cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preparation of fingernails for trace element analysis

Abstract There are substantial differences in the reported elemental composition of human nails. Most investigators have used extensive washing procedures to minimize environmental contamination, however, such washing poses the risk of extraction of elements bound to the nail matrix. To determine if a portion of this variability could be accounted for by the “washing solutions” used by different investigators, nails were washed in nine solvents previously used for cleaning nails and their residual elemental composition measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy or energy dispersion analysis. In general, treatment with organic solvents resulted in less elemental loss than did treatment with aqueous detergents, while aqueous acids caused the greatest loss. Organic solvents more readily extracted iron and magnesium than calcium, copper and zinc. Virtually all of the magnesium was extracted by distilled water or aqueous detergents.
Adaptation to different growth temperatures modifies some mammalian cell survival responses.

Abstract Chinese hamster (HA-1) cells that have been grown at 37 °C since explant several years ago can adapt themselves to grow at temperatures ranging from 32 to 41 °C. This growth adaptation is accompanied by major phenotypic changes in, for exampie, the cellular responses to 43 and 45 °C heat challenges and to ethanol challenges (0–10% in concentration). Cells grown at 39.5 °C are seen to acquire substantial heat resistance when compared with cells grown at 37 °C; resistance is even more pronounced if the growth temperature is at 41 °C. On the other hand, cells grown at 32 °C become more sensitive to heat than controls. Our results also indicate an increased resistance to ethanol of the 41 °C grown cells. By contrast the cells' X-ray survival response is affected only minimally. The changes seen are phenotypic; upon being returned to 37 °C, HA-1 cells within 34 h regain their ‘normal’ heat responses.
Steady State Generalization following Testing with Different Inter-Probe-Test Intervals

Summary.-Rats received discrimination training, wherein the S+ was a light-on (100 ft-c) and the S- was a light-off (0 ft-c). The schedules of reinforcement during S+ were a fixed-interval 30-sec, schedule with a limited hold of 5-sec. for rwo rats and a variable interval 30.sec. schedule for 3 Ss. After discrimination performance had stabilized, a probe-testing technique was used to rest for generalization to three logarithmically arranged test stimuli (1, 25, and 50 ft-c). Tests were conducted with 5- and 2-day intertest intervals. The results indicated no difference in gradient shape after testing with 5- or 2-day intertest intervals. It was concluded that repeated probe testing for generalization virtually eliminates cumulative extinction effects that may distort gradient shapes. A frequently used procedure for obtaining generalization gradients involves training a subject to respond in the presence of one stimulus correlated with reinforcement and then testing the amount of responding to a range of stimuli in extinction (Guttman & Kalish, 1956). Both experiments with retraining between repeated extinction tests (Guttman & Kalish, 1956; Blough, 1961) and without such retraining (Kalish & Haber, 1963) have shown changes in shapes of gradient over tests. Even with extended periods of reconditioning (Zeiler, 1969), gradients become steeper with successive testing. The steepening of gradients may be due to the general effects of extinction and, furthermore, these effects may cumulate to change shape of gradient over successive tests (Hearst & Poppen, 1965 ) . Sewell and Kendall (1965) suggested that spaced probe testing may prevent changes in shapes of gradients over test sessions. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine the effect of repeated probe testing on shape of gradient. Baseline discrimination between two stimuli was established, then four probe tests were conducted separated by five baseline recovery sessions, followed 30 days later by four probe tests separated by two baseline sessions. In order to increase the generality of the findings, two Ss were exposed to one set of training and testing conditions while three Ss were exposed to a different set of conditions.
Crystalline and amorphous models of highly damaged Fe

The structure of irradiated material near a primary knock on atom shortly after impact is largely unknown. Molecular dynamics simulations with classical force fields provide the foundation for our current understanding of the resulting cascade. Atomic level structural characterization is often in terms defects within the context of a perfect bulk, however, the choice of the best representation is complicated because the density of defects is high, the material is inhomogeneous and it is not in equilibrium. Here we explore the adaptation of tools typically employed to characterize homogeneous equilibrium liquids to the highly defected region of the cascade. The cascade structure shows some resemblance to that of the liquid or glass phase. The local temperature temporarily exceeds the melting temperature and the free energies of the liquid and defected crystal are comparable. Analysis of cascade structure will be important to the interpretation of first principles calculations of the electronic and magnetic states in cascade structures.
Malignant malaria and microangiopathies: merging mechanisms

In this issue of Blood , Bridges and colleagues report that Plasmodium falciparum –infected erythrocytes are able to attach to the endothelial surface by binding platelet-decorated VWF strands in a CD36-dependent fashion, revealing a new mechanism for erythrocyte cytoadherence in malaria.[1][1] [1]: #ref-1
Conference summary and conclusions. A comprehensive approach to predicting and managing mood effects of glucocorticoids.

The discovery of glucocorticoids and their enormous therapeutic benefits led to the use of these compounds as valuable medications for a wide variety of diseases. In 1950 this effort was ushered in by a landmark event—the awarding of the 1950 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine to Drs. Phillip Hench, Edward Kendall, and Tadeus Reichstein. It was Hench who described and researched the successful use of the glucocorticoid, cortisone, and pituitary adrenocorticotrophic hormones to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Significant scientific discovery preceded Hench and colleagues’ efforts, but the revolutionary accumulation of discovery in glucocorticoids since then is one of the unique scientific stories in the history of medicine. The scientific conference upon which this volume is based represents an attempt to convene a state-of-the-science meeting on the current understanding and scientific status of this fascinating, far-reaching, and fast-moving field. This last chapter will summarize the exciting presentations of this 2-day conference.
Determining a suitable material model for simulating embankment responses under blast loading

AbstractThe results of finite element simulations for an explosive detonated 1 foot above the surface of an earthen embankment dam in New Mexico are presented in this study. The finite element model is constructed with the dynamic analysis software LS DYNA. Two LS DYNA material models (material model 14: soil and crushable foam with failure and material model 78: soil/concrete) are utilized to model the soil of the embankment dam. The responses of the embankment are compared to field values to identify a suitable material model between material model 14 and material model 78. Simulation results of pressure–time history, nodal velocity, and soil displacement are presented for both material models. The results of the simulations are also compared to previous explosive-induced soil cratering studies. It is shown that material model 78 is more suitable for embankment response characterization under blast loading.
The marginal cost-effectiveness of medical technology: A panel instrumental-variables approach

Abstract We use panel instrumental variables techniques to estimate incremental mortality and cost effects of intensive procedures for treating heart attacks among the elderly. We identify incremental effects by comparing trends in procedure use, hospital costs, and mortality between hospitals that adopted intensive technologies to corresponding trends at nonadopting hospitals. We formalize the identification assumptions required for ‘difference-in-differences’ estimation and present empirical evidence on their validity. Accounting for unobserved heterogeneity substantially reduces estimated mortality effects and additional costs of intensive procedure use. Our most conservative estimate of the average cost of each additional one-year AMI survivor associated with more intensive medical treatment is at least $40,000 in 1987 dollars; more plausible estimates are $70,000 or more.
Synthesis of Carbon Nitride Composite Thin Films Prepared by Pulsed Laser Deposition Method

Carbon nitride/titanium nitride composite coatings have been deposited on Si (100) and 7059 coming glass by in-situ pulsed laser deposition technique. A pulsed laser (λ = 248 nm) has been used to ablate the both pyrolytic graphite and TiN targets. It has been shown that TiN provides a lattice-matched structural template to seed the growth of carbon nitride crystallites (W. D. Sproul et. al., Appl. Phys. Lett. Vol. 67, 203-205; 1995). This paper describes the same approach to grow carbon nitride composite coatings with varying thicknesses of buffer layer and carbon nitride films at different temperatures and pressures. Our preliminary results show the superior mechanical properties (hardness and modulli). The films have been characterized by X-ray diffractometer, SEM, FTIR and Raman spectroscopic techniques.
The Role of Extracellular Environment in Regulation of Cellular Response to Electric Field

Chronic wounds impose a significant burden on patients and health care system because they do not effectively respond to pharmacological treatments. Developing new non-pharmacological treatments requires application of advanced technology to control natural cell signals to trigger the desired cell responses. Electric field (EF) generated in the ionic environment surrounding cells and cell membrane has been shown to control cell behaviors. Therefore, manipulation of this EF by external EF may provide a new non-chemical treatment. EF-cell interactions may be affected by both the distribution of the induced EF within the cell and the properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is known to regulate cell response to the external stimuli. Therefore, mechanistic studies of cell-ECM interaction in response to EF are essential for the efficient control of cell responses and development of EF-based therapies. To address this issue, we developed a combined theoretical-experimental approach. Theoretical 3D EF-cell interaction model solves Maxwell's equations (ANSOFT_HFSS) for a membrane-enclosed hemisphere subjected to EF in its native configuration to provide a precise distribution of induced EF within the cell in wide frequency range. Simulation results predict a frequency specific cell response. At low frequency EF is confined in cell membrane and expected to regulate membrane-initiated responses. At high frequency EF penetration into the cell increases and is therefore expected to activate intracellular interactions. Experimentally measured responses of endothelial cells to EF confirm this prediction. Analysis of growth factor expression and capillary morphogenesis show a significant difference between low and high frequency groups. Blocking membrane receptors does not affect observed responses in high frequency, which confirms activation of intracellular interaction. We showed that cell responses to EF function differently in natural versus synthetic ECM. We attribute this to difference in ECM properties.
Mechanism of decreased arachidonic acid in the renal cortex of rats with diabetes mellitus.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the roles of decreased synthesis and increased consumption in the depression of arachidonic acid levels in renal cortex and glomeruli of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus. In diabetic rats, arachidonic acid was depressed 33.2% in renal cortex, 47.4% in liver and 66.1% in heart compared to values of control rats. Δ6 Desaturase activity was depressed in renal cortex, liver and heart of diabetic rats to 53.3, 55.5 and 63.7%, respectively, of control values. Δ5 Desaturase activity was also depressed 43.7, 55.5 and 47.6% in renal cortex, liver and heart of diabetic rats, respectively. In other rats the activities of five enzymes involved in the synthesis and esterification of arachidonic acid were measured in renal cortex and in isolated glomeruli. Both tissues from diabetic rats showed depressed activities of Δ5 and Δ6 desaturases, increased activities of long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase and 1-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine acyltransferase and no change in the activity of elongase as compared to those in control tissues. Malondialdehyde, an end product of lipid peroxidation, was lower in the renal cortex of diabetic rats than in control rats, whereas β-oxidation of linoleic acid and arachidonic acid were similar in diabetic and in control rats. Basal and stimulated prostaglandin E2 synthesis were significantly higher in isolated glomeruli from diabetic rats compared to those in control rats. In isolated tubules, prostaglandin E2 synthesis was similarly low in both groups. From these data we conclude that the reduced level of arachidonic acid esterified in lipids of the kidney cortex is caused principally by depressed synthesis of arachidonic acid secondary to decreased activity of Δ5 and Δ6 desaturases. Increased consumption of arachidonic acid to support prostaglandin synthesis may have contributed to the depression of arachidonic acid in glomeruli but not in tubules.
Macrophage aggregates in cytomegalovirus esophagitis

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) esophagitis may be difficult to identify in small endoscopic biopsy specimens, because diagnostic CMV inclusions may be absent or hard to find. The author has noticed aggregates of macrophages in the granulation tissue and exudates of esophageal ulcers with CMV inclusions and postulated that this may be a characteristic inflammatory response to the virus, similar to that seen in herpes simplex virus (HSV) esophagitis. To test this hypothesis, 14 esophageal biopsy specimens diagnosed with CMV infection at the University of Michigan over the last 10 years were analyzed for the amount and distribution of macrophage aggregates. Twelve of 14 biopsies showed aggregates of macrophages; five had patchy aggregates of macrophages in exudates, four had a perivascular distribution of macrophages present in granulation tissue, and three had macrophages present in both exudates and granulation tissue. The number of macrophages in CMV esophagitis was generally less than in HSV esophagitis, whereas the perivascular distribution of macrophages in granulation tissue was unique to CMV esophagitis. These findings indicate that aggregates of macrophages are a characteristic of CMV esophagitis as well as of HSV esophagitis and their presence in a biopsy specimen that does not show diagnostic viral inclusions warrants further study to identify CMV or HSV.
Determining simulation run length with the runs test

Abstract This paper discusses implementation of a sequential procedure to determine the simulation run length and construct a confidence interval for the mean of a steady-state simulation. The quasi-independent (QI) procedure increases the simulation run length progressively until a certain number of essentially independent and identically distributed systematic samples are obtained. We estimate the variance of the sample mean through an empirical distribution (histogram). Several experimental performance evaluations demonstrate the validity of the QI procedure and histogram approximation.
Identification of the bacterial etiology of culture-negative endocarditis by amplification and sequencing of a small ribosomal RNA gene

We report two cases of culture-negative bacterial endocarditis in which the organisms were identified by amplification and sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. These results support an important role for polymerase chain reaction followed by direct sequencing to determine the etiology of culture-negative bacterial endocarditis and to guide appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Longitudinal Changes in Psychosocial Factors and Their Association With Knee Pain and Function After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background Evidence in the musculoskeletal rehabilitation literature suggests that psychosocial factors can influence pain levels and functional outcome. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine changes in select psychosocial factors and their association with knee pain and function over 12 weeks after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Design This was a prospective, longitudinal, observational study. Methods Patients with ACL reconstruction completed self-report questionnaires for average knee pain intensity (numeric rating scale [NRS]), knee function (International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form [IKDC-SKF]), and psychosocial factors (pain catastrophizing [Pain Catastrophizing Scale], fear of movement or reinjury [shortened version of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-11)], and self-efficacy for rehabilitation tasks [modified Self-Efficacy for Rehabilitation Outcome Scale (SER)]). Data were collected at 4 time points after surgery (baseline and 4, 8, and 12 weeks). Repeated-measures analyses of variance determined changes in questionnaire scores across time. Hierarchical linear regression models were used to examine the association of psychosocial factors with knee pain and function. Results Seventy-seven participants completed the study. All questionnaire scores changed across 12 weeks. Baseline psychosocial factors did not predict the 12-week NRS or IKDC-SKF score. The 12-week change in modified SER score predicted the 12-week change in NRS score ( r 2=.061), and the 12-week change in modified SER and TSK-11 scores predicted the 12-week change in IKDC-SKF score ( r 2=.120). Limitations The psychometric properties of the psychosocial factor questionnaires are unknown in people with ACL reconstruction. The study focused on short-term outcomes using only self-report measures. Conclusions Psychosocial factors are potentially modifiable early after ACL reconstruction. Baseline psychosocial factor levels did not predict knee pain or function 12 weeks postoperatively. Interventions that increase self-efficacy for rehabilitation tasks or decrease fear of movement or reinjury may have potential to improve short-term outcomes for knee pain and function.
Ocular immunopathology of Behçet's disease.

A patient developed progressive, severe, recurrent bilateral iridocyclitis, retinal vasculitis, and hemorrhagic infarction of the retina that led to blindness despite immunosuppressive therapy. Histopathology of an enucleated blind and painful eye revealed marked nongranulomatous uveitis with a predominantly CD4+ T-lymphocytic infiltration, as well as B-cell and plasma cell aggregation. Extensive expression of adhesion molecules on vascular endothelial cells were found. This finding suggests that adhesion molecules play an important role in the vasculitic process, the trademark of Behcet's disease. The ocular pathology and the therapeutic approach to Behcet's disease are briefly reviewed.
The Probability of Non-discrimination or Likelihood of Guilt of an Accused: Criminal Identification

Abstract The relative efficacy of genetic blood group systems is explored in terms of the probability of non-discrimination. This probability is used to assess the value of anti-sera and blood group systems to exclude falsely accused individuals. In criminal identification situations, it is often useful to assess the likelihood that a non-excluded defendant's blood was found at the scene of a crime. The probability that an accused individual who matches a specific set of blood phenotypes was present at a crime scene is derived and discussed. These calculations are illustrated with examples using blood group data from up to 5000 samples from blood donors.
Purification of Mutacin III from Group III Streptococcus mutans UA787 and Genetic Analyses of Mutacin III Biosynthesis Genes

Previously, members of our group reported the isolation and characterization of mutacin II from Streptococcus mutans T8 and the genetic analyses of the mutacin II biosynthesis genes (J. Novak, P. W. Caufield, and E. J. Miller, J. Bacteriol. 176:4316–4320, 1994; F. Qi, P. Chen, and P. W. Caufield, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 65:652–658, 1999; P. Chen, F. Qi, J. Novak, and P. W. Caufield, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 65:1356–1360, 1999). In this study, we cloned and sequenced the mutacin III biosynthesis gene locus from a group III strain of S. mutans, UA787. DNA sequence analysis revealed eight open reading frames, which we designated mutR, -A, -A′, -B, -C, -D, -P, and -T. MutR bears strong homology with MutR of mutacin II, while MutA, -B, -C, -D, -P, and -T are counterparts of proteins in the lantibiotic epidermin group. MutA′ has 60% amino acid identity with MutA and therefore appears to be a duplicate of MutA. Insertional inactivation demonstrated that mutA is an essential gene for mutacin III production, while mutA′ is not required. Mutacin III was purified to homogeneity by using reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography. N-terminal peptide sequencing of the purified mutacin III determined mutA to be the structural gene for prepromutacin III. The molecular mass of the purified peptide was measured by laser disorption mass spectrophotometry and found to be 2,266.43 Da, consistent with our supposition that mutacin III has posttranslational modifications similar to those of the lantibiotic epidermin.
Robotic-assisted laparoscopic mesh sacrocolpopexy.

The current ‘gold standard’ surgical repair for apical prolapse is the abdominal mesh sacrocolpopexy. Use of a robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgical approach has been demonstrated to be feasible as a minimally invasive approach and is gaining popularity amongst pelvic floor reconstructive surgeons. Although outcome data for robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy (RASC) is only just emerging, several small series have demonstrated anatomic and functional outcomes, as well as complication rates, comparable to those reported for open surgery. The primary advantages thus far for RASC over open surgery include decreased blood loss and shorter hospital stay.
Rapid Freezing of Dilute Alloys

Modelisation du processus de solidification d'un alliage binaire dilue avec melange complet du liquide et aucune diffusion dans le solide
Use of tissue and sediment-based threshold concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to protect juvenile salmonids listed under the US Endangered Species Act

Under the Endangered Species Act, the National Marine Fisheries Service has authority to protect listed species from any adverse actions that may jeopardize the population's ability to recover and increase to sustainable levels. Listed salmon species in the northwest United States are known to travel through urban areas in their migration from river to ocean. Species such as the chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) often spend several weeks in these urban estuaries where they can be highly exposed to urban-related contaminants that reside in the sediments and accumulate in their prey species. The concern is that these contaminants are bioaccumulated to levels that may impact the ability of individual salmon to grow and mature normally. This paper provides a framework for determining the tissue and sediment concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that are likely protective against adverse effects in listed salmonid species. 2. The relevant ecotoxicological literature was examined and 15 studies were selected that met the pre-established criteria outlined here. For each study, the lowest tissue concentration (residue) of total PCBs associated with a biological response was selected. The tissue concentration associated with the 10th percentile of these 15 studies was chosen to represent the residue effect threshold (RET) above which wild juvenile salmonids would be expected to exhibit adverse sublethal effects from accumulated PCBs. This value (2.4mg PCBs g � 1 lipid) is expressed in terms of the lipid-normalized concentration because of the large effect lipid can have on the expressed toxicity and the substantial variability in lipid content observed in salmonids over their life cycle. 3. A sediment concentration that is expected to produce the RET was then determined using the biota-sediment accumulation factor approach. The sediment effect threshold, which varies with the total organic carbon content in sediment, is the level above which adverse effects may be expected in juvenile salmonids due to accumulation of PCBs from environmental exposure. Bioaccumulation of PCBs was examined in one river system as a model for determining an appropriate bioaccumulation factor for wild juvenile chinook salmon. 4. Evaluation of exposure to potentially deleterious concentrations of PCBs based on tissue residues is the preferred approach; however, the sediment effect threshold may also be used in cases where bioaccumulation has been characterized in an estuary. The threshold values presented here are intended as interim guidelines that should be modified as more data become available. Additionally, because of the uncertainty around many of the factors and assumptions that comprise the single
A structural analysis of business-to-business digital markets

Abstract Digital markets allow sellers and buyers to conduct transactions electronically and are becoming major driving forces in business-to-business e-commerce. This article explores the theoretical and managerial foundations of digital markets. This study first investigates the structure and components of digital markets. A comprehensive sample of 196 digital markets is then examined to uncover the structural dimensions and success factors of digital markets. The findings of this study provide important managerial insights into various issues that are pertinent to the functioning of digital markets, such as how the nature of founding companies may affect the dominant function chosen for a digital market and what factors may affect the market-making mechanisms used by the digital markets.
Molecular Testing in the Diagnosis and Management of Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Abstract Objectives.—To review hepatitis C virus (HCV), describe the types of molecular-based tests available for the diagnosis and management of HCV infection, and discuss the appropriate utilization of these tests. Data Sources.—Current information is presented from the published literature, as well as new information where available. Study Selection.—A major cause of posttransfusion and community-acquired non-A, non-B hepatitis worldwide is HCV. Approximately 4 million people in the United States are infected with HCV, resulting in 8000 to 10 000 deaths annually. Because HCV is not readily cultured, in vitro molecular-based tests have been developed for use in the diagnosis and treatment of HCV-infected patients. Molecular tests include qualitative and quantitative nucleic acid amplification tests, branched DNA tests, and HCV genotyping assays. Qualitative HCV nucleic acid amplification tests are used routinely in association with serologic tests to help make a diagnosis of infection with HCV. Quantita...
The Repetition-Break Plot Structure: A Cognitive Influence on Selection in the Marketplace of Ideas

Using research into learning from sequences of examples, we generate predictions about what cultural products become widely distributed in the social marketplace of ideas. We investigate what we term the Repetition-Break plot structure: the use of repetition among obviously similar items to establish a pattern, and then a final contrasting item that breaks with the pattern to generate surprise. Two corpus studies show that this structure arises in about a third of folktales and story jokes. An experiment shows that jokes with this structure are more interesting than those without the initial repetition. Thus, we document evidence for how a cognitive factor influences the cultural products that are selected in the marketplace of ideas.
Joint k-coverage, duty-cycling, and geographic forwarding in wireless sensor networks

Most of geographic forwarding protocols assume that all sensors are always on. Such an assumption is unrealistic for applications where sensors are switched on or off. This paper focuses on k-covered wireless sensor networks (WSNs), where each point in a field is covered by at least k sensors. First, we characterize k-coverage. Then, we propose an energy-efficient scheduling protocol for k-covered WSNs. Third, we propose the first design of a geographic forwarding protocol for duty-cycled k-covered WSNs with data aggregation. Finally, we evaluate the performance of our joint k-coverage and geographic forwarding protocol and compare it to the Coverage Configuration Protocol (CCP) with BVGF on top of it. Simulation results show that our joint protocol outperforms the resulting protocol, CCP+BVGF.
Response to Samuel Wheeler: “Naturalist Structuralism's Aporia? Essentialism, Indeterminacy, and Nostalgia”

Samuel Wheeler has insightfully and helpfully responded to my essay, “The Breath of Sense: Language, Structure, and the Paradox of Origin,” which was itself a partial summary and development of interpretative views about the history of twentieth century philosophy articulated in my recent book Philosophy and the Vision of Language (Routledge, 2008). In the following, I respond briefly to Wheeler’s commentary, tracing areas of convergence and remaining disagreements. Specifically, Wheeler’s response focuses in detail on the implications of the aporia implicit in Quine’s “indeterminacy of radical translation” thesis, including the development of these implications in the work of Donald Davidson. On my view, this aporia, in its general form, has deep and important implications for our understanding of our everyday, lived relationship to the language that we speak. Wheeler agrees about the existence and philosophical significance of translational indeterminacy as stated by Quine, but seeks, largely through his sympathetic exposition of Davidson’s position, to limit the implications of Quine’s result and related aporias for our everyday experience of language. My main disagreement with Wheeler is that I do not think these implications can be thus limited. Davidson’s mature views about language and interpretation do indeed represent a reasonable systematic development and extension of Quine’s aporia, but they also, as I shall briefly argue, mean giving up on the structuralist project of providing a description in neutral terms of a language by displaying its underlying and constitutive structure of rules of use. But if such a neutral description is impossible, as both Quine’s and Davidson’s views tend to suggest, then our everyday, lived relationship to language is very different than that which both ordinary discourse and “traditional” philosophy have presupposed, and the problem that Heidegger discusses as that of the “being of language” indeed unavoidably rears its (ugly or promising?) head. The question of how we relate to our own (ordinary) language also clearly bears important implications for the legacy of the analytic tradition, which has centrally and decisively made the meaning of ordinary language a main topic of philosophical investigation. In sketching the motivations for Quine’s internal critique of Carnap’s conventionalism, Wheeler suggests
A crossover equation of state for associating fluids

In this work we extend the crossover (CR) modification of the statistical-associating-fluid-theory (SAFT) equation of state (EOS), recently developed and applied for non-associating systems [Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 38 (1999) 4993] to associating fluids. Unlike the previous crossover EOS that was based on the parametric linear model for the universal crossover function Y, the new CR SAFT EOS is based on Fisher’s recent parametric sine model. This model can be extended into the metastable region and gives analytically connected van der Waals loops in the two-phase region. We show that for associating fluids the new CR SAFT EOS not only yields a better description of the PVT and VLE properties of fluids in the critical region, but also improves the representation of the entire thermodynamic surface. A comparison is made with experimental data for pure normal methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, pentanol, and hexanol in the one- and two-phase regions. The CR SAFT EOS reproduces the saturated pressure and liquid density data with an average absolute deviation (AAD) of about 1%. In the one-phase region, the CR SAFT equation represents the experimental values of pressure with an AAD less than 1% in the critical and supercritical region and the liquid densities with an AAD of about 2%. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
The Case for Multi-Tag RFID Systems

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a promising technology for automated non-line-of-sight object identification. However, factors such as object occlusions, metal/liquid opaqueness, environmental conditions, and radio noise degrade the overall availability, reliability, and dependability of RFID systems. We show that simply increasing the number of readers does not adequately address these issues. Instead, we propose tagging each object with multiple tags, and provide definitive experimental data showing that this strategy dramatically improves the effectiveness of RFID systems in the face of radio noise and other interfering factors. We solidify the case for multi-tag RFID systems by addressing obstacles to reliable object detection, and analyzing how multi-tags improve tag detection, even in the presence of (radio-opaque) metals and liquids. We discuss applications that will benefit considerably from multi-tags, and propose careful RFID system design through the deployment of appropriate types of multi-tags and anti-collision algorithms. We also analyze the economics of multi-tag RFID systems and argue that the benefits of multi-tags can substantially outweigh the costs in many current applications, and that this trend will become even more pronounced in the future.
Altered activities of anti-atherogenic enzymes LCAT, paraoxonase, and platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase in atherosclerosis-susceptible mice

We examined whether the putative anti-athero- genic enzymes LCAT, paraoxonase (PON), and platelet- activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) are impaired in 8 week old atherosclerosis susceptible apolipoprotein E (apoE) 2 / 2 and LDL receptor (LDLr) 2 / 2 mice and whether plasma concentrations of bioactive oxidized phospholipids accumulate in plasma. ApoE 2 / 2 mice had reduced (28%) LCAT activity and elevated lysophosphatidylcholine and bioactive oxidized phospholipids (1-palmitoyl-2-oxovaleryl- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholine and 1-palmitoyl-2-glutaryl- sn - glycero-3-phosphocholine) compared with controls on the chow diet. Elevated oxidized phospholipids and reduced LCAT activity may, in part, contribute to spontaneous le- sions in these mice on a chow diet. A Western diet decreased LCAT activity further (50% of controls) and PON activity was decreased 38%. The LDLr 2 / 2 mice showed normal LCAT activity on chow diet and little accumulation of oxi- dized phospholipids. On a Western diet, LDLr 2 / 2 mice had reduced LCAT activity (21%), but no change in PON activ- ity. All genotypes had reduced PAF-AH activity on the Western diet. ApoE 2 / 2 and LDLr 2 / 2 mice, but not controls, had ele- vated plasma bioactive oxidized phospholipids on the Western diet. We conclude that impairment of LCAT activity and ac- cumulation of oxidized phospholipids are part of an early atherogenic phenotype in these models. —Forte, T. M., G. Sub- banagounder, J. A. Berliner, P. J. Blanche, A. O. Clermont, Z. Jia, M. N. Oda, R. M. Krauss, and J. K. Bielicki. Altered activi- ties of anti-atherogenic enzymes LCAT, paraoxonase, and platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase in atherosclerosis- susceptible mice. J. Lipid Res. 2002. 43: 477-485.
Calorimetric determination of inactivation parameters of micro-organisms.

J. L EE A ND G . K ALETUNC ¸ . 2002. Aims: This study aimed to apply differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to evaluate the thermal inactivation kinetics of bacteria. Methods and Results: The apparent enthalpy (DH )o fEscherichia coli cells was evaluated by a temperature scan in a DSC after thermal pretreatment in the calorimeter to various temperatures between 56 and 80� C. Conventional semilogarithmic survival curve analysis was combined with a linearly increasing temperature protocol. Calorimetrically determined D and z values were compared to those obtained from plate count data collected under isothermal conditions to validate the new approach. Conclusions: The calculated D values using both apparent enthalpy and viability data for cells heat treated in the DSC were similar to the D values obtained from isothermal treatment. Temperatures for 1 through 10-log microbial population reductions, calculated from plate count and enthalpy data, were in agreement within 0AE5–2AE4� Ca t a4 � C min )1 heating rate. Significance and Impact of the Study: This novel calorimetric method provides an approach to obtain accurate and reproducible kinetic parameters for inactivation. The calorimetric method here described is time efficient and is conducted under conditions similar to food processing conditions.
Interval arithmetic based input vector control for RTL subthreshold leakage minimization

Applying appropriate minimum leakage vector (MLV) to each RTL module instance results in a low leakage state with significant area overhead. For each RTL module, via Monte Carlo simulation, we identify a set of MLV intervals such that maximum leakage is within (say) 10% of the lowest known leakage. We can reduce area overhead by choosing PI MLVs such that resultant inputs to internal nodes are also MLVs. Otherwise, control points can be inserted. Based on interval arithmetic, given a DFG, we propose a heuristic for Primary Input (PI) MLV identification with minimal control points. Experimental results for DSP filters implemented in 16nm technology are promising.
Extensive air showers and measurement techniques

Abstract A cosmic ray observatory records individual particles using the atmosphere as a transducer and amplifier. Each extremely high energy cosmic ray converts into an air shower that grows to billions of secondary particles. A large cosmic ray observatory senses all such air showers landing in a collection area that spans thousands of square kilometers. Measuring an air shower in detail yields an accurate arrival direction, a good energy estimate, and a likelihood distribution for the mass of the primary cosmic ray. Modern ‘hybrid’ observatories combine a surface array of particle detectors with telescopes that observe radiation produced by the developing shower front as it traverses the atmosphere. To cite this article: P. Sommers, C. R. Physique 5 (2004).
Using multiple predictors to improve the accuracy of file access predictions

Existing file access predictors keep track of previous file access patterns and rely on a single heuristic to predict which of the previous successors to the file being currently accessed is the most likely to be accessed next. We present here a novel composite predictor that applies multiple heuristics to this selection problem. As a result, it can make use of specialized heuristics that can make very accurate predictions when access patterns are observed to meet their particular criteria. Simulation results involving a total of seven file access traces indicate that our predictor delivers more correct predictions and less inaccurate guesses than predictors relying on a single heuristic for selecting a successor.
Safety of Intrathecal Sodium Nitroprusside for the Treatment and Prevention of Refractory Cerebral Vasospasm and Ischemia in Humans

Background and Purpose—The delayed type of cerebral vasoconstriction known as cerebral vasospasm (DCV) remains an important cause of permanent neurological injury and death following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage despite best current medical therapy. The mechanism of DCV remains unknown. A new treatment for refractory DCV using intrathecally delivered sodium nitroprusside and results in 21 patients is reported. Methods—Candidates for treatment were patients with secured cerebral aneurysms presenting with clinical or radiographic SAH of grade 3 or higher. Patients with and without established DCV were treated. In 57% (12/21 patients) the diagnosis of severe DCV refractory to conventional treatment (HHH therapy and nimodipine) was established before treatment. Ten patients received ITSNP prophylactically. All patients with established DCV were in grave neurological condition before treatment. Procedures for vasospasm reversal were performed under simultaneous angiographic control with extensive hemodyn...
Adherence to preexposure chemoprophylaxis: the behavioral bridge from efficacy to effectiveness.

Purpose of reviewRemarkable advances in the use of antiretroviral medication in the prevention of HIV acquisition are receiving well deserved widespread attention. The behavioral and social-cultural factors that contextualize use of study product or preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are comparatively p
Thrombosis in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia treated with and without all-trans retinoic acid

Laboratory evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and/or fibrinolysis is present in the majority of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Historically, early hemorrhagic death (EHD) occurred in 10% to 30% of patients treated with chemotherapy. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a differentiating agent, has a CR rate above 80% in patients, with ATRA-associated leukocytosis. We studied thrombotic events in this population and compared it to patients treated with chemotherapy alone. The results of studies using ATRA in patients with APL were reviewed. Patients received ATRA 45-50 mg/m(2) orally in two divided doses daily until complete remission. In newly diagnosed patients, Idarubicin 12 mg/m(2)/day was given intravenously for 4 to 5 days beginning on the fifth day of ATRA therapy or when the white blood cell count (WBC) was over 10x 10(3)/mu l. Thrombotic complications were noted in 3 of 31 patients during induction. Two died from thrombotic events during therapy with multiple thromboses documented at autopsy. ATRA syndrome was suspected in 2 of the patients with thromboses and only 1 of the patients without thrombosis. In previous studies, 1 of 25 APL patients treated with chemotherapy alone had thrombotic events during therapy. In conclusion, treatment of APL with ATRA may decrease the incidence of hemorrhagic complications, but does not eliminate thrombosis. While thrombotic events were not significantly increased in patients treated with ATRA, they were more common in patients suspected of having ATRA syndrome.
A problem‐oriented assessment of continuing education needs of allied health department heads

A survey of the continuing education needs of allied health department heads in Ohio hospitals and educational institutions provided data on the following professions: Dietetics, Medical Record Administration, Medical Technology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Radiologic Technology, and Respiratory Therapy. Seven hundred and eighty responses (51% response rate) representing the seven allied health professions were analyzed by profession and in total. Of the respondents, 93 percent stated an interest in attending continuing education programs but only 59 percent had inservice continuing education provided by their employing institution. Specific topics needed and program characteristics to maximize accessibility were identified for each profession.
QASER: how a low frequency drive can pump energy into atomic and photon oscillators simultaneously

We present a study of the interaction of coherent field effects on population of two bound atomic states of a dense atomic gas interacting in a cooperative regime. We provide a theoretical description of this phenomenon using density matrix equations. We discuss the implications and applications of the present studies to quantum amplification by superradiant emission of radiation action. A classical model is developed to gain physical insights into qaser physics.
Training Student Officials

(1946). Training Student Officials. The Journal of Health and Physical Education: Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 16-54.
Stock Options for Tax-Exempt Organization Managers?

Recently promulgated regulations under section 457 (Deferred Compensation Plans of State and Local Governments and Tax-Exempt Organizations) will put an end to tax-exempt organizations' use of options on third-party stock or mutual funds as an executive compensation device. These regulations have sparked protests from exempt organizations and option plan promoters, and a bill has been introduced in Congress that would overturn the regulations. In this article, Professor Walker argues in favor of the new regulations as a matter of tax policy and good corporate governance. Professor Walker argues that (1) exempt organization options are only superficially similar to public company stock options and have been provided solely as a means of avoiding the dollar limitation on qualified deferred compensation under section 457, (2) the limitation under section 457 is justified and should be protected because, unlike public company stock options, exempt organization deferred compensation, including options, results in a fairly certain drain on the public fisc, and (3) option compensation raises very troubling governance issues for exempt organizations: Options are much less transparent than cash, are susceptible to being undervalued, and are difficult and costly to hedge. For all of these reasons, Professor Walker argues that the Treasury was justified in effectively eradicating exempt organization options, and that Congress should refrain from resuscitating them.
Respect for Rapa Nui: exhibition and conservation of Easter Island stone statues

Writing in 1968, archaeologist William Mulloy rightfully called Easter Island (Rapa Nui) an ‘outdoor archaeological museum of unique significance’. Indeed, the potential value of the island’s archaeological sites and their import for the island’s tourist economy meant that sites were touted as museum displays worthy of preservation, restoration and curation (Mulloy & Figueroa G.-H. 1966; Mulloy 1968: iii). That value encouraged successful funding appeals by Mulloy for restoration of several ceremonial sites at Tahai, Ahu Akivi and elsewhere. These restorations, first and foremost, ‘produced archaeological information bearing on the reconstruction of the local prehistoric culture’, while at the same time ‘the restorations are expected to serve as exhibit materials in relation to presently developing plans for a tourist industry’ (Mulloy 1968: iii).