical, both for the control of the epidemic and for the management of patients. At present, outside East and Southeast Asia diagnosis depends on a clinical case definition that includes travel to, or exposure to sick contacts who have traveled to, specific parts of the world (1). As the epidemic matures, however, such epidemiologic connections will be increasingly difficult to demonstrate, and a clinical case definition that depends on this information will become increasingly irrelevant. In East and Southeast Asia, the rapidly expanding epidemic makes specific viral diagnosis even more essential. In such an evolving situation, the report by Poon et al. from Hong Kong (2), in combination with the published diagnostic technologies of that group and others in Europe and the United States (3)(4)(5), takes on extraordinary importance. Moreover, the development and publication of a rapid test for the SARS coronavirus in clinical samples, just weeks after the first reports of the emergence of the disease (6) is extraordinary. As a historical footnote, this technologic tour de force is in extreme contrast to the diagnostic tests that led to the first descriptions of coronaviruses over 35 years ago. At that time, the most rapid diagnosis was by …
Glucocorticoid receptors in murine visceral yolk sac and liver during development

Abstract Specific binding of triamcinolone acetonide was analyzed in cytosols from developing mouse visceral yolk sac and fetal, neonatal and adult liver. In the visceral yolk sac, binding capacity increased from 1 × 10 3 sites/cell on day 10 to maximal levels (9 × 10 3 sites/cell) on day 14 of gestation. In fetal liver, binding sites were low (2 × 10 3 sites/cell) from day 14 to 18, increased rapidly after birth to approx. 1.7 × 10 4 sites/cell by day 9 postpartum and were present at approx. 3 × 10 4 sites/cell in adult liver. Scatchard analysis of the data indicated the presence of a single class of cytosolic binding sites of limited capacity and high affinity ( K d = 2–4 nM). The level of specific nuclear binding 2 h after injection of [ 3 H]triamcinolone acetonide was proportional to the number of cytosolic binding sites/cell for each tissue tested. The physicochemical characteristics of cytosolic glucocorticoid-receptor complexes were examined by DEAE-Sephadex A-50 column chromatography. “Unactivated” complexes from visceral yolk sac, fetal and adult liver eluted at approx. 0.4 M KCl. Heat “activated” complexes from fetal and adult liver eluted at approx. 0.25 M KCl, whereas those from visceral yolk sac eluted in the prewash fractions (0.02 M potassium phosphate buffer). These results provide evidence that quantitative but not qualitative changes in glucocorticoid receptors occur during liver development and also establish the presence of glucocorticoid receptors in the midgestation mouse visceral yolk sac.
Active vasodilation during fainting: a hypothesis revisited.

The current concept is that the vasodilation which contributes to fainting (vasovagal syncope) is caused entirely by withdrawal of sympathetic vasoconstrictor tone (i.e. passive vasodilation).1,2 This concept has supplanted the idea that an active, sympathetically mediated component to the vasodilation exists in humans.3 We have several lines of evidence suggesting that there can be sympathetically mediated active vasodilation in humans. We speculate that this active vasodilation may be linked to the release of the recently identified vasodilator nitric oxide. Along these lines, we have experimental evidence consistent with neurally mediated nitric oxide release during several types of sympathoexcitatory maneuvers in humans. We have also observed forearm vasodilation during a vasovagal response after α-adrenergic blockade of the forearm under study. These observations indicate that the potential role of active vasodilation during fainting in humans should be revisited.
Registration, segmentation and visualization of confocal microscopy images of arterial thrombus

Arterial thrombosis causes death or paralysis of an organ, as it migrates to and localizes in different parts of the body. Massive pulmonary emboli cause 50,000 deaths per year. The cause and origin of arterial thrombosis is not well understood nor objectively characterized. The object of this study was to investigate the microscopic structure of arterial thrombus to better understand this pathology. Confocal microscopy cross-sectional images of an embolized thrombus in the coronary artery were obtained. Adjacent pairs of sections were stained with two different stains, fibrin and CD61, to reveal mutually complementary information. The very thin adjacent slices were treated as one slice. Adjacent slices were registered by a combination of manual and automatic techniques using Analyze software developed in the Biomedical Imaging Resource at Mayo. After smoothing the images with a median filter, the CD61 and fibrin stained section images were used together to segment the tissues by multispectral classification. The image volume was classified into background, platelets and surrounding tissue, and thrombus. The segmented volume was then rendered for visualization and analysis of structure of the thrombus in three dimensions. Preliminary results are promising. Such correlation of structural and histological information may be helpful in determining the origin of the thrombus.
Post-Stroke Infection: A Role for IL-1ra?

Infection is common following stroke and is independently associated with worse outcome. Clinical studies suggest that infections occur more frequently in those individuals with stroke-induced immunologic dysfunction. This study sought to explore the contribution of immunomodulatory cytokines and hormones to lymphocyte function and infection risk. Patients (N = 112) were enrolled as soon as possible after the onset of ischemic stroke. Blood was drawn to assess plasma cortisol, IL-10, IL-1ra, lymphocyte numbers, and lymphocyte function at 72 h after stroke onset; infections were censored through 21 days after stroke onset. Infection occurred in 25% of patients. Stroke severity was the most important predictor of infection risk. Increased plasma cortisol, IL-10, and IL-1ra, as well as decreased lymphocyte numbers, at 72 h after stroke onset were associated with risk of subsequent infection. After controlling for stroke severity, only IL-1ra was independently associated with infection risk, and the degree of risk was consistent throughout the post-stroke period. Infection, but not IL-1ra itself, was associated with worse outcome at 3 months. In this study cohort, increased plasma IL-1ra was independently associated with the risk of post-stroke infection. Further studies are needed to validate this finding, which could have important implications for stroke therapy.
Lifetime optimization of multi-hop wireless sensor networks by regulating the frequency of use of cooperative transmission

Multi-hop wireless sensor networks with a single Sink are attractive from a cost point of view. When battery-driven, these networks suffer from the energy hole problem, where the nodes near the Sink die first because they must forward the packets of all the other nodes in the network. In this paper, by developing an analytical model, we show how Cooperative Transmission (CT), when it is used to extend the communication range, can balance the energy and avoid the energy hole. Using the analytical model, we derive the optimal rates of CT forwarding and the corresponding lifetime extensions compared to the non-CT case. We verify the accuracy of our analysis and effectiveness of our forwarding protocol through network simulations.
High-pressure hollow cathode discharges

Reducing the diameter of the cathode hole in a plane anode - hollow cathode geometry to m has allowed us to generate direct current discharges in argon at atmospheric pressure. Up to pressure times cathode hole diameter (pD) values of approximately 5 Torr cm, and at sub-mA currents, glow discharges (predischarges) are observed with a shape which is determined by the vacuum electric field. In the same pD range, but at higher currents of up to approximately 4 mA, the discharges are of the hollow cathode discharge type. At pD values exceeding 5 Torr cm the predischarges turn into surface discharges along the mica spacer between the electrodes. At currents > 4 mA filamentary, pulsed discharges are observed. Qualitative information on the electron energy distribution in the microdischarges has been obtained by studying the VUV emission from ionized argon atoms and the argon excimer radiation at 130 nm. The results of the spectral measurements indicate the presence of a relatively large concentration of electrons with energies > 15 eV over the entire pressure range. The fact that the current - voltage characteristic of the microdischarges has a positive slope over much of the current range where excimer radiation is emitted indicates the possibility of forming arrays of these discharges and using them in flat panel excimer lamps.
Pollen dispersal and representation on an isolated, forested plateau*

summary Modern pollen assemblages from 18 small ponds and wetlands on the spatially isolated and forested Kaibab Plateau were studied to determine how the pollen assemblages recorded vegetation patterns. Vegetation of the Plateau consists of an inner core of subalpine Picca/Abies forests, surrounded by mixed Abies/Picea/ Pseudotsuga/Pinus ponderosa forests, which are in turn surrounded by extensive Pinus ponderosa forests. The flanks of the Plateau are vegetated by Pinus edulis/Juniperus woodlands, with scattered Quercus populations. Arboreal pollen assemblages were dominated by Pinus (70-98 %), which was most abundant in the P. ponderosa forests. Picea, Abies, Pseudotsuga and Populus pollen were abundant only at sites in the mixed and subalpine conifer forests, where their combined abundance never exceeded 16% except at the site deepest in the subalpine forest (22%). Pollen percentages of Cupressaceae and Pinus Subsection Cembroides were highest in the outermost P. ponderosa forests (nearest the P. edulis/Juniperus woodlands) and in the mixed and subalpine conifer forests, where Quercus pollen was also highest. Percentage representation of the well-dispersed pollen of Quercus, Cupressaceae and Pinus Subsect. Cembroides was amplified at these latter sites by the poor pollen representation of the dominant Picca, Abies and Pseudotsuga trees. This effect is similar to that recorded in many pollen assemblages from arctic and alpine tundra regions.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for children with fulminant myocarditis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of children requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for acute myocarditis. The hospital records of 8 patients who underwent membrane oxy...
Shock-tube study of the initiation process in the hydrogen-oxygen reaction

Shock wave initiation of hydrogen-oxygen at 1200-1800 K, using UV absorption spectroscopy in shock tube studies
Orphanin FQ in the mediobasal hypothalamus facilitates sexual receptivity through the deactivation of medial preoptic nucleus mu-opioid receptors

Abstract Sexual receptivity, lordosis, can be induced by sequential estradiol and progesterone or extended exposure to high levels of estradiol in the female rat. In both cases estradiol initially inhibits lordosis through activation of β-endorphin (β-END) neurons of the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH) that activate μ-opioid receptors (MOP) in the medial preoptic nucleus (MPN). Subsequent progesterone or extended estradiol exposure deactivates MPN MOP to facilitate lordosis. Opioid receptor-like receptor-1 (ORL-1) is expressed in ARH and ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH). Infusions of its endogenous ligand, orphanin FQ (OFQ/N, aka nociceptin), into VMH–ARH region facilitate lordosis. Whether OFQ/N acts in ARH and/or VMH and whether OFQ/N is necessary for steroid facilitation of lordosis are unclear. In Exp I, OFQ/N infusions in VMH and ARH that facilitated lordosis also deactivated MPN MOP indicating that OFQ/N facilitation of lordosis requires deactivation of ascending ARH-MPN projections by directly inhibiting ARH β-END neurons and/or through inhibition of excitatory VMH–ARH pathways to proopiomelanocortin neurons. It is unclear whether OFQ/N activates the VMH output motor pathways directly or via the deactivation of MPN MOP. In Exp II we tested whether ORL-1 activation is necessary for estradiol-only or estradiol + progesterone lordosis facilitation. Blocking ORL-1 with UFP-101 inhibited estradiol-only lordosis and MPN MOP deactivation but had no effect on estradiol + progesterone facilitation of lordosis and MOP deactivation. In conclusion, steroid facilitation of lordosis inhibits ARH β-END neurons to deactivate MPN MOP, but estradiol-only and estradiol + progesterone treatments appear to use different neurotransmitter systems to inhibit ARH-MPN signaling.
MR imaging findings in recurrent primary osseous Ewing sarcoma

The objective of this study was to determine the value of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in diagnosing local recurrence of Ewing sarcoma. We retrospectively reviewed radiographs, Tc99m-methylene diphosphonate (MDP) skeletal scintigraphy, computed tomography scans, and MR studies of 11 patients who had local recurrences of osseous Ewing sarcoma following initial responses to chemotherapy and local radiation. The MR images were compared to those of a control group of nine patients who had no evidence of relapse. T1- and T2-weighted MR images identified 9 of the 11 recurrences. Computed tomography was diagnostic in 4 of 6 cases evaluated, Tc99m-MDP bone scintigraphy in 4 of 11 cases, and plain radiographs in 2 of 10. MR findings at relapse included changes in signal intensity, increased extent of abnormal marrow signal on T1- and T2-weighted images, and identification of a new soft tissue mass. These findings suggest that MR imaging is valuable in the routine follow-up of primary osseous Ewing sarcoma.
The synthesis of 1-methyl-1-germaadamantane

Abstract The syntheses of 1-methyl-1-germaadamantane and 1-chloro-1-germaadamantane are described. Attempts to prepare the 1-methyl-1-stannaadamantane and the novel cage systems, 1-silatris-nor- and 1-silatris-homo-adamantanes are also described as well as the syntheses of a variety of Group IV 1,3,5-trisubstituted cyclohexanes.
Aging in male rats modifies castration and testosterone-induced neuropeptide Y response in various microdissected brain nuclei

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is localized in several hypothalamic sites which are implicated in the control of hypothalamic luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) and pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) release. We have observed previously that in young rats castration decreases and testosterone (T) replacement restores NPY levels in selected hypothalamic sites. However, in aged male rats, NPY levels were decreased in all hypothalamic sites studied. Since testicular function is diminished in aged rats, we reasoned that decreased T feedback may be responsible for the reduction of NPY in the hypothalamus. Therefore, we compared the effects of castration and T-replacement on NPY levels in microdissected hypothalamic sites of 2.5-month- (young) and 15-month-old (aged) male rats. Serum LH and T levels were markedly reduced in aged as compared to those observed in young rats. In association with the decreased hormone levels, NPY levels were significantly reduced in each of the 7 hypothalamic sites of aged as compared to young rats. Further, in young rats, castration reduced and T-replacement prevented the castration-induced depletion in only 3 sites, viz. the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMN), arcuate nucleus (ARC) and median eminence (ME). In contrast, castration in aged rats reduced NPY levels not only in the VMN as in young rats, but also in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) and dorsomedial nucleus (DMN). However, the marked reduction in the ME and ARC NPY levels of young rats following castration was not observed in the ME and ARC of aged rats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Categorization of acromial shape: interobserver variability with MR imaging and conventional radiography.

Our purpose was to determine interobserver variability in the interpretation of the shape of the acromion on sagittal oblique MR images and conventional radiographs. The shape of the acromion was defined according to a previously described classification scheme.We reviewed 26 sets of sagittal oblique MR images and corresponding conventional Y- or outlet-view radiographs of the shoulder. The shape of the acromion was graded for each study independently by four reviewers. Interobserver agreement was measured by using the kappa statistic. Analysis of variance and the chi 2-test were used for univariate analysis.The acromion was interpreted most often as being curved. The observers scored 9% of MR images and 28% of conventional radiographs as nondiagnostic (p < .001) (41% of transscapular Y views and 3% of supraspinatus outlet views were also considered nondiagnostic [p < .0001]). Kappa values were .23 for MR images and .43 for conventional radiographs. Variability in interpretation between techniques when co...
LDV Measurements of Turbulent Stresses in Radial Turbine Guide Vanes

The results of Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) measurements, in particular, turbulent stresses in radial turbine guide vanes are presented in this paper, in order to provide experimental data for the numerical predictions. The flow velocities were measured at upstream, inside and downstream of the guide vanes for two different mass flow rates (0.2 lb/s “0.0907 kg/s” and 0.3 lb/s “0.1361 kg/s”) using a two-component LDV system. The results are presented as contour plots of turbulent stresses. The LDV system consists of a 5 watt argon-ion laser, the seeding particle atomizer, the optical and the data acquisition systems. The optical components were arranged in the backward scatter mode to measure two orthogonal velocity components simultaneously. Frequency shifts were used on both components to determine the flow direction. The results indicate a significant transport of higher turbulence fluid into the suction surface-end wall corner by the end wall cross flows inside the passage. High turbulent stress gradients show that there is considerable flow mixing downstream of the flow passages. Turbulence was found to be locally anisotropic everywhere.Copyright © 1990 by ASME
Transport and reduction of sulfate and immobilization of sulfide in marine black shales

In fine-grained sediments in which the amount of reduced sulfur retained in stable phases substantially exceeds that present initially in pore waters, rates of sulfate reduction may have equaled or exceeded rates of sulfate transport, resulting in enrichment of [sup 34]S in pore waters and reduction products. Abundance and isotopic compositions of reduced sulfur compounds can be used to calculate the extent of sulfide retention and improve reconstructions of carbon-sulfur oxidation-reduction (redox) budgets. The Miocene Monterey Formation and Upper Devonian New Albany Shale represent distinct types of black shales that accumulated under different conditions of sulfate reduction. Our results suggest that the rate of sulfate reduction was controlled largely by mass transport in the Monterey and by the reduction process itself in the New Albany. Sulfide was more efficiently retained in the Monterey; thus each mole of sulfide in the New Albany represents a greater amount of sedimented organic carbon removed during sulfate reduction. 30 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.
Estimation of point-source emissions of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia using a modified Pasquill-Gifford approach

Abstract Estimation of point-source emissions based on measured downwind concentrations and known meteorology is a challenging task. A facility to study atmospheric dispersion of hazardous gases has been designed and implemented at the Wind Engineering Research Field Laboratory (WERFL) at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. The field lab features a 48.5 m (160 ft) meteorological tower which can monitor wind speed at six heights, wind direction and vertical temperature gradients using temperature measurements at two elevations. The relative humidity and barometric pressure can also be monitored. A description of the facility and its features are provided in this paper. In this work, the Pasquill-Gifford (PG) model was modified to provide predictions of emission rates for two hazardous gases; hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) and ammonia (NH 3 ). Two mathematical manipulations of the PG model were used to refine estimates of emission rates of H 2 S and NH 3 based on experimental field data. The first modified PG approach was based on an empirical correction to the Gaussian model, and was evaluated only for direct downwind distances and neutral atmospheric stability conditions. The second approach was based on an improved procedure for estimation of the specific dispersion coefficients for H 2 S and NH 3 required in the PG model. These new dispersion coefficients were estimated from experimental data obtained in the field under both neutral and stable atmospheric conditions.
Generalized filters, the low-pass condition, and connections to multiresolution analyses

Abstract We study generalized filters that are associated to multiplicity functions and homomorphisms of the dual of an abelian group. These notions are based on the structure of generalized multiresolution analyses. We investigate when the Ruelle operator corresponding to such a filter is a pure isometry, and then use that characterization to study the problem of when a collection of closed subspaces, which satisfies all the conditions of a GMRA except the trivial intersection condition, must in fact have a trivial intersection. In this context, we obtain a generalization of a theorem of Bownik and Rzeszotnik.
Measurements of Regional Alveolar Oxygen Pressure Using Hyperpolarized 3He MRI1

Rationale and Objectives The aim of this work is to review hyperpolarized (HP) helium-3 ( 3 He) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods to measure regional alveolar oxygen partial pressure (P A o 2 ) and oxygen depletion rate ( R ) in the lung. We point out limitations of the methods and suggest improvements to increase their accuracy. Materials and Methods P A o 2 and R can be extracted from series of HP gas images acquired during breath hold by making use of the depolarizing effect of oxygen on HP gas. To separate oxygen-induced depolarization from other depolarizing effects, several techniques can be used. We review currently used techniques and point out their advantages and limitations. Results We show that the precision of oxygen measurements depends on a variety of parameters and can vary within the measurement volume. Accuracy of the measurement also can be influenced by diffusion of oxygen and polarized 3 He and generally is different for single-slice and multislice measurements. We present numerical simulations, phantom data, and in vivo data for illustration. Conclusion HP 3 He MRI is a noninvasive, nonionizing, and repeatable imaging method that allows for quantitative analysis of lung function. The current techniques for measuring P A o 2 have the potential to deliver clinically relevant functional images.
The value of cloud‐observations

The value of cloud-observations is internationally recognized by the present second International Cloud Year. The program of this Cloud Year is supplementary to that of the International Polar Year, in that a study of clouds and their motions is valuable for a more complete understanding of atmospheric processes and circulation than is usually possible from balloon- or airplane-observations. The International Cloud Commission has distributed detailed instructions concerning the technique of cloud-observing, emphasizing the care required not only to note accurately the forms of the clouds but also to determine with precision the directions and velocities of cloud-motions at the different levels where clouds may be visible. For cloud-forms, a new international cloud-atlas is provided. This defines more rigorously the different kinds of clouds, such as cirrus, stratocumulus, and provides a convenient code of 27 numbers for summarizing the states of the sky. For cloud-motions, the different types of nephoscopes are described, as are also apparatus for observing cloud-heights for without knowledge of the height of a cloud, the apparent motion cannot be reduced to quantitative terms of wind-velocity.
CoTrack: A Framework for Tracking Dynamic Features with Static and Mobile Sensors

Current feature tracking frameworks in sensor networks exploit advantages of either mobility, where mobile sensors can provide micro scale information of a small sensing area or numerical models that can provide macro scale information about the environment but not both. With the continual development of sensor networks, mobility becomes an important feature to integrate next generation sensing systems. In addition, recent advances in environmental modeling also allow us to better understand basic behavior of the environment. In order to further improve existing sensing systems, we need a new framework that can take advantages of existing fixed sensor networks, mobile sensors and numerical models. We develop CoTrack, a Collaborative Tracking framework, that allows mobile sensors to cooperate with fixed sensors and numerical models to accurately track dynamic features in an environment. The key innovation in CoTrack is the incorporation of numerical models at different scales and sensor measurements to guide mobile sensors for tracking. The framework includes three components: a macro model for large-scale estimation, a micro model for locale estimation of specific features based on sensor measurements, and an adaptive sampling scheme that guides mobile sensors to accurately track dynamic features. We apply our framework to track salinity intrusion in the Columbia River estuary in Oregon, United States. Our framework is fast and can reduce tracking error by more than half compared to existing data assimilation and state-of-the-art numerical models.
Prepregs and laminates of polyetherimide-reinforced by a thermotropic LCP

Unidirectional sheets (prepregs) of blends of polyetherimide (PEI) with a liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) are prepared. The mechanical properties of prepregs at directions of 0°, 45°, and 90° to the machine direction are investigated as a function of draw ratio and LCP concentration. The results show that drawing significantly increases the tensile strength and modulus of prepregs in the machine direction and only slightly decreases these properties in the transverse direction. An increase in the LCP content greatly enhances the tensile strength and modulus in the machine direction but decreases these properties in the 45° and 90° directions. The strain at break of prepregs decreases with LCP content in all directions tested. An abrupt drop in the tensile strength, modulus, and strain at break of prepregs occurs in the 45° and 90° directions when LCP content reaches 40%. Prepregs are used to manufacture unidirectional and quasi-isotropic laminates. Unidirectional laminates show mechanical properties close to those of the corresponding prepregs. The tensile modulus of quasi-isotropic laminates exhibits a continuous increase with increasing LCP content while the tensile strength increases with an LCP content up to 30%, then it decreases rapidly. The morphology of LCP in prepregs is observed to change from disperse to continuous at LCP contents of 40 and 50%. This effect is found to be responsible for the large decrease in tensile strength of prepregs in the 45° and 90° directions and quasi-isotropic laminates at higher LCP concentration. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 65:329–340, 1997
The fusion of behavioral ecology and ecology

Behavioral ecology and ecology have projects in common. Community ecology can provide behavioral ecology with the tools to ask realistic questions about the current action of natural selection. Evolutionary ecology has moved beyond asking "Why does trait x contribute to reproductive success?" and on to "What are the conditions under which trait x contributes to reproductive success?" We need to bring this ecological perspective to the study of the evolution of behavior. Community ecologists have recognized that behavior influences ecological outcomes. For example, behavior contributes to the effect of history on community assembly, to indirect effects in predator--prey interactions, and to the responses of populations to human disturbance. More generally, behavior is often the source of context dependence; behavioral responses in different conditions lead to different ecological outcomes. As community ecology is broadening to include behavior, behavioral ecologists can begin to incorporate ecological perspectives in asking evolutionary questions. Copyright 2011, Oxford University Press.
Identification of molecular determinants of primary and metastatic tumour re-initiation in breast cancer

Through in vivo selection of multiple ER-negative human breast cancer populations for enhanced tumour-forming capacity, we have derived subpopulations that generate tumours more efficiently than their parental populations at low cell numbers. Tumorigenic-enriched subpopulations exhibited increased expression of LAMA4, FOXQ1 and NAP1L3—genes that are also expressed at greater levels by independently derived metastatic subpopulations. These genes promote metastatic efficiency. FOXQ1 promotes LAMA4 expression, and LAMA4 enhances clonal expansion following substratum detachment in vitro, tumour re-initiation in multiple organs, and disseminated metastatic cell proliferation and colonization. The promotion of cancer cell proliferation and tumour re-initiation by LAMA4 requires β1-integrin. Increased LAMA4 expression marks the transition of human pre-malignant breast lesions to malignant carcinomas, and tumoral LAMA4 overexpression predicts reduced relapse-free survival in ER-negative patients. Our findings reveal common features that govern primary and metastatic tumour re-initiation and identify a key molecular determinant of these processes.
Medial prefrontal cortical activity reflects dynamic re-evaluation during voluntary persistence

Prolonged persistence toward delayed rewards is beneficial in some environments but counterproductive in others. Human decision makers calibrate persistence according to the statistics of their environment, and delay-period activity in ventromedial prefrontal cortex reflects a dynamic, context-sensitive valuation signal that could underlie adaptive decisions between persisting and quitting.
A LATENT TRAIT APPROACH TO UNIFYING CRIMINAL CAREERS

We propose a latent trait model that simultaneously accounts for both participation in crime and the frequency of crimes, phenomena that the criminal career model attributes to different causal processes. The criminal career model is predicated on a categorical distinction between active offenders and nonoffenders, but the latent trait model assumes a continuous distribution of propensity to offend. Our specific statistical model relates a relatively stable and general latent propensity to engage in crime to the frequency of criminal behavior. The latent trait model successfully fit both the proportion of offenders (participation) and frequency of offending for several samples and several measures of offending. The model fit both samples of whites and nonwhites and both males and females. This shows that separate causal processes are not necessary to account for group differences in frequency and in participation, which disproves the major evidence in favor of the criminal career model. Finally, the latent trait model yielded evidence that disparate sex differences in rates of participation for different categories of offenses are consistent with a single difference on a latent trait. This demonstrates the latent trait model's potential for parsimoniously unifying knowledge about criminal careers.
Diamond Machining Of Infrared Refractors Utilizing Two-Axis Machine Tool Technology

The two-axis precision diamond machining process in addition to inherent machine accuracies, relies on critical features of the diamond cutting tool and its utilization. The application of this process to IR refractive elements necessitates the extension of these implied accuracies to a higher degree than for typical reflective optics. The system requirements for a typical FLIR system are extended to arrive at typical parameters for FLIR optical elements. Their implications for the machining process in terms of such parameters as tool radial accuracies, tool centration and fixturing approach are presented. Examples of refractive elements machined at E00 and their accuracies are presented, as well as on-going developments to more closely suit the Process to the demands of large quantity production of refractive elements.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Finding Rational Parametric Curves of Relative Degree One or Two

A plane algebraic curve, the complete set of solutions to a polynomial equation f(x,y)=0, can in many cases be drawn using parametric equations x= x(t), y= y(t). Using algebra, attempting to parame...
Identification, quantification, and evolutionary analysis of a novel isoform of MCM9

The minichromosome maintenance (MCM) family of proteins is conserved from archaea to humans and is required for assembly of pre-replication complexes (pre-RCs) to initiate DNA replication. MCM9 is an uncharacterized member of the eukaryotic MCM protein family that contains conserved ATP binding and hydrolysis motifs. We have identified a novel alternatively spliced isoform of HsMCM9 that results in a medium length protein product (MCM9M) that eliminates a long C-terminal extension of the fully spliced product (MCM9L). Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) separated and measured the relative mRNA isoform expression levels across a variety of cell lines. Although there is some variability in expression levels, the full length MCM9L transcript is more abundant than the MCM9M variant in all cell lines tested. The expression of both MCM9 isoforms is cell cycle regulated: induced in S-phase, decreases through G2/M, and becomes constant through G1. Consistent with recent reports suggesting MCM9 participates in repair or prevention of double strand breaks, mitomycin C significantly induces the specific expression of MCM9L, while the replication fork inhibitor, hydroxyurea, has no effect. Evolutionary analysis indicates that the MCM9M isoform is a conserved variant, whereas the addition of the terminal exon producing MCM9L appears to be a more recent event present only in the highest order of eukaryotes.
Treatment of LD100 Escherichia coli septic shock with netilmicin and methylprednisolone in baboons.

Treatment efficacy with netilmicin sulphate/methylprednisolone sodium succinate in a severe septic shock baboon model, using an LD100 of liveEscherichia coli, was evaluated. All the animals treated with both netilmicin and methylprednisolone were premanent (≥ 7 days) survivors, whereas none of the untreated baboons lived more than 24 hours. These results indicate that, in a baboon model, netilmicin is an effective alternative to gentamicin (with methylprednisolone) in the treatment of severe septic shock.
Obtención de ácidos grasos a partir de biomasa microalgal cultivada bajo diferentes condiciones de iluminación

It is considered that microalgae fatty acids have the potential to be used as raw material for the production of biofuels such as biodiesel or food supplements. The experimental treatment consisted in the exposure of the microalgae to different light color and photoperiod. For each treatment, microalgae Chlorella sp was cultivated from a 0.5 ml inoculum and escalated to 5 liters; the growth speed of the microalgae was determined, and the composition of fatty acids of one of the treatments was established. The treatment of red light under a photoperiod of twelve hours of light and twelve of dark showed the highest growth rate of 2.339 cells/day; the fatty acids obtained showed an important quantity of oleic acid, indicating a strong potential of the microalgae biomass for its use in alimentary industry.
Telephone directory use in an academic library

Telephone directories have been an integral part of most public and academic libraries for nearly a century. Telephone directories represent an anomaly among library collections; known to virtually all users, they nevertheless often go unrecognized when librarians discuss reference sources. The purpose of this study is twofold: first, to examine the history of telephone directory collections; second, to describe and analyze a survey of telephone directory collection use.
Dispositional mindfulness is associated with reduced implicit learning

Behavioral and neuroimaging evidence suggest that mindfulness exerts its salutary effects by disengaging habitual processes supported by subcortical regions and increasing effortful control processes supported by the frontal lobes. Here we investigated whether individual differences in dispositional mindfulness relate to performance on implicit sequence learning tasks in which optimal learning may in fact be impeded by the engagement of effortful control processes. We report results from two studies where participants completed a widely used questionnaire assessing mindfulness and one of two implicit sequence learning tasks. Learning was quantified using two commonly used measures of sequence learning. In both studies we detected a negative relationship between mindfulness and sequence learning, and the relationship was consistent across both learning measures. Our results, the first to show a negative relationship between mindfulness and implicit sequence learning, suggest that the beneficial effects of mindfulness do not extend to all cognitive functions.
Adaptive Gain Processing With Offending Frequency Suppression for Digital Hearing Aids

Digital hearing aids identify acoustic feedback signals and cancel them continuously in a closed loop with an adaptive filter. This scheme facilitates larger hearing aid gain and improves the output sound quality of hearing aids. However, the output sound quality deteriorates as the hearing aid gain is increased. This paper presents two methods to modify the forward path gain in digital hearing aids. The first approach employs a variable, frequency-dependent gain function that is lower at frequencies of the incoming signal where the information is perceptually insignificant. The second method of this paper automatically identifies and suppresses residual acoustical feedback components at frequencies that have the potential to drive the system to instability. The suppressed frequency components are monitored and the suppression is removed when such frequencies no longer pose a threat to drive the hearing aid system into instability. Together, the gain processing methods of this paper provide 8 to 12 dB more hearing aid gain than feedback cancelers with fixed gain functions. Furthermore, experimental results obtained with real world hearing aid gain profiles indicate that the gain processing methods of this paper, individually and combined, provide less distortion in the output sound quality than classical feedback cancelers enabling the use of more comfortable style hearing aids for patients with moderate to profound hearing loss.
NEW DIRECTIONS IN NAVY SPILL CONTINGENCY PLANNING

ABSTRACT Under the new National Spill Contingency Plan, Navy officials will serve as On-Scene Coordinators (OSCs) for spills from Navy vessels and facilities. This has required a restructuring of the Navy's response organization and has placed increased emphasis on the training of Navy OSCs. The biggest problem has been, and continues to be, the rotation of personnel within the Navy. A number of actions are being taken to mitigate this fact-of-life problem.
Structure of the represser–operator complex of bacteriophage 434

The crystal structure of a specific complex between the DNA-binding domain of phage 434 represser and a synthetic 434 operator DNA shows interactions that determine sequence-dependent affinity. The represser recognizes its operators by its complementarity to a particular DNA conformation as well as by direct interaction with base pairs in the major groove.
Reversal of toe clawing in the patient with neuropathy by neurolysis of the distal tibial nerve.

The distinction between hammer toes and clawed toes is poorly emphasized. The neural origin of clawing in the foot is related to the lateral plantar nerve, and suggests that surgical treatment directed at decompression or neurolysis of the lateral plantar nerve may either reverse or prevent progression of intrinsic motor paralysis. The purpose of this report is to provide criteria to distinguish between the musculoskeletal imbalances that creates hammer versus clawing of the toes, and to demonstrate examples of improvement in clawing that resulted from neurolysis of the tibial nerve and the lateral plantar nerve. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.
CONTROL OF STOMATAL CONDUCTANCE AND LEAF ROLLING IN O. SATIVA AND O. GLABERRIMA UPLAND RICE

Crosses of Asian rice, #Oryza sativa#, with African rice, #0. glaberrima#, aim at reducing the tradeoffs between yield potential, weed competitiveness and drought resistance. Physiological studies were initiated to develop a crop model that simulates the performance of plant-types combining the traits of the two species. The present study characterizes the control of stomatal conductance and leaf rolling under drought in one #0. glaberrima# cultivar (CG14), one #0. sativa# tropical-japonica cultivar (WAB56-104), one inter-specific descendant of the two cultivars, and the #0. sativa# indica semi-dwarf-type Bouake 189. An upland field experiment (Exp. 1) with two sowing dates was conducted during the 1997 wet season under naturally occurring drought at Mbe, Cote d'Ivoire. Patterns of growth and yield were observed, and five cycles of diurnal (0800-1600 h) measurements of leaf water potential (LWP), stomatal conductance (gs) and leaf rolling score (LRS) were conducted in drought situations. In a second experiment at the same site during the 1997 dry season, irrigation was suspended for 35 days, beginning 15 days after sowing. During and after the drought period, LWP, gs, LRS and soil water tension of the topsoil were observed. Soil-matric potential (SMP) was determined from soil water content using a pF curve. Values of gs had no stable relationship with LWP across different times of day but were roughly constant during the day and depended on the LWP observed at 0800 h. LWP measured in the morning was similar to SNIP as determined from pF curves, but soil tensiometers gave lower absolute values. Leaf rolling was closely related to LWP regardless of the time of day. The cultivars did not differ in the gs versus soil water tension or gs versus LWPMorning relationship, but differed significantly in the LRS versus LWP relationship. It is concluded that gs was controlled by a soil-moisture-dependent root signal, whereas LRS was controlled directly by leaf water status. Simple models to simulate these relationships in drought-sensitive crop models are discussed. (Resume d'auteur)
Effects of Aging Time and Temperature on Proteolysis of Commercial Goat Milk Cheeses Produced in the United States

Abstract We evaluated the effects of aging time and temperature on proteolytic indices of freshly prepared commercial cheeses from goat milk. Five varieties of cheeses from goat milk (plain soft, pepper soft, Caciotta, Monterey Jack, and raw milk Cheddar) and two from cow milk (one fresh and one 2-mo-old Cheddar) were collected from four different manufacturers located in Texas and Wisconsin. Two replicates of the seven varieties of the cheeses were assigned to three temperatures (4, 13, and 22°C) and six storage periods (0,2,4, 8, 16, and 24 wk) in a 7 × 3 × 6 factorial arrangement. For all samples, indices of proteolysis were determined: the ratio of water-soluble N to total N and the ratio of 9.6% TCA-soluble N to total N. Hydrolysis and degradation of casein moieties of the cheeses during the 6-mo ripening were determined by PAGE pH and ADV were also determined. Percentages of water-soluble N in all cheese varieties were doubled after 2 wk of aging at 4°C. Soluble N (water-soluble N and TCA-soluble N) contents steadily increased as aging time and temperature increased for all cheeses, with some variations. pH, water-soluble N, and TCA-soluble N of soft cheeses were lower than those of hard varieties throughout the experimental period. The acid degree values were synergistically elevated by aging time and temperature, and those of the pepper soft cheese displayed extremely high values at 6 mo of aging. Effects of all three main factors (variety, time, and temperature) and their two-way and three-way interactions were significant for all proteolytic parameters tested. Correlations were positive among levels of water-soluble N, TCA-soluble N, and pH for all three temperature treatments. Electrophoretic degradation patterns of the protein samples exhibited a general positive relationship to levels of watersoluble N and TCA-soluble N in the corresponding cheeses at various aging treatments.