cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gender, Identity, Missions, and Empire: Letters from Christian Teachers in China in the Early 20th and 21st Centuries

Abstract This article presents the findings of a historically-informed comparative study that juxtaposes the lives of three missionary educators in China in the early 20th century with three Christian educators in China today. Data sources included hundreds of letters from the women written in China to their families and friends over several decades and transcripts of over a dozen interviews. Wenger’s social theory of identity formation was used to analyze the data and address the questions of why they went to China, the intended and actual results, and the impact it had on the women and their identity construction. The findings show that although there were major differences across the two centuries, as was expected, there were surprisingly many similarities among the individual teachers, as are noted in the common communities of practice that emerged: “educator,” “missionary,” “gender advocate,” “Chinese advocate,” “leader,” and “learner.”
Grundlagen zum operativen Vertriebsmanagement

In Teil 3 skizziert Alexander Tiffert Grundlagen des operativen Vertriebsmanagements. Dabei beschaftigt er sich mit der Planung von Vertriebsressourcen und -gebieten, mit Rollen- und Aufgabenbeschreibungen, Ziel- und Vergutungssystemen, Personalauswahl, -beurteilung und -entwicklung sowie der Motivation von Mitarbeitern.
Perfect Attackability of Linear Dynamical Systems with Bounded Noise

This paper addresses the problem of secure state estimation in the presence of attacks on sensor measurements of a linear time invariant (LTI) system. We assume that the system is equipped with a common l 0 -based attack-resilient state estimator and a sound anomaly detector. We introduce the notion of perfect attackability (PA) for LTI systems with bounded noise, when the attacker may introduce an unbounded estimation error while remaining undetected by the anomaly detector. Finally, necessary and sufficient conditions for perfectly attackable systems are provided, and illustrated on examples.
Eye on the Enigmatic Link: Dysbiotic Oral Pathogens in Ocular Diseases; The Flip Side

Mouth and associated structures were regarded as separate entities from the rest of the body. However, there is a paradigm shift in this conception and oral health is now considered as a fundamental part of overall well-being. In recent years, the subject of oral-foci of infection has attained a resurgence in terms of systemic morbidities while limited observations denote the implication of chronic oral inflammation in the pathogenesis of eye diseases. Hitherto, there is a paucity for mechanistic insights underlying the reported link between periodontal disease (PD) and ocular comorbidities. In light of prevailing scientific evidence, this review article will focus on the understudied theme, that is, the impact of oral dysbiosis in the induction and/or progression of inflammatory eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy, scleritis, uveitis, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Furthermore, the plausible mechanisms by which periodontal microbiota may trigger immune dysfunction in the Oro-optic-network and promote the development of PD-associated AMD have been discussed.
Interplay of vibrational wavepackets during an ultrafast electron transfer reaction.

Electron transfer reactions facilitate energy transduction and photoredox processes in biology and chemistry. Recent findings show that molecular vibrations can enable the dramatic acceleration of some electron transfer reactions, and control it by suppressing and enhancing reaction paths. Here, we report ultrafast spectroscopy experiments and quantum dynamics simulations that resolve how quantum vibrations participate in an electron transfer reaction. We observe ballistic electron transfer (~30 fs) along a reaction coordinate comprising high-frequency promoting vibrations. Along another vibrational coordinate, the system becomes impulsively out of equilibrium as a result of the electron transfer reaction. This leads to the generation (by the electron transfer reaction, not the laser pulse) of a new vibrational coherence along this second reaction coordinate in a mode associated with the reaction product. These results resolve a complex reaction trajectory composed of multiple vibrational coordinates that, like a sequence of ratchets, progressively diminish the recurrence of the reactant state. Electronic–vibrational interplay can enable electron and energy transfer processes to be regulated. Now, coherence spectroscopy has been used to disentangle two vibrational pathways that control an electron transfer reaction. It has been shown that a fast, effectively ballistic, electron transfer along one vibrational path acts like a pulse to generate a coherent wavepacket along another vibrational pathway.
When Assembly Meets Processing: Tuning Multiscale Morphology of Printed Conjugated Polymers for Controlled Charge Transport †

Conjugated polymers are rapidly emerging as an attractive class of semiconductors for next-generation electronics thanks to their low-cost, high-throughput solution processability, mechanical flexi...
Source of paleo-groundwater in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: evidence from unusual oxygen and deuterium isotope data

Paleo-groundwaters of 6000 years BP from the Liwa water-table sand dune aquifer in the Rub al Khali and the Gachsaran artesian carbonate aquifer, on the coast of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (UAE), exhibit normal δ2H/δ18O slopes, modest δ18O increases, and large negative deuterium excess “d” (Liwa aquifer: 2.19‰ VSMOW and d = –15; Gachsaran aquifer: 3.16‰ VSMOW and d = –28) compared to local Shamal precipitation (0.05‰ VSMOW and d = 7). This unusual isotopic signature is hypothesized to result from re-evaporation of continental runoff to the Red Sea catchment basin. It is postulated that this continental water flowed onto the surface of the Indian Ocean providing a moisture source for the monsoon that dominated precipitation during this, the last wet period in the area from 5000 to 9000 BP. Carbonate precipitation, forming speleothems, travertines, tufas, lacustrine, and capillary-zone deposits, subsequently record this δ18O isotopic signature. This rock record is thus dominated by the water source, rather than environmental conditions of deposition normally assumed to control the rock δ18O isotopic signature. As a consequence, re-evaluation of paleo-climateδ18O data from the rock record may be necessary for this time period in southern Arabia.
Performance of Single Household Treatment Units

The septic tank-soil absorption field system has been used almost exclusively to treat and dispose of household wastewater in rural settings. Unfortunately, over half of the total land area of the United States has soils that are too slowly permeable for its installation. Recently, the search for alternatives has included improved treatment. The objectives of this study were to: (1) Evaluate the present state-of-the-art in household waste treatment through field testing; and (2) recommend design modifications to improve present unit designs. Evaluation criteria used were: (1) The average effluent quality produced by each field unit; (2) the variability of effluent quality; (3) operating and maintenance requirements; and (4) total annual costs.
Pro-inflammatory response and defective bactericidal activity by Mycobacterium tuberculosis/HIV-1 co-infected human macrophages (INC7P.421)

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), the etiological agent of tuberculosis (TB), is the leading cause of death in people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). In contrast to most other opportunistic infections, susceptibility to M.tb occurs prior to significant loss of peripheral CD4+T cells in people with HIV. The molecular basis for pathogen synergy that leads to an aggressive course of TB in those with HIV-1 infection is poorly defined. The primary objective of this study is to determine how HIV-1 alters the host macrophage innate immune response to M.tb infection. Primary human monocyte-derived macrophages, alveolar macrophages from human donor bronchoalveolar lavage, and our recently developed humanized mouse model of M.tb/HIV co-infection were used for in vitro and in vivo studies. Preliminary results demonstrate that HIV-1 (JR-CSF)/M.tb (H37Rv) co-infection results in greater cell death and increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (e.g. IL-1β, IL-6, MCP) compared to mono-infection with either HIV-1 or M.tb. A corresponding increase in leukocyte recruitment into the lungs of M.tb-infected humanized mice was observed in animals with HIV-1 infection and coincided with greater mycobacterial dissemination. These studies suggest that inappropriate inflammatory responses by host macrophages may contribute to dysfunctional host immunity to M.tb in those with concurrent HIV-1 infection.
Research Spotlight: Statistical model of rainfall could help improve urban drainage systems

[1] Statistical models of rainfall activity can be useful for analyzing and improving urban drainage systems. Cowpertwait developed a statistical rainfall model in which storms originate randomly in space and time according to a Poisson process. Each storm has a random radius, lifetime, and intensity. He adjusted model parameters to fit the model to data taken from sites across Rome, Italy, and the surrounding region. To validate the model, he compared the distribution of observed annual maxima with the extreme values generated by the model and found good agreement, indicating that the model would be useful for urban drainage projects in Rome and the surrounding region. The model is flexible and could be adjusted for use in other regions. (Water Resources Research, doi:10.1029/2010WR009728, 2010)
Membranes of Animal Cells IV. LIPIDS OF THE L CELL AND ITS SURFACE MEMBRANE

Surface membranes were isolated by the fluorescein mercuric acetate and Tris procedures from mouse fibroblasts (L cells) grown in suspension culture. Membranes isolated by the fluorescein mercuric acetate method contained approximately 4.7% of the protein and 13.8% of the lipid of the whole cell. Approximately 95% of the plasma membrane lipid was accounted for. Comparison of lipid-protein ratios for whole cells and surface membranes shows a 3-fold enrichment of lipid in the surface membrane. Neutral lipids make up 40% of the total membrane lipid, with cholesterol and triglycerides accounting for 20 and 13%, respectively. The high cholesterol content of the surface membrane is reflected in a cholesterol-phospholipid molar ratio of 0.69 while the corresponding ratio for total cell lipid is 0.26. Fifty-nine per cent of the membrane phospholipids contain choline, and the surface membranes contain more sphingomyelin and less lecithin and phosphatidylethanolamine than the total cell lipid. Phosphatidylserine and sphingomyelin show a 2- to 3-fold enrichment of unsaturated and long chain fatty acids relative to other membrane phospholipids. The lipid composition of the surface membranes of L cells was compared to the composition reported in the literature for surface membranes of animal cells. The comparison indicates that the lipid compositions of L cell and liver cell surface membranes are basically similar. Lipid composition may be useful in classifying surface membrane preparations.
Relationships between Programming Practices and Outcomes in a Summer Residential School of Gifted Adolescents.

A study was conducted to determine which practices in a special school for gifted and talented adolescents were associated with ratings of effectiveness of program outcomes. Subjects included 2,213 students attending the five Tennessee Governor's Schools from 1986 to 1988 and the directors of the schools. Questionnaire data collected from the students were compared with internal data gathered via interviews from the school directors to establish which changes in practice influenced students' ratings.Relationships were found between student' ratings of program effectiveness and director' changes in program practices. In addition, yearly evaluation data were compared with three year evaluation data to illustrate potential misinterpretations of program effectiveness. A case is made to expand the time line for program evaluations so the iterative nature of the relationship between practices and outcomes will emerge against the specific program backdrop which includes population characteristics and director de...
The walls of computer design

Most of the work of the computer architect today has to do with bridging the well-known gigantic gap between processor speed and memory access time. However, other significant challenges are looming on the horizon. For one thing, higher device density and smaller design rules are increasing the sensitivity of circuits to outside radiation events. Also, power issues are creating significant challenges, not only in terms of power consumption for embedded devices, but also in terms of cooling and power dissipation. Hence, while Moore's law will continue to hold for the foreseeable future, processor speeds are not expected to follow suit, thereby requiring new architectural concepts.
Review of physics underlying recent improvements in silicon solar-cell performance

This paper provides a unifying view of the physics of silicon solar cells, and uses it as a basis for explaining how recent improvements in the performance of these cells have been achieved. The unification is facilitated by a region-by-region analysis of the solar cell, which is also used to compare several recently proposed cell structures.
Dense cores and star formation in nearby dark clouds

We review recent progress in the study of dense cores in dark clouds, as revealed by gas emission line observations from NH3 (1.3 cm), CO (2.6 mm); and by dust and stellar continuum observations with the IRAS satellite (12-100 μm), and with ground-based telescopes (1-5 μm). The main results are: (1) Dense cores are actively forming low-mass stars, typically on time scales - 105 yr. (2) Stars in cores frequently have CO outflow, which may typically last ≈ 105 yr; enhanced NH3 line broadening, of order 0.2 km s−1; and very cold infrared spectra, peaking at λ >~ 100 μm. (3) Cores without stars have velocity dispersions that are nearly thermal, suggesting that their nonthermal support has largely dissipated.
RT-OMT: a real-time object modeling technique for designing real-time database applications

This paper describes a methodology called RT-OMT (Real-time Object Modeling Technique) for designing real-time database applications. RT-OMT adapts the OMT (Object Modeling Technique) methodology for this purpose. OMT is one of the more popular object-oriented methodologies for designing applications for complex information systems. These include database systems, executive/enterprise information systems, collaborative computing systems, medical information systems, and hypermedia systems. This paper proposes an enhanced real-time OMT, by defining a real-time object model, a real-time dynamic model, and a real-time functional model for modeling and analysis of real-time database applications. >
Design Space and Evaluation Challenges of Adaptive Graphical User Interfaces

Adaptive graphical user interfaces (GUIs) have the potential to improve performance and user satisfaction by automatically tailoring the presentation of functionality to each individual user. In practice, however, many challenges exist and evaluation results of adaptive GUIs have been mixed. To guide researchers and designers in developing effective adaptive GUIs, we outline a design space and discuss three important aspects to consider when conducting user evaluations of these types of interfaces: the control and reporting of adaptive algorithm characteristics, the impact of task choice and user characteristics on the overall effectiveness of a design, and evaluation measures that are appropriate for adaptive interaction.
Revisiting old vaginal topics: conversion of the Müllerian vagina and origin of the "sinus" vagina

Vaginal development has been a longstanding controversy, which hampers studies on vaginal diseases as well as cervical and uterine diseases. Most concerns center on: why is the vaginal epithelium different from the uterine epithelium; and where does the vagina originate from? It is commonly held that the rodent vagina has a dual origin: the cranial part is derived from the Mullerian duct (Mullerian vagina) and the caudal part derived from the urogenital sinus ("sinus" vagina). This concept was deduced from morphological observations. However, it cannot explain the difference between the Mullerian vagina and the uterus. Moreover, accumulating new data from genetic and molecular studies contradicts the urogenital sinus origin of the "sinus" vagina. The present review summarizes previous morphological observations and new findings from genetic and molecular studies, and addresses molecular mechanisms underlying the origin and organogenesis of the vagina in rodents. It provides evidence to show that the whole vagina is derived the Mullerian duct. BMP4 reshapes the intermediate mesoderm-derived Mullerian duct into the vaginal primordium. The latter thus exhibits different features from the uterus, including the stratified squamous epithelium and insensitivity to anti-Mullerian hormone. The "sinus" vagina is formed by extrinsic BMP4-mediated caudal extension of the Mullerian duct. The present review thus shows how a century of controversy over the origin and organogenesis of the vagina has been resolved. This new understanding will provide additional insight into genetic diseases and tumors of the female reproductive tract.
Voice services and aviation data networks

The presence of Internet connection within an aircraft brings out various possibilities. Apart from providing data services to the passengers, the available Internet connection could also be used for enhanced services like voice over IP (VoIP) and multimedia access (entertainment). Providing voice services using the Internet connection requires the entire network architecture to be VoIP compliant. This involves selection of appropriate network devices and network architecture. Other factors that need to be considered while opting for VoIP are the cost factor and voice quality. The solution will be successful only when the overall cost per call is significantly less than RF based service provided by some carriers. This again leads to selecting appropriate networking devices and architecture that facilitate VoIP with least establishment cost. In this paper, the authors review the requirements of a successful VoIP implementation in the case of an Internet enabled aircraft, analyze the performance of voice traffic in the presence of satellite links, and suggest a network architecture to support voice communication within the Internet enabled aircraft.
Current status of diastolic augmentation for circulatory support.

Abstract The hemodynamic effects of alteration of the aortic pressure pulse by diastolic augmentation in experimental acute myocardial infarction and clinical experience with these techniques are described. Both counterpulsation of blood in the aorta or femoral arteries and phased inflation of a thoracic aortic balloon achieve with reasonable predictability the physical aims of the procedure, i.e., diminution of the aortic systolic pressure and increment of the aortic diastolic pressure. However, varying hemodynamic consequences of these effects have been reported in experimental acute myocardial infarction with shock. Despite theoretical considerations, significant increase of the diminished coronary flow has not been found uniformly, particularly when the initial aortic pressure is quite low. Oxygen consumption of the myocardium usually, but not invariably, has been lowered by this technique and variable effects have been reported in reversing the anaerobic myocardial metabolic alterations of acute myocardial infarction. Analysis of the results indicates that the technique achieves optimal physiologic efficacy when it operates with a substrate of adequate central aortic pressure. This is accomplished more readily with balloon pumping than with central aortic counter-pulsation of blood alone, probably because of some circulatory compartmentalization produced by the balloon as well as by its central aortic pumping effects. In addition, balloon pumping as compared to counter-pulsation of blood affords the advantage of easier peripheral arterial cannulation and less destruction of the formed elements of the blood, thus allowing it to be used for longer periods. When the arterial pressure is quite low, additional efficacy can be obtained by utilizing the technique with a method to raise central aortic pressure by means of circulatory compartmentalization with a distal aortic balloon. The clinical results have been too sparse to form valid conclusions concerning the indications for and the ultimate hazerds and benefits of the techniques in acute myocardial infarction with shock. Most of the available experience has been with phasic inflation and deflation of a helium-filled thoracic aortic balloon. This has indicated a variable survival rate (about 30 per cent in the largest series) in patients refractory to conventional medical management. It is stressed that it is necessary to obtain more precise prognostic indications in acute myocardial infarction in the future so that optimum and reasonably early selection of patients who will not respond to other forms of therapy may be accomplished. This may permit initiation of circulatory support before irreversible cardiovascular deterioration has occurred.
Teaching with the Internet

Abstract The business environment is changing because of the Internet. The explosion of information available on the Internet has put business faculty in a quandary. We are challenged with training leaders of the future in how to tap into valuable Internet resources while just barely mastering the technology and its scope ourselves. This article discusses ways to use the Internet as a pedagogical tool in a higher education setting. Incorporation of the Internet into the curriculum is illustrated by examining the use of an on-line textbook, an Internet-based project, and other Internet applications, as used in a graduate accounting information systems course.
Study of a new chiral selector: Sodium arsenyl-(l)-(+) tartrate for capillary electrophoresis.

Abstract Sodium arsenyl-( l )-(+) tartrate (Na2[As2(+)-tart2]·3H2O) was examined and evaluated as a chiral selector using capillary electrophoresis. This chiral selector showed enantioselective associations with many cationic analytes, including primary, secondary, and tertiary amines. Also, baseline separations of ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes were achieved within 10 min. The effect of buffer type, chiral selector concentration, voltage applied, buffer concentration, buffer pH and organic modifier concentration were examined and optimized.
ON THE ORIGIN OF HURRICANE SPIRAL RAIN BANDS

Abstract Analysis of the histories of spiral rain bands as observed on radar indicates that they are usually formed near the center of the storm and propagate radially outward. The rain band, therefore, maintains a quasi-conservative position relative to the quadrants in which it is formed and does not rotate about the storm center. Furthermore, the radar echoes are not simply pre-existing elements which assume the spiral shape but appear to have their origin in the outward propagated band. Data from several hurricanes are used to illustrate this hypothesis. Evidence is also presented which indicates that the eye of the hurricane is defined by a wall cloud made up of one or more spiral-band fragments in the process of generation.
THz emission from coherent plasmons in InAs nanowires

We report the first observation of coherent plasmon emission of THz radiation from arrays of semiconductor nanowires. The THz signal strength from InAs nanowires is comparable to a planar substrate, indicating the nanowires are highly efficient emitters. This is explained by the preferential orientation of plasma motion to the wire surface, which overcomes radiation trapping by total-internal reflection. Using a bulk Drude model, we identify the average donor density and mobility in the nanowires in a non-contact manner. Contact IV transconductance measurements provide order of magnitude agreement with values obtained from the THz spectra.
Centrifugal stresses in arbitrarily laminated, rectangular—anistropic circular discs

AbstractThe problem is formulated as one in the linear theory of thin, laminated, anisotropic elastic plates. A direct force-and-moment formulation is used, simplifying approximation is introduced and a closed-form solution is obtained. This solution exhibits bending-stretching coupling if the plate is asymmetrically laminated with respect to mass or stiffness or both. Numerical results typical of certain composite materials of current interest are presented. Specific laminates considered as examples include (1) glass—epoxy/steel, (2) cross-ply graphite—epoxy, and (3) various quasi-isotropic layups of organic fibre—epoxy.
Comparative optical analysis of extrasolar planetary imaging techniques

We discuss intermediary results of our on-going study of filled aperture coronagraphic imaging methods for detection and characterization of extra-solar planets from a space-based telescope. Chosen are three high contrast imaging methods which are currently under investigation as part of NASA's Terrestrial Planet Finder study. Developed are analytical and computational models for three techniques that include: (i) an apodized square aperture telescope, (ii) Lyot stop coronagraph, and (iii) Spergel/Kasdin pupil. Each of the techniques is quantitatively compared and contrasted utilizing the in-pixel contrast ratio, signal-to-noise, and detection zone as metrics. The results are parameterized with respect to planetary to angular separation, planet to stellar luminosity ratio, and aperture or baseline size. We ultimately desire a compact formalism to compare and contrast different techniques, for extra-solar planetary detection, on equal footing, from an optical detection theory point of view.
Life history characteristics of the freshwater ostracod Cyprinotus incongruens and their application to toxicity testing.

The biology of ostracod crustaceans suggests that this group could be a useful model for sediment toxicity testing. We examined life history characteristics of the freshwater ostracod Cyprinotus incongruens in the laboratory (25°C), then used length after 10 days as a response variable in a sediment toxicity test. Life history results indicated that both fecundity (0–64 total eggs per female), and egg development time (1->157 days), were highly variable. In contrast, juvenile development time showed less variation (7–16 days), and thus body length after 10 days was chosen as a sublethal bioassay character. A bioassay experiment using sediments isolated from mine-impacted cobble streams indicated that C. incongruens had a higher sensitivity to variation in sediment quality than the cladoceran Ceriodaphnia dubia. Surprisingly, the results indicated no correspondence between concentration of metals and toxicity in either C. incongruens or C. dubia. Overall our results indicate that ostracods are a good candidate taxon for sublethal toxicity tests of contaminated sediments.
Evaluation of low-grade ceria as a Pd-catalyst support material

Cerium concentrate, a low-grade material obtained at an early stage in refining ceria from raw ore, was employed as a support for model Pd catalysts. Both the support and the catalysts were characterized by a combination of techniques including oxygen storage measurements. Results are compared with those from similar catalysts made with pure ceria. The cerium concentrate is generally inferior to pure ceria as a support material and oxygen storage component. However, its effectiveness is greater than that of an inactive support, and thus it could be suitable for certain applications.
Separable roles of hippocampal granule cells in forgetting and pyramidal cells in remembering spatial information

Abstract To investigate the roles individual hippocampal cell groups play in processing of spatial information for memory, we administered low-intensity electrical stimulation to the granule cells, CA3 and CA1 pyramidal cells of the dorsal hippocampus at selected times before and after acquisition of the solution to a radial maze win-stay task. Stimulation of any of the 3 cell populations yielded a variable duration anterograde disruption of memory performance, while stimulation of dentate gyrus granule cells alone produced a declarative memory-specific retrograde amnesia. The amnestic effect of granule cell stimulation was not associated with afterdischarges in the hippocampus and was prevented by systemic administration of the opiate antagonist naloxone. Our results support the view that this electrical stimulus does not disrupt, but rather, activates the normal function of the granule cell system, resulting in erasure of information held in declarative memory. In contrast, similar activation of the pyramidal cell system does not yield retrograde amnesia, suggesting a normal role for these cells in promoting memory for spatial information.
Equilibrium self-association of tropomyosin.

It has recently been reported that tropomyosin exists exclusively as a dimer in physiological salt conditions. It is shown in the present work using analytical ultracentrifugation that, on the contrary, tropomyosin is in equilibrium between monomer, dimer and tetramer with a weak tendency to dimerize and tetramerize. Such a finding has consequences for the assembly of the tropomyosin–actin complex.
Limitations of post-extrasystolic potentiation in assessing regional myocardial viability in man.

UNLABELLED To investigate the usefulness of regional response to post-extrasystolic potentiation as a predictor of left ventricular viability in patients with coronary artery disease, 46 patients underwent calibrated biplane left ventricular cineangiography during which a single, timed ventricular premature contraction was introduced. RESULTS Of 758 normal or hypokinetic segments, 486 (64.1%) showed a positive response to post-extrasystolic potentiation. Of 116 akinetic or dyskinetic segments, only 51 (43.9%) showed a positive response to post-extrasystolic potentiation (P less than 0.001). Because akinetic or dyskinetic areas would not be expected to respond to post-extrasystolic potentiation based on animal laboratory data, alternative explanations were sought to explain such positive response in man. Analysis of percent change in chord length of normal or hypokinetic segments adjacent to akinetic or dyskinetic segments that did or did not respond to post-extrasystolic potentiation revealed (10.2% +/- 1.2%) vs (1.3% +/- 0.7%) improvement, respectively (P less than 0.001) (mean +/- SE). CONCLUSION Passive rather than active events may be responsible for "improved" regional wall motion following post-extrasystolic potentiation in akinetic or dyskinetic regions. If unrecognized, these factors may lead to improper interpretation of "intervention ventriculography" utilizing post-extrasystolic potentiation.
Logic-flow analysis of higher-order programs

This work presents a framework for fusing flow analysis and theorem proving called logic-flow analysis (LFA). The framework itself is the reduced product of two abstract interpretations: (1) an abstract state machine and (2) a set of propositions in a restricted first-order logic. The motivating application for LFA is the safe removal of implicit array-bounds checks without type information, user interaction or program annotation. LFA achieves this by delegating a given task to either the prover or the flow analysis depending on which is best suited to discharge it. Described within are a concrete semantics for continuation-passing style; a restricted, first-order logic; a woven product of two abstract interpretations; proofs of correctness; and a worked example.
A simple, sensitive and safe method to determine the human α/β-tryptase genotype.

The human tryptase locus on chromosome 16 contains one gene encoding only β-tryptase and another encoding either β-tryptase or the homologous α-tryptase, providing α:β gene ratios of 0∶4, 1∶3 or 2∶2 in the diploid genome, these genotypes being of potential clinical relevance in severe atopy. Using an EcoRV restriction site in α- but not β- tryptase, PCR products, spanning intron 1 to exon 5, were used to determine α/β-tryptase gene ratios using non-radioactive labels, including ethidium bromide labeling of all PCR products, and either digoxigenin-primer or DY682-primer labeling of only the final PCR cycle products. Sensitivity increased ∼60-fold with each final PCR cycle labeling technique. Ethidium bromide labeling underestimated amounts of α-tryptase, presumably because heteroduplexes of α/β-tryptase amplimers, formed during annealing, were EcoRV resistant. In contrast, both final PCR cycle labeling techniques precisely quantified these gene ratios, because only homoduplexes were labeled. Using the DY682-primer was most efficient, because PCR/EcoRV products could be analyzed directly in the gel; while digoxigenin-labeled products required transfer to a nitrocellulose membrane followed by immunoblotting. This technique for determining the α/β-tryptase genotype is sensitive, accurate, simple and safe, and should permit high-throughput screening to detect potential phenotype-genotype relations for α/β-tryptases, and for other closely related alleles.
Hemodynamic and respiratory changes following dexmedetomidine administration during general anesthesia: sevoflurane vs desflurane.

BACKGROUND The current study evaluates the hemodynamic and respiratory effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) when administered to children anesthetized with sevoflurane (SEVO) or desflurane (DES). METHODS After tracheal intubation and spontaneous ventilation, DEX (0.5 microg x kg(-1)) was administered over 5 min. Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (sBP), diastolic blood pressure (dBP), and endtidal carbon dioxide (P(E)CO(2)) were monitored and recorded prior to DEX (time 0) and again at 5, 10, and 15 min after DEX. RESULTS The cohort included 80 children (1-12 years of age) anesthetized with SEVO (n = 40) or DES (n = 40). The lowest HR from time 0 to time 15 was less in patients anesthetized with SEVO compared with DES (104 +/- 16 b x min(-1) in the SEVO/DEX group vs 120 +/- 17 b x min(-1) in the DES/DEX group, < 0.01). Although both sBP and dBP decreased following the administration of DEX to patients anesthetized with either SEVO or DES, there was no difference in sBP or dBP between the two groups. Likewise, no evidence was found for changes in the P(E)CO(2) during the study period. CONCLUSIONS The administration of DEX (0.5 microg x kg(-1)) results in a lower HR in patients anesthetized with SEVO compared with DES. No evidence was found for differences in sBP, dBP, or P(E)CO(2) during spontaneous ventilation with 1 MAC of SEVO vs DES.
Semiconductor nanomaterials for radio frequency devices and systems

The excellent electronic, thermal and mechanical properties of semiconductor nanomaterials, ranging form single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) to GaAs nanomembranes and nanowires, together with the ability to integrate them onto a wide range of substrate types, create opportunities for their use in various areas of electronics, ranging from heterogeneously integrated systems for applications in communications to large area distributed circuits for flexible displays. In these cases, organized assemblies of these materials can provide effective thin film type semiconductors for scalable circuit integration. This talk describes our research in this area, and highlights (1) methods for self-aligned growth of large scale, perfectly aligned arrays of perfectly linear SWNTs, (2) strategies to create and manipulate nanomembranes and nanowires of GaAs, and (3) device and circuit implementations, including high mobility transistors with GHz switching speeds, transistor radios and medium-scale digital logic circuits on flexible plastic substrates.
Sex assignment for newborns with ambiguous genitalia and exposure to fetal testosterone: attitudes and practices of pediatric urologists.

Objective Sex assignment to newborns with ambiguous genitalia is controversial. Our objective was to determine the attitudes and practices of pediatric urologists on this subject. Study design A survey of fellows in the Urology Section of the American Academy of Pediatrics was completed by 185/228 (81%). The survey referred to two cases, masculinized 46XX congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and 46XY cloacal exstrophy. Questions referred to sex assignment, timing of surgery, decision making process, and respondent demographics. Results For masculinized 46XX CAH, virtually all respondents favored female sex assignment. The most important factor was potential fertility. For 46XY cloacal exstrophy, two thirds favored the male sex. The most important factor was potential androgen brain imprinting, whereas in selecting female assignment, it was difficulty creating a functional phallus. Respondent characteristics associated with assigning female sex were longer duration in practice (>15 years) and affiliation with training programs. Most respondents advocated a team approach to decision making with parental involvement and early surgery ( Conclusion Pediatric urologists are in strong consensus about sex assignment for newborns with ambiguous genitalia from CAH, a team approach with parental involvement, and early reconstruction. Yet, there is striking variability in attitudes toward sex assignment for newborns with 46XY cloacal exstrophy, which should be incorporated into the decision-making process with parents.
Irradiation creep of stainless steel in bending

Abstract The development is described of a test to measure irradiation enhanced creep in bending of 20% cold-worked Type-316 stainless steel. The test will be irradiated in the experimental fast reactor EBR-II. The rationale used in design selection is described. The selected beam designs, the supportive tests in other stress states and the measurement techniques are described in detail.
Changes in plasma corticosterone and adrenocortical response to stress during the breeding cycle in high altitude flycatchers

Abstract Plasma corticosterone levels were monitored in a breeding population of Dusky Flycatchers ( Empidonax oberholseri ) at Tioga Pass, in the eastern Sierra Nevada. Seasonal changes in baseline plasma corticosterone levels were largely related to changes in reproductive status. Levels in both sexes were highest during the period preceding the female’s initiation of a clutch. Females, alone, incubated, but males provided food regularly for their incubating mates. Excepting transient peaks in female corticosterone levels that immediately preceded ovipositions, steep declines in baseline levels of corticosterone in both sexes corresponded to the onset of parental attentiveness. Serial measurements of plasma corticosterone levels over a 1-h period of restraint, indicated that these declines originate at the level of the hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal response system. Increases in stress-induced plasma corticosterone were significantly greater during the period preceding clutch initiation (prenesting) than during the nesting period (incubation and nestling periods). Despite the changes in corticosterone between prenesting and nesting periods, variability in corticosterone levels during both stages was negatively correlated with body condition (body mass and fat, corrected for size), and level of parental investment. Highest levels of plasma corticosterone were observed in lighter, leaner flycatchers, and during the hours when self-foraging activities were highest; lowest levels were seen in heavier, fatter birds, and those foraging for chicks. This relationship between corticosterone and parental care extended to a small number of accessory males that were acting as helpers at the nest. These results suggest that variation in the length of the reproductive cycle and degree of parental investment may help to explain the level of adaptive modulation of the adrenal stress response in species that breed in unpredictable environments.
Review: Case management does not reduce unplanned hospital admissions compared with usual care in older persons

Source Citation Huntley AL, Thomas R, Mann M, et al. Is case management effective in reducing the risk of unplanned hospital admissions for older people? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Fam ...
Detection of crossing vessels as the cause of ureteropelvic junction obstruction: the role of antegrade pyelography prior to endopyelotomy.

PURPOSE To review the utility of antegrade pyelography in detecting crossing vessels as the cause of uretero-pelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction prior to planned endopyelotomy MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective review of the medical records, surgical reports, and medical images was performed in 109 consecutive adult patients in our practice who underwent antegrade pyelography just prior to planned endopyelotomy for symptomatic UPJ obstruction between January 1996 and December 2002 RESULTS Fourteen patients were identified in whom a specific antegrade pyelographic appearance was detected in the diagnosis UPJ obstruction caused by crossing vessels. Surgical plans were changed in all 14 patients from antegrade endopyelotomy to open surgical pyeloplasty, during which the anterior (ventral) crossing vessels causing obstruction were confirmed. An additional three patients in the reviewed endopyelotomy group clinically failed their initial endopyelotomy procedure and were shown at the time of subsequent open or laparoscopic reconstructive surgery to have UPJ obstruction caused by anterior crossing vessels, but that diagnosis was missed at the time of the initial antegrade pyelogram CONCLUSION A specific antegrade pyelographic appearance was identified to diagnose UPJ obstruction caused by anterior crossing vessels with a sensitivity of 82.4% and a specificity of 100%. The direct obstructing effect of the vessels on the ureter is defined with pyelography as an acute posteriorly angulated ureteral deformity just below a patent UPJ. Recognition of this specific antegrade pyelographic appearance permits use of an appropriate surgical technique for UPJ obstruction repair
Compact Physical Models for Power Supply Noise and Chip/Package Co-Design of Gigascale Integration

Compact physical models are derived for predicting power supply noise of chips in the gigascale integration (GSI) era. These models consider both IR-drop and simultaneous switching noise (SSN) and give a quick full waveform description of the first droop power supply noise as well as its peak value. The derivation of these models proceeds by considering a frequency domain representation of power grids and later obtaining time domain equivalents. The derived models enable chip/package co-design in current and future technology nodes by allowing a designer to make tradeoffs in various chip and package parameters such as on-chip wire area, number and sizes of power/ground I/O pads and amount of decoupling capacitance. SPICE simulations show that the worst case peak noise model has less than 4% error.
X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Studies of Model Catalysts

Supported metal catalysts enable the production of essentially all forms of liquid hydrocarbon fuels as well as facilitate a multitude of other industrial processes. Catalytic behavior is influenced by a plethora of competing factors of which the most important is catalyst structure. The catalyst size, on which structure is strongly reliant, complicates its study by pushing the limitations of qualitative and quantitative analyses. In general, it can be said that 30 nm marks a transition into improved catalytic ability and, in some cases, the onset of dramatically distinct behaviors in small clusters [1]. It therefore remains a significant goal in science to fundamentally understand and predict the local structure and stability of catalytic materials at this scale so that tailor-made catalysts with distinct technological applications can be created. Dramatic progress toward this idea of “rational catalyst design” through the combined use of simulation and experimentation is already being realized by severa...
Cellular mechanisms of insulin resistance in polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Insulin resistance is a predominant feature in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCO). The cellular mechanisms for this insulin resistance have not been defined. In this study, major steps in the insulin action cascade, receptor binding, kinase activity, and glucose transport activity were evaluated in isolated adipocytes prepared from PCO subjects (n = 8) without acanthosis nigricans and in a group of age and weight-matched controls [normal cycling (NC) n = 8]. The PCO group was hyperinsulinemic and displayed elevated insulin responses to an iv glucose load. The binding of 125I-insulin to adipocytes was similar in cells from PCO and NC subjects. In PCO, autophosphorylation of the insulin receptor-subunit in the absence of insulin was normal but a significant decrease (30% below control) in maximal insulin stimulated autophosphorylation was observed. However, receptor kinase activity measured against the exogenous substrate poly glu:tyr (4:1) was normal. Cells from PCO subjects transported glucose a...
A new ion sensing deep atomic force microscope

Here we describe a new deep atomic force microscope (AFM) capable of ion sensing. A novel probe assembly incorporates a micropipette that can be used both for sensing ion currents and as the tip for AFM imaging. The key advance of this instrument over previous ion sensing AFMs is that it uses conventional micropipettes in a novel suspension system. This paper focuses on sensing the ion current passively while using force feedback for the operation of the AFM in contact mode. Two images are obtained simultaneously: (1) an AFM topography image and (2) an ion current image. As an example, two images of a MEMS device with a microchannel show peaks in the ion current as the pipette tip goes over the edges of the channel. This ion sensing AFM can also be used in other modes including tapping mode with force feedback as well as in non-contact mode by utilizing the ion current for feedback, as in scanning ion conductance microscopy. The instrument is gentle enough to be used on some biological samples such as plant leaves.
Thickness effects in thin films

Abstract The dependence of the electronic properties of very thin films on film thickness is investigated. Three situations are considered in which film thickness may be important: (1) the occurrence of band and surface states, (2) resonant tunneling, and (3) electron emission from impurity covered surfaces. It is found that substantial deviations from the behavior predicted by considering each surface independently occur for thicknesses less than about 50 atomic layers. Consideration is also given in situations (2) and (3) to effects which are possible in films which can host surface states.
Centralization of Decision Making and Accountability Based on Gender

Different gender combinations in superior-subordinate dyads were examined and results indicated that female employees perceived that they were delegated less authority or influence in decisions aff...
Behavior of curtain wall stud to track connections

An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the lateral load capacity of the industry standard curtain wall stud-to-track connections used in wind load bearing cold-formed steel stud walls in USA. These connections, the screw-attached stud to track connection and the deflection track connection, were investigated to gain an understanding of their behavior and to develop appropriate design guidelines. As a result of the investigation, the current design guidelines were found to be conservative. Test results allowed for the formulation of modifications to the existing design equations to better predict the stud end support capacity.