cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radioactive fallout from the chernobyl nuclear reactor accident

Following the accident at the nuclear reactor at Chernobyl, in the Soviet Union on April 26, 1986, we performed a variety of measurements to determine the level of the radioactive fallout on the western United States. We used gamma-spectroscopy to analyze air filters from the areas around Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), California, and Barrow and Fairbanks, Alaska. Milk from California and imported vegetables were also analyzed. The levels of the various fission products detected were far below the maximum permissable concentration levels.
The effect of perceived distance on accomodation under binocular steady-state conditions

Spatiotopic cues, such as perceived distance, have little effect on accommodation unless blur has been reduced or eliminated. We investigated the effect of perceived distance on accommodation under binocular steady-state conditions, about which little is known. Blur was reduced but not eliminated by using a stimulus with a moderately low luminance. Accommodation was measured under two conditions: (1) when cues from perceived distance, blur, and convergence were aligned; and (2) when perceived distance was opposed by both blur and convergence. We found a significant difference in accommodation between the two conditions, which we attribute to perceived distance.
Low-Temperature UV−Visible and NMR Spectroscopic Investigations of O2 Binding to (6L)FeII, a Ferrous Heme Bearing Covalently Tethered Axial Pyridine Ligands

In this report, we describe the reversible dioxygen reactivity of ((6)L)Fe(II) (1) [(6)L = partially fluorinated tetraphenylporphyrin with covalently appended TMPA moiety; TMPA = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine] using a combination of low-temperature UV-vis and multinuclear ((1)H and (2)H) NMR spectroscopies. Complex 1, or its pyrrole-deuterated analogue ((6)L-d(8))Fe(II) (1-d(8)), exhibits downfield shifted pyrrole resonances (delta 28-60 ppm) in all solvents utilized [CH(2)Cl(2), (CH(3))(2)C(O), CH(3)CN, THF], indicative of a five-coordinate high-spin ferrous heme, even when there is no exogenous axial solvent ligand present (i.e., in methylene chloride). Furthermore, ((6)L)Fe(II) (1) exhibits non-pyrrolic upfield and downfield shifted peaks in CH(2)Cl(2), (CH(3))(2)C(O), and CH(3)CN solvents, which we ascribed to resonances arising from the intra- or intermolecular binding of a TMPA-pyridyl arm to the ferrous heme. Upon exposure to dioxygen at 193 K in methylene chloride, ((6)L)Fe(II) (1) [UV-vis: lambda(max) = 433 (Soret), 529 (sh), 559 nm] reversibly forms a dioxygen adduct [UV-vis: lambda(max) = 422 (Soret), 542 nm], formulated as the six-coordinate low-spin [delta(pyrrole) 9.3 ppm, 193 K] heme-superoxo complex ((6)L)Fe(III)-(O(2)(-)) (2). The coordination of the tethered pyridyl arm to the heme-superoxo complex as axial base ligand is suggested. In coordinating solvents such as THF, reversible oxygenation (193 K) of ((6)L)Fe(II) (1) [UV-vis: lambda(max) = 424 (Soret), 542 nm] also occurs to give a similar adduct ((6)L)Fe(III)-(O(2)(-)) (2) [UV-vis: lambda(max) = 418 (Soret), 537 nm. (2)H NMR: delta(pyrrole) 8.9 ppm, 193 K]. Here, we are unable to distinguish between a bound solvent ligand or tethered pyridyl arm as axial base ligand. In all solvents, the dioxygen adducts decompose (thermally) to the ferric-hydroxy complex ((6)L)Fe(III)-OH (3) [UV-vis: lambda(max) = 412-414 (Soret), 566-575 nm; approximately delta(pyrrole) 120 ppm at 193 K]. This study on the O(2)-binding chemistry of the heme-only homonuclear ((6)L)Fe(II) (1) system lays the foundation for a more complete understanding of the dioxygen reactivity of heterobinuclear heme-Cu complexes, such as [((6)L)Fe(II)Cu(I)](+), which are models for cytochrome c oxidase.
Modulation ellipsometry and its application to the study of the electrode-electrolyte interface

Abstract A methodology has been developed for following rapidly small changes of the ellipsometric parameters Δ 0 and ψ 0 and of the reflectivity necessary for the unique determination of n = n − i k and thickness of a surface film. Intensity changes at given settings of the polarizer and analyzer are quantitatively related to these parameters. Examples are given of the application of this technique to the electrochemical interface of Pt and Au electrodes.
Resistive-wall klystron

Abstract A novel high-power high-frequency klystron is presented in which a relativistic electron beam is modulated at the first cavity and propagates downstream through a resistive wall. Because of the self-excitation of the space charge waves by the resistive-wall instability, a highly nonlinear current modulation is accomplished. Due to the relatively large growth rate of the instability, the required tube length of the klystron is short for most applications.
A Solution to the Weber Location Problem on the Sphere

In this paper we present an algorithm for the solution of the minisum location problem on the sphere. The algorithm is finite for the solution within a given accuracy of the optimal solution.
The role of platelets and the release of serotonin and histamine during anaphylaxis in the rabbit

Abstract During anaphylaxis in the rabbit, whole blood serotonin and histamine decrease, plasma serotonin and histamine increase, and the lung content for these amines is transiently elevated. The drop in whole blood serotonin and histamine is due to the disappearance of the platelets which are caught in the lung. Injection of the antigen into the systemic circulation produced the same results, indicating the phenomenon to be specific mainly for the lung. The in vitro results with normal blood and the in vivo effects in normal rabbits caused by the antigen-antibody complex were the same as those seen when a sensitized rabbit and the specific antigen were used. Speculation as to the role of platelet serotonin in human hypersensitivity reaction is made. The presence of histamine and the lack of serotonin in human lung as well as the relationship to human allergic pulmonary manifestations, are discussed. The pulmonary aspects of platelet thrombi in fatal anaphylaxis in rabbits are considered.
Writing Paralysis in (Post) Qualitative Research

In this article, the author takes up the page as a site of experimentation with/against/through paralysis. Struck by the (im)possibility of untangling and taming a deconstructing inquiry to “write ...
Characterizing hydroclimatic variability in tributaries of the Upper Colorado River Basin—WY1911-2001

Mountain snowpack is the main source of water in the semi-arid Colorado River Basin (CRB), and while the demands for water are increasing, competing and often conflicting, the supply is limited and has become increasingly variable over the 20th Century. Greater variability is believed to contribute to lower accuracy in water supply forecasts, plus greater variability violates the assumption of stationarity, a fundamental assumption of many methods used in water resources engineering planning, design and management. Thus, it is essential to understand the underpinnings of hydroclimatic variability in order to accurately predict effects of climate changes and effectively meet future water supply challenges. A new methodology was applied to characterized time series of temperature, precipitation, and streamflow (i.e., historic and reconstructed undepleted flows) according to the three climate regimes that occurred in CRB during the 20th Century. Results for two tributaries in the Upper CRB show that hydroclimatic variability is more deterministic than previously thought because it entails complementary temperature and precipitation patterns associated with wetter or drier conditions on climate regime and annual scales. Complementary temperature and precipitation patterns characterize climate regime type (e.g., cool/wet and warm/dry), and the patterns entail increasing or decreasing temperatures and changes in magnitude and timing of precipitation according to the climate regime type. Accompanying each climate regime on annual scales are complementary temperature (T) and precipitation (P) patterns that are associated with upcoming precipitation and annual basin yield (i.e., total annual flow volume at a streamflow gauge). Annual complementary T and P patterns establish by fall, are detectable as early as September, persist to early spring, are related to the relative magnitude of upcoming precipitation and annual basin yield, are unique to climate regime type, and are specific to each river basin. Thus, while most of the water supply in the Upper CRB originates from winter snowpack, statistically significant indictors of relative magnitude of upcoming precipitation and runoff are evident in the fall, well before appreciable snow accumulation. Results of this study suggest strategies that may integrated into existing forecast methods to potentially improve forecast accuracy and advance lead time by as much as six months (i.e., from April 1 to October 1 of the previous year). These techniques also have applications in downscaling climate models and in river restoration and management.
A regularity test for pushdown machines

It is possible to test a deterministic pushdown machine to determine if the language it recognizes is regular.
Teacher Education in Foreign Languages: An Overview

T HE profession is entitled to consider with pride the giant strides taken in the last decade to upgrade the effectiveness of teachers through systematic training programs. Whether considered in absolute terms or in comparison with comparable progress in other disciplines the major steps taken to improve teacher training in foreign languages are impressive in scope and have been so widely accepted and publicized as to require little additional elaboration. We refer to such milestones as the establishment of "guidelines" provided by THE MODERN LANGUAGE ASSOCIATION,' the development of a seven section instrument designed to measure teacher competence2 and the conceptualization of new patterns for certification of teachers based on effectiveness in the
Martian cratering 8: Isochron refinement and the chronology of Mars

Abstract This paper reviews and refines the technique of dating martian surfaces by using impact-crater isochrons (defined as size distributions of impact craters on undisturbed martian surfaces of specified ages). In the 1970s, this system identified not only abundant ancient martian volcanic surfaces, but also extensive lava plains with ages of a few 108 y-old; this dating was initially controversial but confirmed in the 1980s and 90s by martian meteorites. The present update utilizes updated estimates of the Mars/Moon cratering ratio (the most important calibration factor), improves treatment of gravity and impact velocity scaling effects, combines aspects of the crater size distribution data from earlier work by both Neukum and Hartmann, and for the first time applies a correction for loss of small meteoroids in the martian atmosphere from Popova et al. (2003, Meteorit. Planet. Sci. 38, 905–925). The updated isochrons are not radically different from the previous “2002 iteration” but fit observed data better and give somewhat older model ages for features dated from small craters (diameter D 100 m ). Crater counts from young lava flows in various areas give good fits to the new isochrons over as much as 3 orders of magnitude in D, confirming the general isochron shape and giving crater retention ages in the range of some 106 to some 108 y, interpreted as lava flow ages. More complex, older units are also discussed. Uncertainties are greatest if only small craters ( D ≲ 100 m ) are used. Suggestions by other workers of gross uncertainties, due to local secondary craters and deposition/exhumation, are discussed; they do not refute our conclusions of significant volcanic, fluvial, and other geologic activity in the last few percent of martian geologic time or the importance of cratering as a tool for studying processes such as exhumation. Indeed, crater count data suggest certain very recent episodes of deposition, exhumation, and ice flow, possibly associated with obliquity cycles of ∼ 10 7 y timescale. Evidence from ancient surfaces suggests higher rates of volcanism, fluvial activity, glaciation, and other processes in Noachian/Hesperian time than in Amazonian time.
On embedding functions in logic

Cet article propose une technique pour l'enrobage des fonctions dans des langages bases sur la logique tels que PROLOG. Developpement d'un mecanisme de reduction paresseux, dans un environnement fonctionnel. On montre comment ce mecanisme de reduction peut etre naturellement etendu et employe dans un environnement combine de logique et de fonctions
Clinical applications of in vivo EPR: Rationale and initial results

In vivo electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) has been very useful for studies in animals, and these results suggest that there are some very attractive potential applications in human subjects. In this article, we describe our rationale for the clinical application of in vivo EPR, some of the principal technical challenges, the initial results in human subjects, and our evaluation of the areas where in vivo EPR is likely to play an important clinical role in the near future. The most obvious area of very high potential for clinical applications is tissue oximetry, where in vivo EPR can provide repeated and accurate measurements of tissue pO2, a type of measurement that cannot be obtained by other techniques. Oximetry is capable of providing clinicians with information that can impact directly on diagnosis and therapy, especially for peripheral vascular disease, oncology, and wound healing. The other area of great immediate importance is the ability of in vivo EPR to measure clinically significant exposures to ionizing radiation after the fact, which may occur due to accidents, terrorist activity, or nuclear war. The results obtained already from human subjects demonstrate the feasibility of the use of in vivo EPR for measurements in human subjects. We anticipate that in vivo EPR will play a vital role in the clinical management of various pathologies in the years to come.
Characteristics associated with higher cost per day or longer length of stay in hospitalized patients who died during the hospitalization or were discharged to hospice

BACKGROUND: Palliative care has been recommended as an approach to improve the quality of care for patients with advanced illness, while achieving hospital cost savings. However, studies are lacking that identify hospitalized patients who are more likely to have higher cost per day or length of stay (LOS) who may benefit from palliative care consultation. OBJECTIVE: Identify characteristics associated with higher cost per day or longer LOS in hospitalized patients at the end of life—those likely to benefit from palliative care consultation. DESIGN: Observational study. SETTING: Academic medical center. PATIENTS: Adult inpatients who died during the hospitalization or were discharged to hospice. INTERVENTION: None. MEASUREMENTS: We hypothesized that several patient characteristics would be associated with higher cost per day and/or longer LOS. Using administrative data, we developed univariate and multivariate models to evaluate association between these patient characteristics and cost per day and LOS. RESULTS: Patients cared for on the cardiothoracic surgery service had significantly higher cost per day ($12,937; P < 0.0001) and LOS (7.0 days; P = 0.001). Neurosurgery patients also had higher cost per day ($2255; P = 0.03), and surgical oncology patients had a longer length of stay (5.3 days; P = 0.003). Patients 65 years and older had a significantly lower cost per day (−$811; P = 0.02) and LOS (−1.8 days; P = 0.003) for each decade increase in age. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that younger patients and those cared for by surgical specialty services may receive the most benefit from palliative care consultation, a finding that needs to be corroborated in other centers. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011;6:336–343. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine
Reproduction, Contradictions, and Conceptions of Curriculum in Preservice Teacher Education

ABSTRACTTwo years of ethnographic fieldwork in a teacher preparation program are drawn upon to explore the contradictions relevant to conceptions of curriculum which preservice teachers encounter. Their resolutions of the given-problematical, public-personal, and molecular-holistic dilemmas or contradictions are shown to inform our understanding of the correspondence and contradictions between teacher education, schooling, the state, and the economy. Implications for mediating the deskilling/reskilling contradiction are discussed with reference to preservice teachers, who experience “anticipatory deskilling,” and those who resist the separation of responsibilities for conceptualizing and executing/delivering the curriculum.
CHRONIC RECOMBINANT EQUINE SOMATOTROPIN (EST) ADMINISTRATION DOES NOT AFFECT AEROBIC CAPACITY OR EXERCISE PERFORMANCE IN GERIATRIC MARES

Summary The purpose of this experiment was to test the hypothesis that chronic (89 days) administration of recombinant equine somatotropin (eST) would increase aerobic capacity and improve exercise performance in old snares. Fifteen, healthy, unfit, aged (20–26 year old) mares were randomly assigned to a treatment (eST, 12.5 sng day−1 in 3 ml glycine/manitol buffer, SC, n=7) or control (vehicle, 3 ml day−1, SC, n=8) group. Aerobic capacity and exercise performance were measured using a standardized exercise test (SET) performed on a high speed treadmill. Tests were conducted before (−21 days), during (+43 days and +89 days) and after (+127 clays) treatment. During the SET, resting data were collected and the horses then ran up a fixed 6% grade, starting at 4 m s−1, with a 1 m s−1 increase every 60 s (omitting 5 m s4) until fatigue. Oxygen uptake (VO2) was measured using an open flow calorimeter and blood lactate concentration (LA) via a lactate analyser. Venous blood samples (10 ml) were collected at rest, during the last 10 s of each step of the SET, and after exercise and used to measure LA, plasma protein concentration (PP), hematocrit (HCT), and the plasma concentrations of creatine kinase (CK) and aspartamine transferase (AST). There were no differences (P>0·05) in resting VO2, LA, TPP, or HCT due to treatment or test time. Furthermore, there were no differences (P>0·05) in maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), top run velocity, run time, watts at VO2max velocity to produce a lactate of 4 mmoll−1 (VLA4), watts at VLA4, peak HCT or peak LA. Finally, there were no differences (P>0·05) in resting or post-exercise CK or AST. These data indicate that chronic eST administration does not affect aerobic capacity or indices of exercise performance in unfit aged mares.
Characterization of minimally (2,l)-connected graphs

For an integer l>=2, the l-connectivity @k"l(G) of a graph G is defined to be the minimum number of vertices of G whose removal produces a disconnected graph with at least l components or a graph with fewer than l vertices. Let k>=1, a graph G is called (k,l)-connected if @k"l(G)>=k. A graph G is called minimally (k,l)-connected if @k"l(G)>=k but @[email protected]?E(G), @k"l(G-e)=
PROCEDURES FOR THE LABORATORY REARING OF LERNAEA CYPRINACEA L. (COPEPODA)

[Es wird ein Verfahren fur die Laboratoriumszucht des parasitischen Susswassercopepoden Lernaea cyprinacea gegeben. Als Wirt wird der Goldfisch Carassius auratus gebraucht. Einige Probleme werden besprochen und diesbezugliche Losungen empfohlen. Aus praktischen Grunden wurden diese in vier Phasen des Lebenszyklus aufgeteilt. 1) Schlupfen aus dem Ei bis 1. Copepodit. 2) Infektion durch den 1. Copepodit. 3) Die Entwicklung vom 1. Copepodit zum erwachsenen Tier. 4) Eindringen in den Wirt und die Eisackbildung. Die hier entwickelte Methode durfte fur das ganze Verbreitungsgebiet des Parasiten in Frage kommen., Es wird ein Verfahren fur die Laboratoriumszucht des parasitischen Susswassercopepoden Lernaea cyprinacea gegeben. Als Wirt wird der Goldfisch Carassius auratus gebraucht. Einige Probleme werden besprochen und diesbezugliche Losungen empfohlen. Aus praktischen Grunden wurden diese in vier Phasen des Lebenszyklus aufgeteilt. 1) Schlupfen aus dem Ei bis 1. Copepodit. 2) Infektion durch den 1. Copepodit. 3) Die Entwicklung vom 1. Copepodit zum erwachsenen Tier. 4) Eindringen in den Wirt und die Eisackbildung. Die hier entwickelte Methode durfte fur das ganze Verbreitungsgebiet des Parasiten in Frage kommen.]
Development of a chiral micellar electrokinetic chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry assay for simultaneous analysis of warfarin and hydroxywarfarin metabolites: Application to the analysis of patients serum samples

The enantioseparation of warfarin (WAR) along with the five positional and optical isomers is challenging because of the difficulty to simultaneously separate and quantitate these chiral compounds. Currently, no effective chiral CE-MS methods exist for the simultaneous enantioseparation of WAR and all its hydroxylated metabolites in a single run. Polymeric surfactants (aka. molecular micelles) are particularly compatible with micellar electrokinetic chromatography-mass spectrometry (MEKC-MS) because they have a wider elution window for enantioseparation and do not interfere with the MS detection of chiral drugs. Using polysodium N-undecenoyl-L,L-leucylvalinate (poly-L,L-SULV) as a chiral pseudophase in MEKC-MS baseline separation of WAR, its five metabolites along with the internal standard was obtained in 45 min. This is in comparison to 100 min required for separation of the same mixture with packed column CEC-MS using a vancomycin chiral stationary phase. Serum samples were extracted with mixed-mode anion-exchange (MAX) cartridge with recoveries of greater than 85.2% for all WAR and hydroxywarfarin (OH-WAR) metabolites. Utilizing the tandem MS and multiple reaction monitoring mode, the MEKC-MS/MS method was used to simultaneously generate calibration curves over a concentration range from 2 to 5000 ng/mL for R- and S-warfarin, 5 to 1000 ng/mL for R- and S-6-, 7-, 8- and 10-OH-WAR and 10 to 1000 ng/mL for R and S-4'-OH-WAR. For the first time, the limits of detection and quantitation for most WAR metabolites by MEKC-MS/MS were found to be at levels of 2 and 5 ng/mL, respectively. The method was successfully applied for the first time to analyze WAR and its metabolites in plasma samples of 55 patients undergoing WAR therapy, demonstrating the potential of chiral MEKC-MS/MS method to accurately quantitate with high sensitivity.
Revised Anxiety Scales for the Louisville Behavior Check List

Two Louisville Behavior Check List scales for assessing children's manifest anxiety using parents as observers were revised. A sample of phobic children was used for scale revision and a sample from the general population was used for cross-validation and normative data. The Fear Scale includes both general and focalized anxiety, with special emphasis on sleep and death; the Sensitivity Scale reflects a sense of “unlikeableness” combined with impulsivity and somatization. Split-half reliability reached .80 on each scale for 7 of 8 populations. No sex differences occurred on the Fear Scale, but sex-specific norms were constructed for Sensitivity. The phobic and general samples differed significantly on each scale. T scores, based on general population norms, were constructed for each scale by sex.
NBA1/MERIT40 and BRE Interaction Is Required for the Integrity of Two Distinct Deubiquitinating Enzyme BRCC36-containing Complexes

BRCC36-deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) forms two different complexes through interactions with two different adaptor proteins Abraxas and ABRO1 in cells. Abraxas mainly localizes in the nucleus, mediating the interaction of BRCC36 with BRCA1. ABRO1 is mainly localized in the cytoplasm. Because it lacks the BRCA1-interacting motif, the ABRO1 complex does not interact with BRCA1. Both BRCC36-containing complexes contain common components including BRE and NBA1/MERIT40. Here, we found that the two complexes are assembled in a similar manner and NBA1 and BRE interaction is critical for maintaining the integrity of both of the complexes. Knockdown of NBA1 or BRE leads to decreased levels of components of the two BRCC36-containing complexes. We provided evidence that NBA1 interacts with BRE through a C-terminal conserved motif of the NBA1 protein and a C-terminal UEV domain of the BRE protein. Furthermore, the NBA1-BRE interaction is required for cellular resistance to ionizing irradiation and NBA1's role in recruiting BRCA1 to DNA damage sites. Together, these studies reveal critical interactions required for the formation and function of BRCC36-containing DUB complexes.
Overcoming steric effects in the coupling reaction of alkyloxycarbonyloxymethyl (AOCOM) halides with phenols: an efficient synthesis of AOCOM phenolic prodrugs

Abstract Steric hindrance is a key factor in the coupling reaction of AOCOM halides with phenols. Sterically unhindered alkoxy groups favor the formation of acylated phenol. Under phase-transfer conditions, alkylated phenol is favored regardless of steric hindrance.
Male Mate Choice for Unparasitized Females in Drosophila melanogaster

Parasite-mediated sexual selection theory suggests that females may choose male partners who possess a relatively low pathogen load in order to maximize their reproductive investment (e.g. by avoiding pathogens or producing pathogen-resistant offspring). However, males might also maximize their reproductive investment by preferring unparasitized females; even in non-sex-role-reversed systems where female choice predominates. We address this hypothesis in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster where female choice plays a major selective role. Females in this system exhibit reduced fecundity when parasitized, creating the opportunity for simultaneous parasite-mediated male choice. To address our hypothesis, virgin females were either prick-injected with a sub-lethal dose of the gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeuginosa (pricked-parasitized group, PP), prick-injected with sterile media (pricked-unparasitized group, PU) or unpricked and unparasitized (UU group). Twenty-four hours post-infection, females were decapitated to minimize the confounding effects of female behavior on male preference (decapitated females will stand upright, but lack reproductive behavior). Males were then assigned to one of two different two-choice trials (experiment A: PU versus UU females or experiment B: PP versus UU females) and their courtship behavior monitored. In experiment A, males exhibited no courtship preference for either female. However, experiment B males preferentially courted UU females more often than PP females. These results suggest that males prefer unparasitized mates, which could play a significant role in shaping disease resistance in this system. These data also provide some of the first evidence that males prefer unparasitized females in systems that do not exhibit sex-role reversal.
Parathyroid Hormone Mediates Bone Growth through the Regulation of Osteoblast Proliferation and Differentiation

PTH (1-34) is the only FDA-approved anabolic agent for osteoporosis treatment in the U.S., but its mechanisms are not completely understood. This study investigated PTH effects on osteogenic cells at various stages of differentiation and proliferation using an engineered bone growth model in vivo. Ossicles were generated from bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) implanted in immunocompromised mice. Three weeks of PTH (40 microg/kg/day) or vehicle treatment initiated 1 day, 1, 2, or 3 weeks after BMSC implantation resulted in an anabolic response in PTH-treated implants (via histomorphometry and muCT) in all treatment groups. A novel in vivo tracking strategy with luciferase tagged BMSCs and weekly bioluminescent imaging of ossicles revealed increased donor cell proliferation in PTH-treated ossicles. The greatest increase occurred during the first week, and the activity remained elevated in PTH-treated implants over time. Zoledronic acid (ZA) was combined with PTH to delineate interactive mechanisms of these bone active agents. Combining ZA with PTH treatment reduced the PTH-mediated increase in luciferase BMSC activity, serum osteocalcin, and serum tartrate resistant acid phosphotase-5b (TRAP-5b) but ZA did not reduce the PTH-induced increase in total bone. Since zoledronic acid reduced PTH-induced proliferation without reducing bone volume, these data suggest that combining PTH and bisphosphonate therapy warrants further investigation in the treatment of bone disorders.
On “The Influence of Otolith Dysfunction…” Murray et al. Phys Ther. 2007;87:143–152.

Murray and colleagues1 are to be commended for their attempt to identify the role of the otolith organs in the clinical presentation of patients with unilateral vestibular disorders. With the advent of the subjective visual horizontal (SVH), subjective visual vertical (SVV), and vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) tests, it has become feasible to assess otolith function as a component of the vestibular function test battery. How the otolith organs influence symptoms, clinical signs, and recovery is not known and is a valid question. Murray and colleagues attempted to address this question by assessing both physical performance measures and self-report measures of symptom intensity and the impact of those symptoms in patients with either combined semicircular canal and otolith disorders or semicircular canal–only disorders. As the authors noted, this study was predicated on the ability to correctly classify these 2 groups of patients, and this is where the study suffers. First, with the exception of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) …
Image restoration using the Hopfield network with nonzero autoconnection

A modified Hopfield network model for image restoration is presented. The proposed neural network does not require zero autoconnections, which is one of the major drawbacks of the Hopfield network. A new number-representation scheme for implementing the proposed network is given. The proposed network with sequential update is shown to converge. The sufficient conditions for convergence of n-simultaneous updates are also given. When the image-restoration problem does not satisfy the convergence conditions, a greedy algorithm which guarantees convergence (at the expense of the image quality) is used. >
Performance of Slope Stabilization Works with Drainage and Buttress

A safety factor of 1.5 is generally desired while planning the prevention measures against landslides. However, achieving this value may not be economically feasible in some cases, especially for developing countries with limited budgets. Landslide along the 62 km of Charali-Ilam Road in Nepal was stabilized with a designed factor of safety of 1.2. The post construction monitoring of the landslide showed that the landslide has been completely stabilized with the designed prevention work. However, there was a concern for this landslide during the recent Mw 6.9 Indo-Nepal Board Earthquake as the expected factor of safety for the estimated seismic acceleration was close to 0.8. The landslide performed well during the seismic event due to the increase in strength by healing. This shows that for highly plastic clays where shear strength can potentially increase with healing, prevention planning can be done with a lower factor of safety if the stability analysis is done with back analysis method, ignoring the cohesion.
Optically transparent and environmentally durable superhydrophobic coating based on functionalized SiO 2 nanoparticles

Optical surfaces such as mirrors and windows that are exposed to outdoor environmental conditions are susceptible to dust buildup and water condensation. The application of transparent superhydrophobic coatings on optical surfaces can improve outdoor performance via a ‘selfcleaning’ effect similar to the Lotus effect. The contact angle (CA) of water droplets on a typical hydrophobic flat surface varies from 100° to 120°. Adding roughness or microtexture to a hydrophobic surface leads to an enhancement of hydrophobicity and the CA can be increased to a value in the range of 160°–175°. This result is remarkable because such behavior cannot be explained using surface chemistry alone. When surface features are on the order of 100 nm or smaller, they exhibit superhydrophobic behavior and maintain their optical transparency. In this work we discuss our results on transparent superhydrophobic coatings that can be applied across large surface areas. We have used functionalized silica nanoparticles to coat various optical elements and have measured the CA and optical transmission between 190 and 1100 nm on these elements. The functionalized silica nanoparticles were dissolved in a solution of the solvents, while the binder used was a polyurethane clearcoat. This solution was spin-coated onto a variety of test glass substrates, and following a curing period of about 30 min, these coatings exhibited superhydrophobic behavior with a static CA ⩾160°.
IMPROVED DESIGN CRITERIA FOR CRASH HELMETS

Abstract : A commercial motorcycle helmet was impact evaluated. The motorcycle helmet's impact protection is compared that of the SPH-4, the standard Army aviator's helmet. Drop tests, ranging from 0.91- to 2.44-meters, were used for the helmet testing by means of a helmet/headform free-fall device. The two examples of the helmet were subjected to 16 drop tests. Two of these drop tests resulted in a high level of transmitted force and acceleration which focuses on the inadequate thickness of the motorcycle helmet liner. The helmets did not provide adequate protection to prevent concussion or serious injury at all energy levels greater than produced at a 1-meter drop height. The tested helmets could be changed to provide adequate protection by doubling the thickness of the liner.
Meeting market demand in the organic sector: handler-supplier relationships in the face of tight supply.

Periodic shortfalls of organic food have been commonplace in the USA. Shortages, created when demand grows faster than supply, have been exacerbated by relatively slow growth of certified organic farmland (in comparison to growth in retail sales) over the past decade. Organic intermediaries, referred to as handlers in the US national organic standards, work with farmers and other handlers in moving organic products along the supply chain, and are often the first to feel the effects of tight supplies at the farm level. These firms have a variety of mechanisms available to procure needed ingredients when organic products are in short supply: contracts with suppliers, encouraging suppliers to transition to organic, working with suppliers to increase their output, working with new suppliers, providing technical assistance with organic standards and production methods, and making less than load shipment arrangements with suppliers. Survey data collected from certified organic handlers are used to identify characteristics that make it more likely that an organic handler will undertake activities with suppliers to affect the supply of organic products. Handlers most likely to work with their suppliers had been in business for longer periods of time, bought from growers or grower cooperatives, and were more likely to be wholesalers. Handlers who consider price as important were less likely to undertake activities with their supplies to increase the supply or flow of organic products.
Minimum fault coverage in reconfigurable arrays

The authors discuss the case in which the redundant elements are arranged in the form of spare rows and spare columns for a rectangular array. Redundant RAMs are examples of such case. A covering is set of rows and columns that are to be replaced by spare rows and spare columns so that all defective elements are replaced. The authors introduce the notion of a critical set, which is a maximum set of rows and columns that must be included in any minimum covering. They show that for a given pattern of defective elements the corresponding critical set is unique. They also present a polynomial-time algorithm for finding the critical set and demonstrate how the concept of critical sets can be used to solve a number of fault-coverage problems. >
Dynamic regulation of heart rate during acute hypotension: new insight into baroreflex function

To examine the dynamic properties of baroreflex function, we measured beat-to-beat changes in arterial blood pressure (ABP) and heart rate (HR) during acute hypotension induced by thigh cuff deflat...
Enhancement of CD8+ T Cell Responses by ICOS/B7h Costimulation

Although the recently identified ICOS/B7h costimulatory counterreceptors are critical regulators of CD4(+) T cell responses, their ability to regulate CD8(+) responses is unclear. Here we report using a tumor-rejection model that ectopic B7h expression can costimulate rejection by CD8(+) T cells in the absence of CD4(+) T cells. Although responses of naive T cells were significantly augmented by priming with B7h, B7h was surprisingly effective in mobilizing recall responses of adoptively transferred T cells. To explore why secondary responses of CD8(+) T cells were particularly enhanced by B7h, kinetics of ICOS up-regulation, proliferative responses, and cytokine production were compared from both naive and rechallenged 2C-transgenic T cells costimulated in vitro. Although B7h costimulated proliferative responses from both CD8(+) populations, rechallenged cells were preferentially costimulated for IL-2 and IFN-gamma production. These results indicate that ICOS/B7h counterreceptors likely function in vivo to enhance secondary responses by CD8(+) T cells.
Partitions of finite vector spaces into subspaces

Let Vn(q) denote a vector space of dimension n over the field with q elements. A set of subspaces of Vn(q) is a partition of Vn(q) if every nonzero element of Vn(q) is contained in exactly one element of . Suppose there exists a partition of Vn(q) into xi subspaces of dimension ni, 1 ≤ i ≤ k. Then x1, …, xk satisfy the Diophantine equation . However, not every solution of the Diophantine equation corresponds to a partition of Vn(q). In this article, we show that there exists a partition of Vn(2) into x subspaces of dimension 3 and y subspaces of dimension 2 if and only if 7x + 3y = 2n − 1 and y ≠ 1. In doing so, we introduce techniques useful in constructing further partitions. We also show that partitions of Vn(q) induce uniformly resolvable designs on qn points. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 16: 329–341, 2008
Miniaturized Transmission Lines Based on Hybrid Lattice-Ladder Topology

This paper introduces hybrid structures with unit cells that are a combination of lattice and ladder topologies. These unit cells dramatically increase the quality factor, miniaturization, and maximum frequency of synthetic transmission lines. Also, it is shown that lattice topologies in general are less vulnerable to the effect of parasitics, such as self resonance of loading capacitors or mutual inductance between different cells. The underlying theory is studied, and simple formulas are given for predicting the behavior of these lines. A few examples are presented that, based on full-wave simulations, show the large gain in miniaturization, quality factor, or bandwidth compared to the simple ladder or lattice structures. Measured results for a fabricated synthetic line are presented that show a miniaturization factor of n=?{?eff?eff}=16.5 for Z 0=50 ? and a very small dispersive behavior from dc to 2.5 GHz.
Support for AAC Use in Preschool, and Growth in Language Skills, for Young Children with Developmental Disabilities

Little is known about how AAC use in preschool may impact language development for children with complex communication needs (e.g., children with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other developmental disabilities). We developed two surveys (a) to describe children ’ s use of AAC in preschool classrooms, as well as the use of prompts and question asking, and augmented input by their communication partners; and (b) to describe teachers ’ experience, training, and perceived support in providing AAC. We then examined the relationship between children ’ s experience of AAC, including the use of prompts, question asking, and augmented input by their partners, and the growth of receptive and expressive language for 71 children with developmental disabilities over a two-year period. The use of AAC by peers to provide augmented input was associated with stronger language growth; the use of prompting and question asking by teachers was associated with weaker language growth. Teachers reported that they received little training regarding ways to support a child ’ s use of AAC. Results suggest the need for further research on promoting AAC use at the preschool level, including research to promote peer interactions for AAC users.
Why Parents of Undergraduates Matter to Higher Education

This chapter highlights the significant themes of this volume and provides resources for higher education professionals seeking to improve familial involvement on their campus.
Three Scandals in Psychology: The Need for a New Approach:

This note proposes that social/behavioral studies and the humanities develop a closer relationship. Perhaps system and intuition are equally needed if our knowledge of the human world is to advance...
Mixture Models for Estimating Maximum Blood Flow Velocity

OBJECTIVES A gaussian mixture model (GMM) was recently developed for estimating the probability density function of blood flow velocity measured with transcranial Doppler ultrasound data. In turn, the quantiles of the probability density function allow one to construct estimators of the "maximum" blood flow velocity. However, GMMs assume gaussianity, a feature that is not omnipresent in observed data. The objective of this work was to develop mixture models that do not invoke the gaussian assumption. METHODS Here, GMMs were extended to a skewed GMM and a nongaussian kernel mixture model. All models were developed on data from 59 patients with closed head injuries from multiple hospitals in the United States, with ages ranging from 13 to 81 years and Glasgow Coma Scale scores ranging from 3 to 11. The models were assessed in terms of the log likelihood (a goodness-of-fit measure) and via visual comparison with the underlying spectrograms. RESULTS Among the models examined, the skewed GMM showed a significantly (P< .05) higher log likelihood for 56 of the 59 patients and produced maximum flow velocity estimates consistent with the observed spectrograms for all patients. Kernel mixture models are generally less "robust" in that their quality is inconsistent across patients. CONCLUSIONS Among the models examined, it was found that the skewed GMM provided a better model of the data both in terms of the quality of the fit and in terms of visual comparison of the underlying spectrogram and the estimated maximum blood flow velocity. Nongaussian mixture models have potential for even higher-quality assessment of blood flow, but further development is called for.
Computer-Aided Cytogenetic Method of Cancer Diagnosis

The present invention relates to noninvasive diagnostic systems for cancer detection comprising RGB-imaging of cancer cells, buccal epithelium cells and uses of the system for drug discovery. The present invention provides novel algorithms for the detection of malignancy associated changes of buccal epithelial cells based on RGB analysis.
Herbicide-Resistant Reaction Center Mutants of Rhodopseudomonas Viridis

A number of herbicides which act on plants by inhibiting QB function in Photosystem II (PSII) also inhibit in the reaction center (RC) of Rhodobacter sphaeroides [1,2]. Furthermore, several inhibitor-tolerant mutant strains of R.sphaeroides have been isolated and partially characterized and the bacterial RC has the promise to be an excellent model system for the study of PSII herbicides [2–4], We have previously reported that RCs from Rhodopseudomonas viridis display a sensitivity and selectivity for the PSII herbicides that are very similar to those of the more frequently studied R.sphaeroides [5]. Herbicide-resistant strains of Rps. viridis are readily obtainable by positive selection techniques. in view of the X-ray structural data on the Rps. viridis it is obviously advantageous to describe the herbicide sensitivity of this species in more detail.
Fabrication and Characterization of Three-Dimensional Electrospun Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering

There are 600,000 bone-grafting procedures performed annually as a result of significant skeletal loss and bone deficiencies. This is an increasing worldwide medical issue as the average life expectancy increases 2–3 % annually. The current standards for bone treatment are autografts and allografts; both of which have drawbacks. Therefore, there is a need for alternative bone graft substitutes such as tissue-engineered grafts. Tissue engineering has emerged as a promising option for bone treatments by using biological or synthetic scaffolds to promote tissue regeneration. The advantages of this treatment include abundant supply and customizable features. The majority of scaffold fabrication techniques used in research focuses on mimicking the porous trabecular bone structure. A major characteristic of optimal scaffold integration and viability is vascularization, which is housed within the osteon canal of the cortical bone. Namely, there is a lack of tissue-engineered scaffolds for bone regeneration that mimic both trabecular and cortical bone structures. In this study, we combined two previously fabricated structures, sintered electrospun sheets and individual osteon-like scaffolds, to create scaffolds that mimic dual structural organization of the native bone with cortical and trabecular regions. Scaffolds were successfully mineralized in 10× simulated body fluid (SBF) up to 48 h with enhanced mineral distribution throughout the scaffolds. Mineralization for 24 h significantly increased mechanical properties of the scaffolds. In vitro studies performed over 28 days with mouse-pre-osteoblastic cells, MC3T3-E1s, proved that the mineralized scaffolds promoted cellular attachment, proliferation, and early stages of osteoblastic differentiation in comparison to the non-mineralized scaffolds. The implications of this study lead to the advancement of tissue-engineered mineralized trabecular and cortical bone scaffolds. The use of tissue-engineered scaffolds to harness a patients' own bone regenerative properties following traumatic bone loss has emerged as an alternative to current bone-grafting procedures. In this manuscript, the development and characterization process of a synthetic scaffold which mimics both the porous trabecular bone structure and dense cortical bone structure is discussed. Qualitative analysis confirmed the biomimetic porous structure necessary for nutrient transport and cellular infiltration and the cortical canal structure to house vascularization. Various mineralization techniques were investigated to determine the optimal mechanical properties. The scaffold also exhibited the ability to promote osteoblastic cellular attachment and proliferation. The mineral content deposited onto the scaffold led to an increase in osteoblastic behavior of the attached cells; suggesting early stages of osteogenesis. The results of this manuscript indicate the potential of utilizing a tissue-engineering scaffold as a promising treatment for bone tissue regeneration applications.