cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Play it by eye, frame it by hand! gesture object interfaces to enable a world of multiple projections

Tangible Media as an area has not explored how the tangible handle is more than a marker or place-holder for digital data. Tangible Media can do more. It has the power to materialize and redefine our conception of space and content during the creative process. It can vary from an abstract token that represents a movie to an anthropomorphic plush that reflects the behavior of a sibling during play. My work begins by extending tangible concepts of representation and token-based interactions into movie editing and play scenarios. Through several design iterations and research studies, I establish tangible technologies to drive visual and oral perspectives along with finalized creative works, all during a child's play and exploration. I define the framework, Gesture Object Interfaces, expanding on the fields of Tangible User Interaction and Gesture Recognition. Gesture is a mechanism that can reinforce or create the anthropomorphism of an object. It can give the object life. A Gesture Object is an object in hand while doing anthropomorphized gestures. Gesture Object Interfaces engender new visual and narrative perspectives as part of automatic film assembly during children's play. I generated a suite of automatic film assembly tools accessible to diverse users. The tools that I designed allow for capture, editing and performing to be completely indistinguishable from one another. Gestures integrated with objects become a coherent interface on top of natural play. I built a distributed, modular camera environment and gesture interaction to control that environment. The goal of these new technologies is to motivate children to take new visual and narrative perspectives. In this dissertation I present four tangible platforms that I created as alternatives to the usual fragmented and sequential capturing, editing and performing of narratives available to users of current storytelling tools. I developed Play it by Eye, Frame it by hand, a new generation of narrative tools that shift the frame of reference from the eye to the hand, from the viewpoint (where the eye is) to the standpoint (where the hand is). In Play it by Eye, Frame it by Hand environments, children discover atypical perspectives through the lens of everyday objects. When using Picture This!, children imagine how an object would appear relative to the viewpoint of the toy. They iterate between trying and correcting in a world of multiple perspectives. The results are entirely new genres of child-created films, where children finally capture the cherished visual idioms of action and drama. I report my design process over the course of four tangible research projects that I evaluate during qualitative observations with over one hundred 4- to 14-year-old users. Based on these research findings, I propose a class of moviemaking tools that transform the way users interpret the world visually, and through storytelling. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
Peter Schumann's Bread and Puppet Theater

A book on the cultural and revolutionary florescence of the American Theatre, circa 1963-1973 A comprehensive study of the 'revolutionary' theatre of New York director/writer Peter Schumann including production details, photographs and extracts of the plays themselves.
Buddhist Activism and Chinese Modernity

The history of modern Chinese Buddhism has begun to attract attention in recent years. Some scholars have done inspiring research as they unravel the integration of Buddhism into the highly secularized process of Chinese modernity by drawing on the repository of knowledge on modern China. While this special issue joins this exciting endeavor, it also uses Buddhism as a window to reflect on scholarship on Chinese modernity. Conceptually, this special issue presses scholars in the field of modern China to rethink the place of tradition in the course of modernity. Thematically we show the expansionist impulse of Chinese Buddhism: In addition to envisioning the geographical expansion of their religion, Chinese Buddhists have endeavored to enhance the significance of Buddhism in various dimensions of Chinese society in particular and human life in general.
Both α1A- and α1B-adrenergic receptors crosstalk to downregulate β1-ARs in mouse heart: coupling to differential PTX-sensitive pathways

Adrenergic receptors (ARs) play an important role in the regulation of cardiac function. Cardiac inotropy is primarily regulated by beta(1)-ARs. However, alpha(1)-ARs may play an important role in inotropy during heart failure. Previous work has suggested that the alpha(1B)-AR modulates beta(1)-AR function in the heart. The potential role of the alpha(1A)-AR has not been previously studied. We used transgenic mice that express constitutively active mutant (CAM) forms of the alpha(1A)-AR or alpha(1B)-AR regulated by their endogenous promoters. Expression of the CAM alpha(1A)-AR or CAM alpha(1B)-AR had no effect on basal cardiac function (developed pressure, +dP/dT, -dP/dT, heart rate, flow rate). However, both alpha(1)-AR subtypes significantly decreased isoproterenol-stimulated +dP/dT. Pertussis toxin had no effect on +dP/dT in CAM alpha(1A)-AR hearts but restored +dP/dT to non-transgenic values in CAM alpha(1B)-AR hearts. Radioligand binding indicated a selective decrease in the density of beta(1)-ARs in both CAM mice. However, G-proteins, cAMP, or the percentage of high and low affinity states were unchanged in either transgenic compared with control. These data demonstrate that CAM alpha(1A)- and alpha(1B)-ARs both down regulate beta(1)-AR-mediated inotropy in the mouse heart. However, alpha(1)-AR subtypes are coupled to different beta-AR mediated signaling pathways with the alpha(1B)-AR being pertussis toxin sensitive.
Minerva: using a software program to improve resident performance during independent call (Withdrawal Notice)

This paper was presented at the SPIE conference indicated above and has been withdrawn from publication at the request of the authors.
Pernocton as an analgesic in obstetrics and gynecology

Abstract Gynecologic Cases. —Pernocton was employed in 20 gynecologic cases, in 10 of which it was supplemented by nitrous oxide or oxygen. The operations included 6 laparotomies, 6 vaginal plastic repairs, and 8 curettages. The average dose was 6 c.c., intravenously, preceded by morphine in 16 cases. The immediate effect was unconsciousness but there was restlessness appearing at varying intervals in 10 cases and when this occurred nitrous oxide inhalations were begun. The usual unpleasant experience of induction by ordinary methods was eliminated. Several patients were moderately restless after returning to their beds. Postoperative nausea was rare and vomiting was absent. There was a marked decrease in the use of sedative for pain after operation. Obstetric Cases. —Pernocton was used in 133 labor cases. The usual dose was 4.4. c.c.; in a few instances 2.2 c.c. was used; and less frequently 6.6 c.c. was given. A repeat dose was given twelve times. The first injection was given to 100 patients in the first stage and to 33 in the second. The effect on the patient was either very favorable or moderately so in 130 cases, there being complete relief of pain for varying periods of time, from thirty minutes to four hours. Amnesia was also a fairly constant effect. In 3 cases there was no apparent relief. Twenty-four cases showed varying degrees of restlessness, several requiring restraint. No untoward effects were noted on the pulse, respiration or blood pressure. The average duration of labor from the initial injection to delivery was approximately three hours. The average labor was eighteen hours. Delivery was spontaneous in 103; low forceps were used in 25, midforceps in 2, and there were 3 breech extractions. Ten babies were slow in breathing and required mild stimulation. There was one maternal death which cannot definitely be ascribed to pernocton, although autopsy failed to reveal the actual cause. One neonatal death occurred following a breech delivery, autopsy revealing a broken neck. In conclusion it may be said that in our opinion the use of pernocton is a distinct refinement in anesthesia. Oftentimes it may be used as the sole anesthetic agent. When supplemented by an inhalation anesthetic, the amount of that substance needed was markedly reduced. We believe the use of pernocton in labor is a distinct advance in obstetric analgesia. The relief of pain and the accompanying amnesia are the most notable of the effects. The fact that there is no tendency to prolong labor is important. In this connection it has a distinct advantage over rectal analgesia and morphine. The occasional tendency to produce excitation is apparently the only unhappy finding. There is no tendency for the baby to be dangerously narcotized, and except for the questionable maternal death we believe it to be, in ordinary doses, without danger to the mother.
Distributed optical proximity sensor system: HexEYE

A novel optical proximity sensor system, capable of measuring the distance to the orientation and the discontinuity at a local area of an object surface, was designed and evaluated for robotic applications. The sensor system gets its name, Hexagonal Eye, (HexEYE) from its shape where seven identical hexagonal sensing units were configured hexagonally into a compact geometric structure. The seven sensing units were grouped into multiple combinations of three sensing units to measure the surface orientation as well as surface discontinuity. The distinctive features of HexEYE are an order of magnitude increased in distance sensitivity by optimizing the curvature of a conical mirror, the enhanced measurement accuracy based on multiple levels of sensor fusion, and the compactness in size due to a sensing mechanism based on the Gaussian lens law. A prototype of single sensing unit has been built and was evaluated experimentally. >
TPSS: a time-based positioning scheme for sensor networks with short range beacons

Location discovery is a challenging problem in sensor networks. However, many sensor network applications require the availability of the physical sensor positions. In this paper, we present TPSS, a time-based positioning scheme for sensor networks when a number of short-range beacons are randomly and uniformly deployed. By measuring the Time Difference of Arrivals (TDoAs) of signals from nearby beacons, nodes can use TPSS to effectively estimate their locations based on the range differences through trilateration. TPSS requires no long-range beacons to cover the entire network, an essential difference compared to TPS [2] and iTPS [15]. Features of TPSS include high scalability, low communication and computation overheads, no requirement for time synchronization, etc. Simulation results indicate that TPSS is an effective and efficient self-positioning scheme for sensor networks with short range beacons.
Shape-dependence of transmission, reflection and absorption eigenvalue densities in disordered waveguides with dissipation

The universal bimodal distribution of transmission eigenvalues in lossless diffusive systems un- derpins such celebrated phenomena as universal conductance fluctuations, quantum shot noise in condensed matter physics and enhanced transmission in optics and acoustics. Here, we show that in the presence of absorption, density of the transmission eigenvalues depends on the confinement geometry of scattering media. Furthermore, in an asymmetric waveguide, densities of the reflection and absorption eigenvalues also depend of the side from which the waves are incident. With increas- ing absorpotion, the density of absorption eigenvalues transforms from single-peak to double-peak function. Our findings open a new avenue for coherent control of wave transmission, reflection and absorption in random media.
Electrical conductance of protein solutions

Abstract The electrical conductance of suspensions of styrene divinylbenzene copolymer micro beads and of micro-glass rods in NaCl solutions agrees fairly closely with the Maxwell and Fricke equations. However, it has been found that an empirical equation describes the experimental results more accurately. The intrinsic resistivity of a suspension is defined as (1 − R1/R)/C, where R1 is the resistivity of the dispersion medium and R that of the suspension; C is the concentration of the particles in grams per milliliter. The intrinsic resistivity of egg albumin solutions is independent of protein concentration, of salt concentration, of the frequency within wide limits, and of the amplitude of the alternating current. It is slightly dependent on the nature of the electrolyte. Instrinsic resistivities of bovine methemoglobin, of bovine fibrinogen, of sperm whale myoglobin, and of bovine serum albumin have also been determined. The intrinsic resistivities of all the proteins are remarkably close together with an average value of 2.06.
DISSIPATIVE SYSTEMS, CONSERVATION LAWS AND SYMMETRIES

Abstract In a recent note “On Conservation Laws for Dissipative Systems”, a new method of constructing conservation laws applicable to dissipative systems was proposed. It is the purpose of this present paper to explore how this new method, called the “Neutral Action Method”, is related to the concept of symmetry, and how it embodies the classical methods for obtaining conservation laws of Noether and Bessel-Hagen which are applicable only to Lagrangian systems.
Does treatment for cervical and vulvar dysplasia impact women's sexual health?

Human papillomavirus–associated disease represents an immense public health burden worldwide. Persistent human papillomavirus infection can lead to the development of cervical dysplasia and vulvar dysplasia, both of which have been increasing in incidence in women in recent years. Numerous studies have focused on methods for screening and diagnosis of cervical dysplasia, but few have looked at the effects of treatment on women’s psychological and sexual health. Even fewer studies have addressed these issues in women with vulvar dysplasia. The aim of this article was to provide a comprehensive review of the existing evidence concerning the impact of therapy for cervical and vulvar precancers on women’s sexual function and sexual relationships. We performed a search of the medical literature for the time period up to and including August 2013 on PubMed. The findings from a limited number of studies to date indicate that psychosexual vulnerability increases after diagnosis and treatment of both cervical and vulvar dysplasia. More in-depth research is needed to better understand the effects of different treatment modalities on women’s sexual health and relationships during and following treatment.
Char reflectances and planetary entry heat shields.

Optical reflectance measurements of pyrolytic graphite and phenolic nylon chars and potential application to heat shield requirements
Morphological correlates of sprint swimming speed in five species of spadefoot toad tadpoles: Comparison of morphometric methods

The relationship between vertebrate morphology and swimming performance has long interested biologists. Recent work on predator-induced morphological plasticity of anuran tadpoles has increased this interest. Here, I use data on five species of spadefoot toad tadpoles (Scaphiopodidae) to compare linear and geometric morphometrics. Linear measures explain only 7-26% of the variation in swimming speed, depending on species, whereas geometric morphometrics could explain 24-46% of the same variation. I also compare two methods for examining how similar the morphology-swimming speed relationship is among species. A canonical variate derived from a MANCOVA approach successfully detected species differences in these relationships, whether using linear or geometric methods, but a canonical correlation approach failed in both cases. Overall, tadpoles with smaller bodies, larger tails, and larger tail muscles are faster swimmers but the details of how these shape changes are achieved differed among species. For example, in some species a smaller body was achieved primarily by reducing abdomen size, whereas in others both the head and abdomen are smaller.Faster swimmers also had deeper tails, especially in the posterior half of the tail. This pattern would have been missed in standard linear morphometrics which usually only measures maximum tail depth.
Simulation vs. Lecture Demonstration: Alternative Approaches to Teaching Television Lighting.

The increasing dependence upon the medium of television to inform, instruct, and entertain our citizens in the 1970's has created a need for Broadcast Communication personnel, trained in media production techniques. The effectiveness of television is dependent upon the mastery of these techniques which serve to clarify action, reduce distractions and add emphasis to messages. Appropriate illumination of the subject matter is the key element in television production. It provides the base for all camera coverage and subsequent electronic manipulation of images.With a shortage of time, facilities and faculty, today's Broadcast Communication student often operates at the level of an observer, thereby taking a passive role in the education process. Given a lecture-demonstration approach to such instruction as found in a majority of institutions of Higher Education, individual differences and needs in many relevant variables simply are not accounted for. One such variable in television production lies in the ar...
Current Research on Parallel Measures of Interests and Confidence for Basic Dimensions of Vocational Activity

This article begins with a rationale for and review of parallel measures of self-efficacy (confidence) and interests for basic dimensions of vocational activity. Recent development of and research on the Expanded Skills Confidence Inventory, Campbell Interest and Skills Survey, Kuder Skills Assessment, and Inventory of Work-Relevant Abilities are described and reviewed. Research on the incremental predictive validity of these measures for understanding and for counseling uses is discussed. Numerous suggestions for further research and for career assessment are provided.
Identification and determination of 2,3-dihydro-1H-phenalene in catalytically hydrogenated coal liquids

Abstract 2,3-Dihydro-1H-phenalene, a partially hydrogenated, three-ring, pericondensed polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), was found to be a major component in the neutral PAH fractions of catalytic two-stage coal liquefaction process materials. The identification was based upon results from analyses by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of the coal liquid fractions and a synthesized reference compound, whose structure was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Radiologists' ability to use computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) to improve breast biopsy recommendations

An important issue in developing computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) methods is to demonstrate the ability of a computer aid to improve diagnostic accuracy when used by radiologists. A related issue to that is to understand how radiologists' decision-making is influenced by the computer aid. We conducted an observer performance study designed to address these issues for a computerized classification scheme for malignant and benign clustered microcalcifications in mammograms. Results of the study showed that radiologists' diagnostic performance improved significantly when they used the computer aid. The results also showed that radiologists were able to incorporate the computer aid -- a quantitative analysis of the mammogram -- effectively in their decision- making.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Diabetes: Aspirin and prevention of diabetes still a topic of debate.

Aspirin is probably the most commonly used drug worldwide and has major analgesic, antipyretic and antiplatelet activities. Data from the Physicians' Health Study now suggest that regular use of low-dose aspirin might help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus by around 14% in otherwise healthy men.
Essentialism and epochalism within the context of Irish state‐building

This article explores the hypothesis of Clifford Geertz concerning the importance of essentialism (culture) and epochalism (economics) in the creation of new states. It focuses on the Irish state‐building process, examining the thought of the two leaders of the 1916 rising. It finds that Patrick Pearse throughout stressed cultural revitalization and James Connolly stressed economic/social transformation. The article lends support to Geertz’s hypothesis but notes that each leader also came to appreciate the primary concern of the other.
Piano Key Weir: Reservoir versus Channel Application

AbstractThe piano key (PK) weir is a relatively new nonlinear weir geometry that can be used to increase spillway discharge capacity over linear weir geometries, particularly when the weir footprint area is restricted (e.g., spillways on the crest of a concrete dam). The majority of the published PK weir research (e.g., head-discharge curves) has been based on channelized applications (sectional PK weir models in laboratory flumes). The head-discharge characteristics of crest-of-dam PK weir applications are influenced by the approach flow conditions. Using a laboratory-scale physical model, the hydraulic efficiency of a PK weir design was tested with varying approach flow depths, upstream apron slopes, and abutment details. In general, discharge efficiency increased with increasing approach flow depth, steeper approach aprons, and improved abutment geometries that reduced the effects of flow separation.
Intimate Partner Violence in an Outpatient Palliative Care Setting

Although a few studies have evaluated intimate partner violence (IPV) in the oncology setting, to our knowledge no studies exist of IPV among palliative care patients. IPV may be exacerbated at the end of life because patients and their caregivers often experience significant stressors associated with physical, emotional, social, and financial burdens. We discuss IPV in the palliative care setting using the example of a patient with advanced cancer who experienced IPV. A better understanding and awareness of IPV at the end of life could help clinicians support and counsel patients and ameliorate the suffering caused by this “unspoken” trauma. We further discuss 1) the prevalence and indicators of IPV, 2) how to initiate conversations about IPV, 3) the resources available to clinicians, and 4) various management strategies.
Development of a Förster resonance energy transfer assay for monitoring bacterial collagenase triple-helical peptidase activity.

Due to their efficiency in the hydrolysis of the collagen triple helix, Clostridium histolyticum collagenases are used for isolation of cells from various tissues, including isolation of the human pancreatic islets. However, the instability of clostridial collagenase I (Col G) results in a degraded Col G that has weak collagenolytic activity and an adverse effect on islet isolation and viability. A Forster resonance energy transfer triple-helical peptide substrate (fTHP) has been developed for selective evaluation of bacterial collagenase activity. The fTHP [sequence: Gly-mep-Flp-(Gly-Pro-Hyp)4-Gly-Lys(Mca)-Thr-Gly-Pro-Leu-Gly-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys(Dnp)-Ser-(Gly-Pro-Hyp)4-NH2] had a melting temperature (Tm) of 36.2°C and was hydrolyzed efficiently by bacterial collagenase (k(cat)/K(M)=25,000s(-1)M(-1)) but not by clostripain, trypsin, neutral protease, thermolysin, or elastase. The fTHP bacterial collagenase assay allows for rapid and specific assessment of enzyme activity toward triple helices and, thus, potential application for evaluating the efficiency of cell isolation by collagenases.
Methods for Predicting Age‐0 Crappie Year‐Class Strength in J. Percy Priest Reservoir, Tennessee

Abstract We evaluated the precision and efficiency of larval townets and trap nets and correlated estimates to hydrologic parameters (temperature and spring discharge) during 1998–2002 to determine the best method for predicting year-class strength of age-0 white crappie Pomoxis annularis and black crappie P. nigromaculatus in J. Percy Priest Reservoir, Tennessee. Both larval townet and fall trap-net samples effectively sampled age-0 Pomoxis spp. and accurately indexed year-class strength. The geometric mean density of larval Pomoxis spp. in townet samples for the 3-week period bracketing peak density provided a more precise estimate of larval crappie density than the geometric mean of the 1-week peak. Larval density in May was correlated to age-0 catches in fall trap nets, so density of larval Pomoxis spp. was positively related to year-class strength. However, fall trap-net samples of age-0 Pomoxis spp. provided a more precise and cost-effective index of year-class strength than larval townet samples. M...
Proton—Deuterium polarization transfer in magic angle spinning polycrystalline solids in the rotating frame

Abstract Proton—deuterium polarization transfer in magic angle spinning polycrystalline solids is investigated. Conditions are derived under which cross polarization is possible. It is shown that standard Hartmann—Hahn cross polarization works well if the quadrupolar coupling constant ωQo is not too large. For large ωQo a modification is presented which makes the polarization transfer more effective. These techniques are applied to a sample of partially deuterated p-dimethoxybenzene that contains rigid aromatic and mobile aliphatic deuterium sites.
Characterization of adenovirus RNA synthesized in the presence of an adenosine analog: failure of poly(A) addition.

Abstract Synthesis of adenovirus-specific RNA in the presence of toyocamycin, an adenosine analog, late in infection of HeLa S 3 cells has been investigated. The effect of this analog on nuclear metabolism has been examined because, under the appropriate conditions, there is an apparent accumulation of rapidly sedimenting nuclear viral RNA (HnRNA) and no new viral mRNA associates with polyribosomes. Under these conditions there was an approximate 10% substitution by toyocamycin for adenosine in viral HnRNA. A similar amount was incorporated into virus-associated RNA(s) but there was little effect on the synthesis, the size, or the appearance in the cytoplasm of this species of viral RNA. In the presence of the analog no polyadenylate-rich segments could be detected in nuclear viral RNA. Two 5′ termini containing the methylated components 7mG and m 6 Am were recovered and constituted proportionately the same amount in selected RNA sequences whether or not synthesis had occurred in the presence of the adenosine analog. Relative to the recovery of 5′ termini, selectively extracted RNA synthesized in the presence of toyocamycin yielded nearly twofold less m 6 Ap. Since rapid sedimentation of nuclear viral RNA implies incomplete processing of molecules, these results suggest that the incorporation of toyocamycin interferes with RNA metabolism because of its prevention of polyadenylation and/or reduction in methylation of internal adenosine residues. Our data also imply a sequence of events in which the introduction of at least some 5′ alterations and internal methylations can occur prior to and independent of poly(A) additions.
Relationship Between Peer Assessment During Medical School, Dean’s Letter Rankings, and Ratings by Internship Directors

It is not known to what extent the dean’s letter (medical student performance evaluation [MSPE]) reflects peer-assessed work habits (WH) skills and/or interpersonal attributes (IA) of students. To compare peer ratings of WH and IA of second- and third-year medical students with later MSPE rankings and ratings by internship program directors. Participants were 281 medical students from the classes of 2004, 2005, and 2006 at a private medical school in the northeastern United States, who had participated in peer assessment exercises in the second and third years of medical school. For students from the class of 2004, we also compared peer assessment data against later evaluations obtained from internship program directors. Peer-assessed WH were predictive of later MSPE groups in both the second (F = 44.90, P < .001) and third years (F = 29.54, P < .001) of medical school. Interpersonal attributes were not related to MSPE rankings in either year. MSPE rankings for a majority of students were predictable from peer-assessed WH scores. Internship directors’ ratings were significantly related to second- and third-year peer-assessed WH scores (r = .32 [P = .15] and r = .43 [P = .004]), respectively, but not to peer-assessed IA. Peer assessment of WH, as early as the second year of medical school, can predict later MSPE rankings and internship performance. Although peer-assessed IA can be measured reliably, they are unrelated to either outcome.
The Allocation and Impact of Social Funds : Spending on School Infrastructure in Peru

Between 1992 and 1998 the Peruvian Social Fund (foncodes) spent about US dollar 570 million funding micro projects throughout the country. Many of these projects involved constructing and renovating school facilities. This article uses data from foncodes, the 1993 population census in Peru, and a 1996 household survey conducted by the Peruvian Statistical Institute to analyze the targeting and impact of foncodes investments in education. A number of descriptive and econometric techniques are employed, including nonparametric regressions, differences in differences, and instrumental variables estimators. Results show that foncodes investments in school infrastructure have reached poor districts and poor households within those districts. The investments also appear to have had positive effects on school attendance rates for young children.
In search of Saraswati: The ambivalence of the Indian academic

College teachers in India are the focus of this article. Working conditions, attitudes, and their organizational milieu are surveyed. Data for this article are provided by a case study of the University of Bombay. The ambivalent role of the college teacher as an individual with an inadequate income, declining social status, and yet the pretensions of professionalism is a theme of this article. The Indian teaching community has been called on to function in a rapidly expanding higher education system but with inadequate resources. This situation has led to declining standards of education in general, and in a demoralization of the academic community in particular. A tradition of bureaucratic involvement in academic affairs and only a limited amount of academic freedom have further retarded the growth of a profession and effective teaching community.
THE MID-INFRARED ABSORPTION SPECTRA OF NEUTRAL POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS IN CONDITIONS RELEVANT TO DENSE INTERSTELLAR CLOUDS

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are common throughout the universe and are expected to be present in dense interstellar clouds. In these environments, some PAHs may be present in the gas phase, but most should be frozen into ice mantles or adsorbed onto dust grains and their spectral features are expected to be seen in absorption. Here we extend our previous work on the infrared spectral properties of the small PAH naphthalene (C10H8) in several media to include the full mid-infrared laboratory spectra of 11 other PAHs and related aromatic species frozen in H2O ices. These include the molecules 1,2-dihydronaphthalene, anthracene, 9,10-dihydroanthracene, phenanthrene, pyrene, benzo[e]pyrene, perylene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, pentacene, benzo[ghi]perylene, and coronene. These results demonstrate that PAHs and related molecules, as a class, show the same spectral behaviors as naphthalene when incorporated into H2O-rich matrices. When compared to the spectra of these same molecules isolated in inert matrices (e.g., Ar or N2), the absorption bands produced when they are frozen in H2O matrices are broader (factors of 3-10), show small position shifts in either direction (usually 125 K). Given the small observed band shifts cause by H2O, the current database of spectra from Ar matrix-isolated neutral PAHs and related molecules should be useful for the search for these species in dense clouds on the basis of observed absorption band positions. Furthermore, these data permit determination of column densities to better than a factor of 3 for PAHs in dense clouds. Column density determination of detected aromatics to better than a factor of 3 will, however, require good knowledge about the nature of the matrix in which the PAH is embedded and laboratory studies of relevant samples.
Impact of Supraglottoplasty on Aspiration in Severe Laryngomalacia

Objectives: We examined the incidence and significance of aspiration in infants with severe laryngomalacia (LM) who undergo supraglottoplasty. Methods: We performed a 5-year retrospective review of a prospective database from 2 tertiary care pediatric institutions. The studied patients were 50 consecutive infants with severe LM who underwent supraglottoplasty (median age, 4.5 months) and functional endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) with or without laryngopharyngeal stimulation testing. The intervention was cold-knife microlaryngeal supraglottoplasty and reflux management. The main outcome measure was aspiration resolution. Results: Preoperative FEES identified laryngeal penetration in 44 infants (88%) with severe LM. Laryngeal penetration with aspiration beyond the vocal folds was noted in 36 infants (72%). Postoperative FEES (median follow-up, 3.8 months) indicated resolution of laryngeal penetration and aspiration in 36 (81.8%) and 31 (86.1%) of these patients, respectively. The 14 patients without preoperative aspiration showed no evidence of aspiration after supraglottoplasty. In patients with aspiration, the mean preoperative laryngopharyngeal stimulation test threshold was 8.45 mm Hg. This improved on average by 4.0 mm Hg after supraglottoplasty (paired t-test, p < 0.0001). Multiple medical comorbidities were present in the 5 patients who had persistent aspiration after supraglottoplasty, including congenital heart disease (all 5 patients), congenital syndromes (4 patients), neurologic disorders (2 patients), and a need for tracheostomy (2 patients). Conclusions: Laryngeal penetration and aspiration improve after cold-knife supraglottoplasty. Supraglottoplasty does not cause aspiration in patients who do not have preoperative aspiration. Supraglottoplasty may not improve aspiration in patients with multiple medical comorbidities.
Mesoporous Carbon for Capacitive Deionization of Saline Water

Self-assembled mesoporous carbon (MC) materials have been synthesized and tested for application in capacitive deionization (CDI) of saline water. MC was prepared by self-assembly of a triblock copolymer with hydrogen-bonded chains via a phenolic resin, such as resorcinol or phloroglucinol in acidic conditions, followed by carbonization and, in some cases, activation by KOH. Carbon synthesized in this way was ground into powder, from which activated MC sheets were produced. In a variation of this process, after the reaction of triblock copolymer with resorcinol or phloroglucinol, the gel that was formed was used to coat a graphite plate and then carbonized. The coated graphite plate in this case was not activated and was tested to serve as current collector during the CDI process. The performance of these MC materials was compared to that of carbon aerogel for salt concentrations ranging between 1000 ppm and 35,000 ppm. Resorcinol-based MC removed up to 15.2 mg salt per gram of carbon, while carbon aerogel removed 5.8 mg salt per gram of carbon. Phloroglucinol-based MC-coated graphite exhibited the highest ion removal capacity at 21 mg of salt per gram of carbon for 35,000 ppm salt concentration.
CLONING OF FIBRINOGEN GENES AND THEIR cDNA

Cross-species hybridizations have enabled us to isolate and clone the gene for the beta chain of human fibrinogen. Highlights of the gene for the beta chain revealed by nucleotide sequence analyses, particularly in areas that have a direct bearing on defining the overall organization of the gene, have been presented. Nucleotide sequence determination has confirmed the presence of seven intervening sequences. The positions where several of these intervening sequences interrupt the coding region appear to be related to the functional domains of the polypeptide. A putative signal peptide has been identified. Studies on the cDNA for the human alpha chain indicate that the alpha chain polypeptide may be synthesized in a precursor form with a COOH-terminal extension of 15 amino acids as compared to the alpha chain present in the mature molecule found in plasma. We are in the process of isolating the genes for the alpha and gamma chains by a similar approach. We are hopeful that these studies will provide information as to how they are regulated and how they have undergone changes in the course of evolution.
Experiments and analysis of information use and value in a decision-making context

This article describes a series of experiments which relate information to decision making. The experiments were developed with the objectives of validating a previously suggested conceptual model of information flow and its relation to decision making, as well as to establish specific values for the significant parameters involved. The conceptual approach related information to its effectiveness and therefore its use and value. Theory, measures, and relationships thus derived relate to the way information, once it is transmitted and received, is utilized by a decision maker. Specifically, information is said to be data of value in decision making. Starting with this definition it has been possible to define information quantitatively and to establish some of its properties and interrelationships. In the experiments described here a subject uses a computer terminal interactively in order to maximize subjective expected value over a number of courses of action available to him by choosing what be believes to be an optimal course of action at each trial. A decision-making situation is formulated in terms of value and probability matrices, unknown to the subject. The subject is instructed to maximize the sum of the outcome values obtained, and through feedback to learn the structure and the probabilities involved. Data were obtained from 60 subjects each experimenting on 12 different matrices. These data generally validated the theoretical approach and also enabled the determination of specific values for significant parameters involved. The experimental design is described in detail in the article. Analysis of some of the data is presented.
The effects of antenatal betamethasone administration on fetal heart rate and behaviour depend on gestational age

Abstract Objective: We previously reported decreases in fetal heart rate (FHR) variability and body and breathing movements after maternal betamethasone administration. We now test the hypothesis that fetal responsiveness to betamethasone depends on the gestational age at which glucocorticoid therapy is started. Design of the study: 1-h recordings of FHR (n=350) and fetal movements (n=310) made during a 5-day period (days 0–4) were available for analysis. The recordings had been obtained from 63 pregnant women at high risk for preterm delivery who received betamethasone (two doses of 12 mg 24 h apart) between 26 and 34 weeks' gestational age (wGA). The response to betamethasone, i.e. the direction and magnitude of change in FHR and movement parameters compared with baseline (day 0), was studied in relation to gestational age at drug administration. Results: Fetuses exposed to betamethasone at 29–34 wGA showed a decrease in FHR on day 1 (indicative of baroreceptor reflex), and reduced breathing activity and prolonged episodes of quiescence with a concomitant decrease in body movements on days 1 and 2. However, these changes were not observed if betamethasone administration occurred at 26–28 wGA. Betamethasone-induced reductions in FHR variability were similar in young and older fetuses. Conclusions: Age-related differential responsiveness to betamethasone was found for all studied fetal processes (body and breathing movements, FHR, and quiescence), except FHR variability. Our results suggest ontogenic changes in the mechanisms presumed to underlie these processes (glucocorticoid receptor (GR) maturation, cardiovascular and neuro-endocrine development).
Characterization of the neoplastic phenotype in the familial atypical multiple-mole melanoma-pancreatic carcinoma syndrome

BACKGROUND Previous studies suggest that the familial atypical multiple-mole melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome may predispose affected families to nonmelanoma carcinomas, including adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. It has been found that many of these families harbor mutations in the CDKN2A gene on chromosome 9p21. The phenotypic expression of CDKN2A mutations in these families has not been characterized fully. METHODS The authors studied eight families that appeared to inherit multiple nevi, cutaneous melanomas, and pancreatic carcinomas in association with a CDKN2A germline mutation. The expression of disease within these families was examined, and segregation ratios were estimated to assess the patterns of inheritance according to various definitions of phenotype. RESULTS Either multiple nevi or pancreatic carcinoma was diagnosed in 53% of first-degree relatives of the probands. The offspring of parents affected with multiple nevi, melanoma, or pancreatic carcinoma were significantly more likely to be affected themselves compared with the offspring of unaffected parents (48.9% vs. 16.7%; P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS The current results provide additional evidence that multiple nevi, melanoma, or pancreatic carcinoma may be inherited as autosomal-dominant traits in families known to harbor CDKN2A mutations. Other malignancies may be a part of the phenotype in these families, although this hypothesis requires additional study. Cancer 2003;98:798–804. © 2003 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.11562
Prenatal diagnosis of pericentric inversion of chromosome no. 17 in a twin pregnancy

Although prenatal genetic diagnosis can usually provide prospective parents with information as to whether their fetus is affected with certain genetic conditions, the presence of twins and the uncertainty about the phenotype of some chromosome variations pose a major dilemma and make genetic counseling very difficult. Here, a case report of an unusual chromosome aberration (pericentric inversion of chromosome no. 17) in a twin pregnancy which was originally suspected to be monoamniotic but later proved to have two sacs was presented.
Postmenopausal endometriosis with ureteral obstruction.

Summary The first case of postmenopausal endometriosis involving the urinary tract is reported. lncidentally this is the 65th reported case of ureteral obstruction from endometriosis.
Lessons from the NZM2410 Model and Related Strains

SLE susceptibility requires the interplay of an unknown number of genes and equally unidentified triggering events. The past few years have seen significant advances in our understanding of SLE susceptibility through the genetic analysis of murine models. The NZM2410 strain, which is derived from the NZB/WF1 model has played a significant role in these advances. The main advantages presented by this strain over other models are the genetic homozygozity at all loci and an highly penetrant early onset lupus nephritis in both males and females, indicating that the strongest BWFj susceptibility loci were retained in NZM2410. After identification of NZM2410 susceptibility loci via linkage analyses, congenic strains have been derived in order to convert a polygenic system into a series of monogenic traits. These congenic strains have been analyzed in an integrated process which has provided simultaneously 1) novel functional characterization of the Sle susceptibility loci, 2) high resolution genetic maps that w...
Using Spatial Contiguity as Bayesian Prior Information in Regional Forecasting Models

Spatial contiguity relationships represent a frequently ignored source of information that is available to economists modeling cross-sections of metropolitan areas, counties, states, regions, and countries. Shown here is how contiguity relationships can be incorporated as prior information in Bayesian vector autoregressive and error correction models with little or no effort, using existing software, to produce improvements in forecasting performance. A comparison of alternative forecasting methods is undertaken using annual postwar time series of agricultural output for a sample of 15 corn-producing states. The models that incorporate prior information regarding spatial contiguity are found to dominate those that ignore this information, producing much better forecasts.
CHARACTERISATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF DYNAMIC INSTABILITY IN MILLING OPERATION

Abstract Machining instability in the form of chatter is a physical process characterised by violent vibrations and extreme cutting force at the cutting point. The process has a very adverse impact on machine integrity, tool life, surface quality and dimensional accuracy and thus could significantly compromise productivity and manufacturing quality. A new approach effective for characterising the non-linear dynamic characteristics of the milling operation is described in this paper. Bifurcated states indicative of perturbed dynamic state from stability and the onset and progression of instability are unambiguously identified in the simultaneous time–frequency domain facilitated using the discrete wavelet transform (DWT). Results obtained through applying the approach to experimental milling force data demonstrate desired resolution over conventional methods in identifying the transition from a stable to unstable state. Because wavelets are closely related to filterbanks, the presented method can be applied to the real-time monitoring and optimisation of a large range of manufacturing processes.
Developing an integrated treatment for substance use and depression using cognitive–behavioral therapy

Providing a unified treatment approach to meet the substance abuse and mental health needs of clients is the preferred model for addressing co-occurring disorders. We developed a group-based cognitive-behavioral (CBT) integrated treatment for depression and substance use disorders (SUD) that could be delivered by counselors in SUD treatment settings and evaluated its feasibility and acceptability. We conducted an in-depth case study examining one implementation of the treatment using 15 focus groups with clients (n = 7) and semistructured interviews with counselors (n = 2) and administrators (n = 3). Using CBT as a treatment approach to integrate the treatment was widely accepted by clients, counselors, and administrators. Clients stated the treatment was applicable to multiple aspects of their lives and allowed them to recognize their clinical improvements over time. Counselors and administrators discussed challenges for long-term feasibility. Key decisions used to develop the treatment and recommendations for implementing integrated care in SUD settings are discussed.