cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy in AIDS: analysis in 32 patients.

PURPOSE: A retrospective study was performed to determine the success of percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (TNB) as an aid in diagnosing focal chest and mediastinal disease in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group was composed of 32 patients seropositive for HIV; 31 of these patients had known AIDS. The subjects underwent chest radiography, computed tomography, and TNB. RESULTS: In 27 of the 32 patients a specific diagnosis was enabled by TNB. Bronchogenic carcinoma was diagnosed most frequently, although infectious agents were isolated in most patients. CONCLUSION: TNB is a safe and effective procedure for evaluation of focal thoracic disease in this patient population and provides information that is often unavailable from alternative diagnostic procedures.
Familial uveal melanoma

Because familial occurrences of uveal melanoma are rare, there have only been 15 cases of familial melanoma reported in the literature. We studied 11 additional families with a total of 24 members, in which two or more members were afflicted with uveal melanoma. The median age at diagnosis was 56.5 years, similar to the median age at diagnosis of the remaining patients treated in our institution. Thirteen were male and 11 were female, which is consistent with the slight predominance of males found in many large surveys of patients with uveal melanoma. There is a possibility of a heritable component present in these families.
Intervening with teachers to encourage father/male involvement in early childhood programs

Abstract The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the impact of an intervention program targeted at teachers and designed to encourage and facilitate father/male involvement in state-funded prekindergarten programs for children identified as being at-risk for later school failure. In contrast to other intervention programs which provide direct services to fathers/families, the nature of the current intervention was on providing support services to staff members which focussed on strategies for encouraging father/male involvement. Participants were 21 teachers at two state-funded prekindergarten programs. Evaluation data were collected which tracked the nature, content, and context of all parent involvement contacts at the treatment and control program sites over a 26 week period. Findings suggest that a significantly higher proportion of the parent involvement contacts and activities at the treatment site program involved fathers/men than that reported at the comparison site program. Results are discussed in terms of implications for future research and program development in this area.
Carotid artery occlusion: Positive predictive value of duplex sonography compared with arteriography

Abstract Purpose: Duplex ultrasonography is an accurate, noninvasive method for diagnosing, characterizing, and classifying atherosclerotic stenoses of the extracranial carotid artery system. To date, however, no large series has studied the predictive value of duplex sonography in the diagnosis of carotid artery occlusion, an important consideration, given the marked difference in clinical treatment between patients with high-grade stenosis (surgical therapy) and those with occlusive disease (nonsurgical therapy). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 158 patients with 174 occluded carotid artery segments (examined over a 6 ½-year period) to determine the predictive value of duplex sonography in differentiating carotid artery occlusion from high-grade stenosis. Results: All patients had arteriographic correlation. Duplex ultrasonography had a positive predictive value of 92.5% (7.5% false-positive rate; 95% confidence interval, 3.6% to 11.4%) in establishing a diagnosis of carotid artery occlusion. Further analysis revealed no significant improvement in the false-positive rate with the addition of color Doppler flow imaging to high-resolution B-mode scanning and pulsed Doppler spectral analysis. Predictive value increased to 96.7% (95% confidence interval, 90.7% to 99.3%) over the last 2 years of the study, a statistically significant improvement. Conclusions: We believe that duplex ultrasonography is an acceptably accurate method for diagnosing carotid arterial occlusion in most patients. Arteriography should be reserved for patients with symptoms who are surgical candidates to identify those who may still have a surgically correctable high-grade stenosis. (J VASC SURG 1994;19:642-9.)
Vector representation of large-amplitude vibrations for the determination of kinetic energy functions

Abstract In order to calculate the reduced mass for a particular vibrational motion it is necessary to determine the coordinates of each of the atoms as a function of the vibrational coordinate. This work describes how the use of vectors simplifies the representation of the molecular structure. The ring puckering, ring angle deformation, and M H 2 rocking motions of a four-membered ring, and the ring puckering, ring twisting, and M - X inversion motions of a five-membered ring are examined in detail.
Exogenous cholecystokinin (CCK) reduces neonatal rat brain opioid receptor density and CCK levels.

Newborn rats were given saline or cholecystokinin8 (CCK8) (5 μg/kg, twice daily) i.p. for 3 weeks. On day 21, effects on brain development were assessed. CCK-like immunoreactivity was measured in 7 brain regions; a small (12–18%) but significant decrease in endogenous levels of this peptide was detected in cerebral cortex, medulla and pons of the CCK-treated rats. Morphometric measurements revealed a slight reduction in thickness of most cerebral cortical sections within the CCK-treated group. The area of a midsagittal section of the cerebellum was unchanged except for the Purkinje/granule cell layer, which was smaller in CCK-treated animals. Levels of μ-, δ- and χ-opioid receptors were estimated by homologous displacement binding assays using selective radioligands. The CCK treatment resulted in a significant decrease in levels of μ- (11%) and δ- (13%)-sites in the cerebral cortex. Neither binding affinities nor χ-receptor densities were altered. Other animals received the same treatment regimens for 21 days and were maintained for an additional 29 days without treatment; these rats had reductions only in cortical μ-sites (15%). Chronic intraventricular administration of CCK (0.1 μg/h) to adult rats did not elicit a similar down-regulation of cortical μ or δ receptors, suggesting that the effects observed in neonates reflected developmental processes.
Structural and transport properties of Bi2Sr2−xMxCuO6±δ (MBi and Pb)

Abstract Solid solutions of Bi 2 S 2− x M x CuO 6±δ (MBi or Pb) were prepared with 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.5 for MPh and 0.2 ≤ x 0.5 for MBi. Both Pb and Bi are effective in stabilizing the 2201 phase, when substituted for Sr. However, the Pb substitution induces a pseudotetragonal to orthorhombic phase transition. Variation of the unit cell parameters and δ with x in Bi 2 Sr 2− x Pb x CuO 6±δ suggest that Pb is in the Pb IV formal oxidation state and appears to substitute at least partially for the Bi site. No evidence for superconductivity was observed for either substitutions in the “as prepared” samples, regardless of the value of x . However, annealing a sample of Bi 2 Sr 1.9 Pb 0.1 CuO 6±δ in inert atmosphere showed the onset of superconductivity at ≈ 8 K.
The relationship of intracardiac pressures and electrocardiographic findings in cases of congenital heart disease

Summary 1. A study of fifty-five cases of congenital heart disease with right ventricular hypertension has been presented with electrocardiographic findings. These cases included fourteen of isolated pulmonary stenosis, eleven of pulmonary stenosis with an interatrial communication, ten of tetralogy of Fallot, and twenty of pulmonary hypertension secondary to various congenital heart defects. 2. The accepted electrocardiographic criteria for right ventricular hypertrophy were correlated with the pressure in the right ventricle. (a) The height of the R wave in V 1 appeared to increase with ventricular pressure. (b) Other criteria of right ventricular hypertrophy showed little relation to the pressure in the right ventricle. (c) The cases of pulmonary hypertension and isolated pulmonary stenosis showed the least correlation. The possible causes of this poor correlation were discussed. 3. A rsR′ pattern with a QRS ofless than 0.1 second was noted in nine of our patients. Only one failed to have evidence of right ventricular hypertrophy. It was suggested that this pattern might be related to right ventricular hypertrophy. 4. Peaking of P waves in one ormore of Leads II, V 1 , and V 2 was found in 76 per cent of the patients with pulmonary stenosis and 18 per cent of the patients with pulmonary hypertension. 5. No relationship between the height of P waves in Leads II, V 1 , V 2 and right atrial pressures was found except in the cases of pulmonary stenosis with intact ventricular septum.
Blunt splenic injury.

Purpose of reviewTo review the current care of the patient with an injured spleen.Recent findingsThe initial care of the patient with splenic injury is dictated by their hemodynamic presentation and the institution's resources. Although most high-grade injuries require splenectomy, up to 38% are suc
Boosting encoded dynamic features for facial expression recognition

It is well known that how to extract dynamic features is a key issue for video-based face analysis. In this paper, we present a novel approach of facial expression recognition based on the encoded dynamic features. In order to capture the dynamic characteristics of facial events, we design the dynamic haar-like features to represent the temporal variations of facial appearance. Inspired by the binary pattern coding, we further encode the dynamic features into the binary pattern features, which are useful to construct weak classifiers for boosting learning. Finally, the Adaboost is performed to learn a set of discriminating encoded dynamic features for facial expression recognition. We conduct the experiments on the CMU expression database, and the experiment result shows the power of the proposed method. We also extend this method to the active units (AU) recognition, and get a promising performance.
Polyploidy induced by heat shock in channel catfish

Abstract Female channel catfish were induced to ovulate in fiberglass raceways by administering a total dose of 11 mg/kg of carp pituitary extract in two injections. Eggs were handstripped and fertilized with minced testis from donor males. First cleavage division was visible and occurred around 90 min postfertilization. Eggs were heat shocked in 56-1 aquaria at 80, 85, or 90 min postfertilization at temperatures of 40, 41, 42, or 43°C for a duration of 1, 2, 3, or 4 min. Eggs subjected to heat shock produced tetraploids, triploids, diploids, and mosaics. Ploidy level was determined by counts of chromosome preparations of five embryos per treatment combination sampled prior to hatching. Eggs stressed at 42 and 43°C had nearly complete mortality in shocks longer than 1 min. Forty-one degrees and 3 min duration induced tetraploidy in 62% of the embryos sampled. In shocks of 3 and 4 min at 40 and 41°C, postfertilization time did not significantly affect rates of polyploid generation. Hatchability was low in treatments which induced tetraploidy but no abnormalities were found among sampled embryos. Live fry from these groups are being raised for further study.
Structural Abnormalities at Neuromuscular Synapses Lacking Multiple Syntrophin Isoforms

The syntrophins are modular adapter proteins that function by recruiting signaling molecules to the cytoskeleton via their direct association with proteins of the dystrophin protein family. We investigated the physiological function of beta2-syntrophin by generating a line of mice lacking this syntrophin isoform. The beta2-syntrophin null mice show no overt phenotype, or muscular dystrophy, and form structurally normal neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). To determine whether physiological consequences caused by the lack of beta2-syntrophin were masked by compensation from the alpha-syntrophin isoform, we crossed these mice with our previously described alpha-syntrophin null mice to produce mice lacking both isoforms. The alpha/beta2-syntrophin null mice have NMJs that are structurally more aberrant than those lacking only alpha-syntrophin. The NMJs of the alpha/beta2-syntrophin null mice have fewer junctional folds than either parent strain, and the remaining folds are abnormally shaped with few openings to the synaptic space. The levels of acetylcholine receptors are reduced to 23% of wild type in mice lacking both syntrophin isoforms. Furthermore, the alpha/beta2-syntrophin null mice ran significantly shorter distances on voluntary exercise wheels despite having normal neuromuscular junction transmission as determined by micro-electrode recording of endplate potentials. We conclude that both alpha-syntrophin and beta2-syntrophin play distinct roles in forming and maintaining NMJ structure and that each syntrophin can partially compensate for the loss of the other.
SU‐FF‐T‐475: DICOM‐RT Data Transfer From Odyssey Treatment Planning System to Siemens Linear Accelerators Using ARIA Record and Verify Software: A Multi‐Vendor Environment

Purpose: To interface radiotherapy equipment across three different vendor products. Methods and Materials: Our treatment planning is system Odyssey by Permedics, treatment machines are by Siemens and the software interfacing between these two is ARIA by Varian. Although all three products came with DICOM standard conformance, we encountered many problems during the commissioning of this interface. Some of the issues were inability to transfer a plan with multiple prescriptions, exporting a plan with virtual wedges or manual apertures and exporting electron beams. Most of the issues were resolved by working with the vendor of our treatment planning system. ARIA did not support Siemens MLC, because it looked for a tertiary collimation of Varian linac.Treatment planning system had to be modified to supply X1 and X2 jaw information to ARIA before MLC data could be transferred from treatment planning system to the Siemens linac through ARIA. To run IMRTsoftware on Siemens Primus through ARIA, Primus had to be upgraded with an IM‐MAXX software.Results: The issues related to interfacing from different vendors were best handled by working with individual vendors. All vendors were willing and happy to work on solving these problems. Odyssey treatment planning system is now successfully interfaced to Siemens linear accelerators through Varian ARIA record and verify software. The DICOM RT data transfer from Odyssey treatment planning system to treatment machines through ARIA was tested and implemented for routine clinical use. Conclusions: Even though all radiotherapy equipment from different vendors is supposedly in conformance with DICOM standard, one will encounter problems while interfacing equipment from different vendors. To resolve these problems one has to work with various vendors. Extra care is needed during commissioning the interface across multiple vendors and its clinical implementation.
Individual particle and collective aspects of the nuclear photoeffect

Abstract The coordinate corresponding to the dipole photon absorption operator is exactly separable in the oscillator shell model. It is shown that in an electric dipole absorption a mode of the shell model is excited in which the protons vibrate against the neutrons. In shell models other than the oscillator model this collective mode is damped; in heavy nuclei this damping gives a line width of ≈ 4 MeV.
Screening of Gamma Cyclodextrin-Producing Recombinant E. coli Using Congo Red Dye on Solid Complex Media

Recombinant genetic cloning of cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (EC 3.2.1.19) bacterial genes into E. coli has spurred the need for a rapid solid media screening analysis for recombinants. A number of qualitative and quantitative colorimetric assays have been previously developed for cyclodextrins (CDs) based on the changes in colored dye spectral response upon chelation in CDs. However, none are applicable at the screening conditions needed for recombinant E.coli (neutral pH, colored complex solid media). We report a qualitative colorimetric detection method for γ cyclodextrins produced from recombinant E. coli at neutral pH in complex media using congo red and xylene cyanole dyes. Screening einer Gamma-Cyclodextrin produzierenden Rekombinanten E.coli unter Verwendung von Kongorot-Farbstoff auf Festkomplex-Medien. Die rekombinante genetische Klonung von Cyclodextrin-Glucanotransferase (EC 3.2.1.19) bakterieller Gene in E. coli hat die Notwendigkeit einer schnellen Feststoff-Screening-Analyse hervorgerufen. Eine Anzahl von qualitativen und quantitativen kolorimetrischen Versuchen wurden zuvor fur Cyclodextrine (CDs) auf der Basis der Veranderung von gefarbten Farbstoffreaktionen auf die Chelation in CDs enwickelt. Jedoch sind keine davon anwendbar auf die Screening-Methoden fur die Screening-Bedingungen, die fur die Recombinante E. coli (neutraler pH-Wert. gefarbtes komplexes Festmedium) annehmbar.Wir berichten uber eine qualitativ-kolorimetrische Nachweismethode fur α-Cyclodextrine, produziert von einer Rekombinante E. coli bei neutralem pH in einem komplexen Medium unter Verwendung von Kongorot- und Xylen-Cyanol-Farbstoffen.
Tryptamine in the vertebrate lens.

Abstract The normal ionic balance and transparency of the lens is regulated by Na + −K + pumps in the lens epithelium and lens fibers. Inhibition of the (Na + +K + )-ATPase and ion transport results in osmotic swelling and opacification. We have previously shown that 10 −4 –10 −3 M tryptamine has an inhibitory effect on both ion transport and ATPase activity in the lens. In this paper we show that isolated lenses incubated in Ringer's solution containing tryptamine exhibit Na + and K + concentration reversal. Agents that affect tryptophan metabolic pathways, such as pargyline and p -chlorophenylalanine, were tested for their effect on lens tryptamine levels and Na + and K + concentrations. Toad lenses cultured 10 days in Medium-199 with tryptophan, p -chlorophenylalanine and pargyline, each at a concentration of 1 mM, had increased tryptamine concentrations relative to lenses incubated in control medium. The lenses with the larger increase in tryptamine content also showed a decrease in K + concentration and an increase in Na + . The endogenous tryptamine levels in toad, frog, rabbit and cow lenses were measured, and varied from 0.065 μg/g in the rabbit to 0.219 μg/g in the cow. Tryptamine levels were also determined in senile cataractous and in non-cataractous human lenses. The lenses diagnosed as cataractous had a significantly higher tryptamine concentration, with the highest levels found in the cataractous lenses which were dark brown on inspection. Tryptophan, which has recently been shown to be elevated in the plasma of patients with cataracts, is actively transported into the lens where it may be decarboxylated to tryptamine. The accumulation of the amine may be a contributing factor in the development of senile cataracts.
Anatomy of the crocodilian spinal vein.

The crocodilian spinal vein is remarkably robust yet historically overlooked. Using corrosion casting, we describe the anatomy of this vessel and its connections with the caval and hepatic venous systems in representatives from four crocodilian genera. The spinal vein arises from an enlarged occipital sinus over the medulla and extends the entire length of the vertebral column. Unlike in squamate reptiles, the spinal vein is single (nonplexiform), voluminous, and situated dorsal to the spinal cord, and plexi lateral to the cord span between emerging intercostal veins. The connections with the other venous systems are otherwise similar to those in other tetrapods. The overall anatomy of this vessel and its abundant connections with the other venous systems indicate it likely plays a primary role in returning blood to the heart from all parts of the body. Preliminary studies of function suggest that this vessel could also play an adaptive role during basking and diving.
Stability constants of SnCl2-pyridine N-oxide complexes in acetonitrile

Abstract Stability constants have been determined for eight methyl or chloro-substituted pyridine N-oxide adducts of SnCl 2 in acetonitrile solution. The complexes have a 1:1 stoichiometry in the concentration ranges studied. An IR spectrophotometric method was utilized to determine concentrations of the equilibrium species from the NO stretching band of the free ligand and from mass balance relationships. The equilibrium concentrations are such that the NO stretching band of the complexed ligand also appears in most of the spectra, shifted to lower frequencies by 50–75 cm −1 . The stability constants were determined with an estimated error of 7–10%. Values of these constants for the formation of the complex SnCl 2 ·L where L is the N-oxide are: pyridine N-oxide, 22; 2-picoline N-oxide, 51; 3-picoline N-oxide, 243; 4-picoline N-oxide, 78; 2,6-lutidine N-oxide, 28; 2-chloropyridine N-oxide, 98; 3-chloropyridine N-oxide, 29; and 4-chloropyridine N-oxide, 146. The values of the stability constants of the complexes are rationalized in terms of electronic and steric effects of the substituents on the pyridine N-oxide ring.
Phase transformation in Sm2O3 at high pressure: In situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction study and ab initio DFT calculation

Sm{sub 2}O{sub 3} was compressed at room temperature up to 44.0 GPa and then decompressed back to ambient pressure. In situ X-ray diffraction was used to monitor the structural changes in the sample. A cubic to hexagonal phase transformation was observed in Sm{sub 2}O{sub 3} for the first time. After decompression back to ambient pressure, the hexagonal phase was not quenchable and transformed to a monoclinic phase. Ab initio Density-Functional-Theory (DFT) calculations were performed to obtain theoretical data for comparison with the experimental results and elucidation of the transformation mechanism. A possible phase transformation mechanism that is consistent with the experimental results and theoretical calculations is proposed.
Double free flaps for reconstruction of postburn anterior cervical contractures--use of perforator flaps from the lateral circumflex femoral system.

Anterior cervical contracture causes considerable problems including restricted range of motion and poor appearance. The reconstructive methods (skin grafs, Z-plasties and local flaps, etc.) have different limitations to their clinical application, and even recontracture that needs repeated surgical release [1–3]. Free flaps have the benefits of replacement for contracture scars with soft, pliable tissue [4–6]. This report presents a case of postburn cervical contractures reconstructed with an anterolateral thigh (ALT) and a tensor fascia lata (TFL) cutaneous perforator flap simultaneously. The combined use of these two flaps provides (1) one-stage procedure; (2) a larger skin territory for reconstruction; (3) primary closure of donor sites; (4) soft, pliable and thin tissues for resurfacing burn contractures; and (5) good aesthetic and functional results.
Experimental evaluation of an intravascular differential pressure flow meter using MEMS pressure sensors

A testbed for differential pressure flow meter was built and tested. The testbed is targeted for intravascular pressure and flow monitoring applications. The testbed consists of a data acquisition system and two MEMS pressure sensors (SM5108) measuring 0.65×0.65×0.65mm. The MEMS pressure sensors were wire bonded to gold plated ceramic pads and placed inside vinyl tubing. The signals from the pressure sensors were amplified using two low-power high performance instrumentation amplifiers. These amplifiers are a part of the data acquisition system which is designed to acquire data from the pressure sensors and communicate with a user in real time. For simplicity our initial evaluation of the testbed was using air flow. Air was pumped across a simulated blockage (a valve) and pressure was built up to intravascular pressure ranges (35 to 230 mmHg (gauge)). The base fractional flow rate (FFR) equation was used to calculate flow, hinting that the SM5108 pressure sensors can become a part of an implantable differential pressure flow meter.
Initial validation of the ProMIS surgical simulator as an objective measure of robotic task performance

Virtual reality robotic simulation has gained widespread momentum. In order to determine the value of virtual reality robotic simulation and its objective metrics, a reality-based robotic surgical training platform with similar analytic capabilities must be developed and validated. The ProMIS laparoscopic surgical simulator is a widely available reality-based simulation platform that has been previously validated as an objective measure of laparoscopic task performance. In this study, we evaluated the validity of the ProMIS laparoscopic surgical simulator as an objective measure of robotic task performance. Volunteers were recruited from two experience groups (novice and expert). All subjects completed three tasks (peg transfer, precision cutting, intracorporeal suture/knot) in the ProMIS laparoscopic simulator using the da Vinci robotic surgical system. Motion analysis data was obtained by the ProMIS computerized optical tracking system and objective metrics recorded included time, path length, economy of motion, and observer-recorded penalty scores. The novice group consisted of 10 subjects with no previous robotic surgical experience. The expert group consisted of 10 subjects with robotic experience. The expert group outperformed the novice group in all three tasks. Subjects rated this training platform as easy to use, as an accurate measure of their robotic surgical proficiency, and as relevant to robotic surgery. The experts described the simulator platform as useful for training and agreed with incorporating it into a residency curriculum. This study demonstrates that the ProMIS laparoscopic simulator is a face, content, and construct valid reality-based simulation platform that can be used for objectively measuring robotic task performance.
A survey of emergency department use in patients with cyclic vomiting syndrome

Background Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS), a chronic disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of vomiting, is frequently unrecognized and is associated with high utilization of emergency department (ED) services.
Insulin and insulin-like growth factors in the CNS.

Abstract Insulin has long been recognized as a major endocrine regulator of the uptake, cellular transport, and intermediary metabolism of small nutrient molecules such as amino acids, fatty acids, and glucose 1 . Adipose tissue and skeletal muscle are the classical major target of insulin action; the CNS, in contrast, has traditionally been considered to be largely insulin-insensitive. However, clues that insulin may have physiological functions in the CNS began to emerge in the 1960s, and an impressive body of literature has since accumulated about insulin in the CNS. Although insulin now regularly appears in litanies cataloging CNS peptides, its status as a CNS regulatory peptide remains obscure and elusive. The situation has become more clouded with the recent discovery that insulin-like growth-factors (IGFs) and their receptors are also present in the CNS. Since IGFs and insulin share similar primary amino acid structure, receptor binding, and biological activity 2 , any discussion about insulin as a CNS regulatory peptide must also consider the IGFs. In the present article, we summarize the status of insulin and IGFs as regulatory peptides in the CNS. Our choice of literature has been selective, with a focus on recent reports, controversial issues, and unsolved problems. Readers are referred to previous reviews for much of the earlier literature 1–5 .
A study of the accuracy of the pseudo-potential formalism

Abstract A critical evaluation of the applicability of the pseudo-potential methods to the study of the interaction potential in molecular systems is presented. Actual comparison is made between the all-electron “frozen core” results on the ground and excited states of Cs 2 2+ and the corresponding pseudo-potential results.
Fast SDP algorithms for constraint satisfaction problems

The class of constraint satisfactions problems (CSPs) captures many fundamental combinatorial optimization problems such as Max Cut, Max q-Cut, Unique Games, and Max k-Sat. Recently, Raghavendra (STOC'08) identified a simple semidefinite programming relaxation that gives the best possible approximation for any CSP, assuming the Unique Games Conjecture. Raghavendra and Steurer (FOCS'09) showed that, independent of the truth of the Unique Games Conjecture, the integrality gap of this relaxation cannot be improved even by adding a large class of valid inequalities.We present an algorithm that finds an approximately optimal solution to this relaxation in near-linear time. Combining this algorithm with a rounding scheme of Raghavendra and Steurer (FOCS'09) leads to an approximation algorithm for any CSP that runs in near-linear time and has an approximation guarantee that matches the integrality gap, which is optimal assuming the Unique Games Conjecture.
Morphology and evolutionary implications of the annual cycle of secretion and sperm storage in spermathecae of the salamander Ambystoma opacum (Amphibia: Ambystomatidae).

Females of the marbled salamander, Ambystoma opacum, store sperm in exocrine glands called spermathecae in the roof of the cloaca. Eggs are fertilized by sperm released from the spermathecae during oviposition. Some sperm remain in the spermathecae following oviposition, but these sperm degenerate within a month and none persists more than 6 mo after oviposition. Thus, sperm storage between successive breeding seasons does not occur. Apical secretory vaculoes are abundant during the fall mating season and contain a substance that is alcian blue+ at pH 2.5. Production of secretory vacuoles decreases markedly after oviposition, and the glands are inactive by the summer months. Ambystoma opacum is a terrestrial breeder, and some mating occurs prior to arrival at pond basins where oviposition occurs. Mating prior to arrival at the ovipository site may prolong the breeding season, leading to fitness implications for both males and females. Females have opportunities for more matings, and the possibilities for sperm competition in the spermathecae are enhanced. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Intercultural intertexts encountered by Taiwanese EFL students

This paper reports on an exploratory study of one specific aspect of intercultural literacy: the activation of intercultural intertexts. Readers of intercultural intertexts fall into two general gr...
Fast track article: Comparing simulation tools and experimental testbeds for wireless mesh networks

Simulators can provide full control when simulating wireless network behaviors, but are often plagued by their insufficiencies in reflecting real-world scenarios. Although previous works point out such a shortage is mainly due to the limitations of radio propagation models in simulators, it is unclear how imperfect modeling affects network behaviors and to what degree. In this study, we investigate differences between simulations and testbed experiments in wireless mesh networks. We compare and analyze the experimental results with NS-2 and QualNet simulations. We find that in the PHY layer, antenna diversity can cause differences in distribution of received signal strength between experiments and simulations. The discrepancy in some cases, however, can be compensated by tweaking path loss, a dominating factor in channel modeling. In the MAC layer, a significant performance degradation is observed in experiments when loaded with heavy traffic, but this is less obvious in simulations. The mismatching is further deteriorated by inadequate interference modeling. As transceiver sensitivity differs, resulting in dramatic unfairness at flow-level goodputs, simulators are immune from such a problem. In the IP layer, route prevalence and persistence are carefully examined. A few routes are found to dominate experimental testbed while routes are spread more evenly and are less stable in simulators. These findings give the wireless research community an improved picture of the differences between simulations and testbed experiments.
Training Child Welfare Professionals to Support Healthy Couple Relationships: Examining the Link to Training Transfer

Integrating healthy relationship and marriage education (RME) into child welfare services is a relatively recent initiative. Guided by the theoretical work in child welfare training evaluation, the current study describes the development and testing of a new RME training for child welfare professionals. Based on data collected from 272 trainees, results from structural equation modeling indicate a linear association between learner attitudes and newly acquired knowledge and skills to perceptions of training usefulness, which, in turn, influenced implementation of RME skills with clients. Implications for the delivery and evaluation of programming, in general and specific to RME, are shared.
Characterization of humic acid fouled reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membranes by transmission electron microscopy and streaming potential measurements.

Reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membranes fouled by humic acid were systematically characterized by transmission electron microscopy. All fouled membranes, except those with very low initial flux, were completely covered by a layer of humic acid whose thickness and density were greatly affected by the feedwater composition ([H+] and [Ca2+]) and initial flux. A low-density humic layer (about 0.1 g of purified Aldrich humic acid (PAHA)/cm3) was formed at low initial flux (2 m/day or less) at pH 7 without calcium. It was several times denser at a higher initial flux, pH 4.5, or 1 mM Ca2+. Corresponding to the denser foulant layers under these conditions, PAHA accumulation was greatly increased. The denser foulant layers together with the greater PAHA accumulations were responsible for the severe flux reductions. Both virgin and fouled membranes were characterized by streaming potential measurements. While considerable differences existed for virgin membranes, humic acid fouled membranes exhibited identica...
Personalized instruction and assistance services for distance learners: Cultivating a research relationship

Abstract Student preferences for remote access to information coupled with their preference for face-to-face assistance provide a unique challenge for librarians. Providing equitable library services for distance learners that meet these preferences becomes increasingly important as the number of courses offered online grows at a rapid pace. The author suggests that the presence of a librarian in the online classroom and the application of business models of relationship-based services to the online course environment can result in the development of exemplary library services for this population.
Use of the triple-platinum hydrogen electrode for detection of left-to-right shunts

Abstract The use of the triple-platinum hydrogen electrode for detection of left-to-right shunts simultaneously at different sites is demonstrated by results obtained in cases of atrial and ventricular septal defects, patent ductus arteriosus and ruptured sinus of Valsalva. An example of the extreme sensitivity of this technic is shown in a case of ventricular septal defect with a very small left-to-right shunt. Additional advantages of this catheter are discussed.
An Electronically Modified Wet Spirometer

IN a recent investigation of respiratory muscles, recordings were made simultaneously from multiple indwelling electrodes, along with spirometric tracings, so that electrical activity could be examined in a series of conscious rabbits during quiet respiration. Tho electrical signals from the muscles and the spirometric tracing are shown on a film record (Fig. 1). Attention is directed especially to the spirometric tracing which appears as a horizontal band which widens with expiration and narrows with inspiration. A primary interest was to secure an accurate reflexion of the movement of air into and out of the lungs of the rabbit, a factor dependent on the accuracy of the spirometer. Although many spirometers are available, a simple, inexpensive electronic modification of a wet spirometer (400-c.c. Phipps and Bird spirometer, Richmond, Va.) was developed (Fig. 2). The electronic modification of the spirometer, its application, and a method devised to determine its latency from the subject of this communication.
Graft Healing of Stretched ePTFE Implanted Within a Baboon Model

Arterial grafts need to exhibit two properties: a flow surface with low thrombogenicity and minimal intimal thickening. For well over thirty years, researchers focused their attention upon the healing properties of graft material. Beginning with Wesolowski’s 1961 work, researchers concluded that porous synthetic grafts demonstrated improved healing properties (1). Most recently, Clowes, et al., documented that ePTFE with a nominal porosity of 60μm healed atone month with complete endothelial coverage, uniformly distributed pseudointimal growth, and improved intimal stability (2). These results contrasted to what was found when porosity was deceased to an internodal distance of 10 or 30 μm.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Animal disease incidence and indemnity eradication programs.

Abstract There are many options for controlling the spread of animal diseases. Some diseases have been treated as public sector problems and many nations have tried to control disease spread by purchasing sick animals from farmers. Government agencies have purchased breeding stock that might transmit diseases. Government agencies have purchased animals that might otherwise have gone to the slaughterhouse, thereby keeping pathogens out of the food supply. Our hypothesis is that when it is not immediately obvious to farmers or private sector buyers which animals carry or transmit diseases, a government indemnity program’s success is not assured. Instead, disease control depends on farmers’ ability to respond to the relative prices they face. We examine the incentives created by prices (indemnity payment levels) government agencies choose. The scrapie indemnity eradication program in the United States (1952–1992) provides a natural laboratory for measuring the responsiveness to government-set prices. We show that government-set prices played a major role in determining the program’s outcome: the supply of infected animals was price elastic. We argue that short-run movements in relative prices and the number of infected animals offer a practical method for assessing program effectiveness.
Double Monochromator Systems

A geometrical analysis of image formation in single monochromators is expanded to include the dual monochromator and the tandem monochromator, a system of two single monochromators used in series. The tandem system is useful in measurements of monochromator transmittance and in providing double dispersion. This analysis leads to expressions for the passbands, radiance in the final slit plane, and transmitted flux, as the widths of the intermediate and final slits are varied.
Deposition of solid particles on a collector: Formulation of a new theory

Two concepts concerning the deposition of particles from suspension onto a collector, the shadow effect due to deposited particles and the singular and random behavior of approaching particles, are presented and discussed. Based on these concepts, a new theory of particle deposition is proposed and procedures for the simulation of deposition process outlined. The simulation results give the rate of deposition and the deposit morphology. Potential applications of this model to a number of technical problems are outlined.
Estimation for amplify-and-forward transmissions with nonlinear amplifiers

This paper describes the development of a distributed estimation algorithm for amplify-and-forward sensor transmissions with realistic nonlinear amplifier models at the sensors. Specifically, an algorithm is developed that enables distributed estimation with amplifiers operating in the non-linear class AB region. In this system, a digital predistortion scheme is utilized to fit an amplifier to a mathematically tractable, known nonlinearity that is close to the compression characteristics of the amplifier. We show using this scheme has two benefits over linear amplifier operation: improved transmitter efficiency and reduced sensitivity to heavy-tailed distributions due to the soft saturation. The amplifier characteristics and predistortion methods are presented as part of the Java-DSP software package. (4 pages)
Design considerations for capillary flow injection systems

Abstract Design considerations for performing capillary flow injection (CFI) with conventional peristaltic pumping are presented. A time based injection technique has been developed so that sample volumes in the sub-nL to mL range can be used without internal or external injection loops. In addition, two flow cells have been designed and constructed in order to measure absorbances with such small sample volumes. Commercially available connectors for fused silica capillaries have also been used in a CFI system enabling the operation of multiple reagent systems.
Potato quality XXV. Specific gravity and after-cooking darkening of Katahdin potatoes as influenced by fertilizers

The effect of two sources and three levels of potash and two levels of phosphorus, at a constant rate of application of nitrogen, on specific gravity and after-cooking darkening of Katahdin potatoes was studied.
RELATIONSHIP OF SYSTEMIC GLUCOSE PRODUCTION TO CEREBRAL GLUCOSE UTILIZATION IN NEWBORN DOGS

RELATIONSHIP OF SYSTEMIC GLUCOSE PRODUCTION TO CEREBRAL GLUCOSE UTILIZATION IN NEWBORN DOGS
The effects of age on stabilization of the mediolateral trajectory of the swing foot

To ensure stability during gait, mediolateral placement of the swinging foot must be actively regulated. Logically this occurs through end-point control of the swing limb trajectory, the precision of which is quantified as step-width variability (SWV). Increased SWV with age may reflect reduced precision of this control, but cannot describe if, and how, age-related changes in lower limb kinematic synergies account for reduced precision. We analyzed joint configuration variance across steps within the uncontrolled manifold (UCM) hypothesis, which assumes that redundant sets of elemental variables are organized by the central nervous system to stabilize important performance variables. We tested whether: (1) regardless of age, the swing limb trajectory would be stabilized by a kinematic synergy of the lower limbs, and (2) the strength of the synergy would be weaker in older adults. Ten younger and ten older adults (65+ years) walked on a laboratory walkway at their preferred speed while kinematic data were collected. UCM analysis of segmental configuration variance was performed with respect to the mediolateral trajectory of the swing-limb ankle joint center. Throughout most of swing, the trajectory was stabilized by a kinematic synergy. Despite the greater segmental configuration variance of older adults, the strength of the synergy was not significantly different between groups. Moreover, the synergy index became negative during terminal swing and was not significantly correlated with SWV. Accordingly, co-variation among individual segmental trajectories is more important for stabilization of the swing trajectory during mid-swing, and, throughout swing, aging does not appear to affect this stabilization.
Influence of the neural network topology on the learning dynamics

We study the influence of the topology of a neural network on its learning dynamics. The network topology can be controlled by one parameter p"r"w to convert the topology from regular to random in a continuous way [D.J. Watts and S.H. Strogatz, Collective dynamics of small-world networks, Nature 393 (1998) 440-442]. As test problem, which requires a recurrent network, we choose the problem of timing to be learned by the network, that means to connect a predefined input neuron with a output neuron in exactlyT"f time steps. We analyze the learning dynamics for different parameters numerically by counting the number of paths within the network which are available for solving the problem. Our results show, that there are parameter values for which either a regular, small-world or random network gives the best performance depending strongly on the choice for the predefined input and output neurons.
Quantum MMIC (QMMIC) VCO's for Wireless Applications

The monolithic integration of heterostructure tuneling diodes with other semiconductor devices, such as HFET's, creates novel, quantum functional devices and circuits. The enhanced functionality of these devices enables design of both digital and analog circuits with reduced complexity, smaller size and better performance. Several types of QMMIC VCO's operating in L-band frequency range have been designed and characterized. VCO's achieved output power of 8-10 dBm at L-band frequency range. All VCO's exhibited very low phase noise (in the range of ?107 to ?115 dBc/Hz) at 1.0 MHz away from the carrier frequency.
Students’ Motivation, Engagement, Satisfaction, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Physical Education

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between middle school students’ expectancy-related beliefs, task values (importance, interest, and usefulness), engagement and satisfaction in physical education class, and their cardiorespiratory fitness. The grade and gender differences of the motivational variables were also examined. Participants (N = 307; 101 sixth graders, 96 seventh graders, 110 eighth graders; 149 boys, 158 girls) completed questionnaires assessing their expectancy-related beliefs, perceptions of importance, interest, usefulness, and perceived engagement and satisfaction in physical education, then had their cardiorespiratory fitness assessed with the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) test. Regression analyses yielded that importance, expectancy-related beliefs, and interest significantly correlated to perceived engagement, whereas interest, expectancy-related beliefs, and importance emerged as contributors of students’ perceived satisfaction in physical educ...
Effect of phosphorus fertilization on calcium uptake by cigar wrapper tobacco

Abstract Four greenhouse experiments were conducted to investigate nutritional relationships between P and Ca in cigar wrapper tobacco. Plants were grown in a soil‐peat mix in 2 of the experiments and in sand cultures in the others. Levels of P and Ca in the nutrient media were varied. Plant concentration and uptake of P and Ca were determined to evaluate nutritional relationships between the two elements. An inverse relationship between P and Ca concentrations in cigar wrapper tobacco was apparent in all 4 experiments. Phosphorus appeared to decrease Ca uptake by cigar wrapper tobacco when added in increasing amounts.
Structures of hepatitis C virus nonstructural proteins required for replicase assembly and function

Approximately 3% of the world population is infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), causing a serious public health burden. Like other positive-strand RNA viruses, HCV assembles replicase complexes in association with cellular membranes and produces progeny RNA genomes through negative-strand intermediates. The viral proteins required for RNA replication are nonstructural (NS) proteins NS3 to NS5B. Owing to many obstacles and limitations in structural characterization of proteins and complexes with multiple transmembrane segments, attempts to understand the assembly and action of the HCV replicase complex have been challenging. Nevertheless, great progress has been made in obtaining structural information for several replicase components, providing insights into some aspects of the viral genome replication machinery.