cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic Therapy is Effective for Recurrent Anastomotic Biliary Strictures after Orthotopic Liver Transplantation.

Abstract Introduction Orthotopic liver transplantation anastomotic biliary strictures (OLT ABS) are managed with endoscopic biliary stent therapy but the recurrence rate is substantial. Our aims were to retrospectively determine the recurrence rates of OLT ABS after initial successful stent therapy, characterize the management of recurrences and identify associated variables. Materials and Methods Clinical data from 943 patients receiving non-living donor OLT at our institution from 2005-2012 were reviewed, and 123 OLT ABS patients receiving stent therapy were identified. Features of their endoscopic stent therapy and other pertinent clinical information were evaluated. Results ABS recurred in 25.5% of patients (24/94) after an initial successful course of stent therapy. Recurrences were received a second course of endoscopic stent therapy and 67% of patients (16/24) achieved long-term remediation of ABS. Six patients underwent a third course of endoscopic stent therapy with 4 patients achieving remediation. Overall remediation rate among ABS recurrences was 83.3% (20/24). A bivariate comparison demonstrated HCV infection, age, median months of maximal stenting and a lower maximum cumulative stent diameter were risk factors for ABS recurrence. Using a Cox regression model, only HCV status proved to be a risk factor for recurrence. Discussion In conclusion repeat stent therapy achieved high stricture remediation rates. Recurrence after the first or even second course of stenting should not imply failure of endoscopic therapy. A positive HCV status may be associated with higher stricture recurrence rates and this association should be further investigated.
Gas Gun Impact Analysis on Adhesives in Sandwich Composite Panels

As the application of composite sandwich panels is ever increasing, there is an increasing interest in the impact damage that occurs on these sandwich panels. Since these composite sandwich panels are constructed in various manners, analysis on different panel construction practices is of interest. Specifically, when a sandwich composite is cured, a film adhesive or just the prepreg resin system can be used to bond the core and face sheets during the curing process. Additionally, the cure cycle of the panel can dictate face sheet compaction and thus fiber volume fraction, resulting in susceptibility of face sheet delaminate or disbond. Manufacturing parameters are important to the panel integrity. Through the use of a Kolsky tension bar and a gas gun with a velocity range from 20 m/s to 100 m/s, the effect of a face sheet adhesive layer and the cure cycle autoclave pressure of the panel is analyzed. The results obtained through the use of the gas gun are more representative of real world impacts while the Kolsky bar results indicate the possible damage modes of a high strain rate tensile failure in CFRP sandwich composites.
Demonstration of a thermosyphon thermal valve for controlled extraction of stored solar thermal energy

For concentrated solar power (CSP) to be an effective replacement for power generation by fossil fuels, the thermal energy must be stored and then released for when demand exceeds production, such as during off-sun hours. Until now, there has been limited methods to reliably and efficiently release and control the extraction of thermal energy from a material containing stored sensible or latent heat. Due to their isothermal property, phase change materials (PCMs) storing latent heat are an ideal choice for storage, though it has proven challenging to reliably extract and utilize that heat. To solve this problem, the geometry of a thermosyphon was rearranged to create a thermal valve that is able to turn the flow of thermal energy from a PCM “on” and “off”. A stainless steel thermal valve using sodium as the working fluid was designed, fabricated, assessed, and found to effectively and selectively extract heat from a 577°C molten aluminum PCM. It is expected that thermal valves will significantly contribute to more widespread implementation of CSP as a stored energy source from distributed generation to utility-scale power production.
The reach and effectiveness of SIPsmartER when implemented by rural public health departments: a pilot dissemination and implementation trial to reduce sugar-sweetened beverages

SIPsmartER is a theory-based, 6-month, multi-component health literacy intervention shown to improve sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) behaviors among adults in rural, southwest Virginia. The objective of this pilot trial was to understand the reach and effectiveness of SIPsmartER when delivered by existing staff in public health practice settings. This pre-post research design was conducted in partnership with four medically underserved southwest Virginia Department of Health (VDH) districts. Validated measures and standardized data collection techniques were used. Analyses included descriptive statistics and multilevel mixed-effects linear regressions models. Of 928 individuals screened, 586 (63%) were eligible and 117 (20% of eligible) enrolled in SIPsmartER (79% retained). The sample was majority female (71%) and white (94%) and had ≤high school education (59%) and an annual income of approximately $12,500. Relative to the county population, the enrolled study sample was representative for age and race, yet underrepresented for men and overrepresented for low income and low educational attainment. Significant improvements from baseline to 6 months were observed for the primary SSB outcome (-403 [confidence interval [CI] = -528, -278] SSB kcals/day) (p < .001). SSB-related attitudes, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intentions, and media literacy also significantly improved (all p < .05). SIPsmartER appears to be promising for VDH and potentially other health departments in medically underserved areas. When compared to the previous effectiveness trial, existing VDH staff achieved similar reach and effectiveness for some, but not all, outcomes. Future work is needed on methods to support health departments in developing strategies to reach new participants and to integrate SIPsmartER into sustained practice.
Structure of synthetic 2-line ferrihydrite by electron nanodiffraction

Comparison of experimental single-crystal electron diffraction patterns of synthetic two-line ferrihydrite (2LFh) with simulated single-crystal electron-diffraction patterns indicates that a synthetic 2LFh sample contains highly disordered material and nanocrystals with structures based on hexagonal (ABAB) and cubic (ABC) stacking of close-packed layers of O2− and OH− ions. An apparently continuous variation in ordering exists between the highly disordered material and each of the crystalline structures, suggesting that both nanocrystalline structures represent local extremes of three-dimensional ordering. Experimental diffraction patterns were obtained using electron nanodiffraction, a technique in which the finely focused beam from a field-emission gun in an electron microscope can be used to produce diffraction patterns from areas <1 nm across. Nanodiffraction patterns from the highly disordered material have diffuse streaks rather than distinct reflections, and are consistent with a two-dimensional structure that consists of close-packed anionic layers with essentially complete stacking disorder and nearly random distribution of Fe atoms. The structure with cubic stacking is similar to maghemite and has ~25% of the Fe in tetrahedral sites. The structure with hexagonal stacking consists of double chains of face-sharing Fe octahedra; each octahedron shares one face, two edges, and three corners with adjacent octahedra. Previous results from transmission electron microscopy, powder X-ray and electron diffraction, and synchrotron-based techniques reflect the overall high degree of structural disorder rather than the characteristics of the maghemite-like and double-chain structures.
Abstract P107: Thirty-Year Risk of Incident and Recurrent Ischemic Stroke in Individuals With Sickle Cell Trait and Modification by Midlife Risk Factors: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study

Introduction: Sickle cell trait (SCT) has been associated with ischemic stroke in some, but not all, epidemiologic cohorts. Heterogeneity of the association may be related to differences in demogra...
Minimally invasive resection of posterosuperior liver tumors in the supine position using intra-abdominal trocars.

Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) of posterosuperior (PS) segment liver tumors is technically challenging with confusion about optimal patient positioning and trocar placement (i.e., transabdominal vs. transcostal). The aim of this study is to describe our technique and outcomes with LLR of these tumors. This is an IRB-approved retrospective review of a prospective database. Between 2005 and 2017, patients with benign and malignant lesions underwent LLR. Perioperative outcomes of PS (segments 4A, 7, and 8) and anterolateral (AL) resections were compared. All patients were operated through intra-abdominal trocars in the supine position. 304 patients underwent LLR for AL (n = 217) and PS (n = 87) segmental lesions. Minor liver resections were performed in 274 patients and major resections in 30. Groups were comparable for age, sex, pathology, and tumor size (mean 4.2 and 3.7 cm for AL and PS). Inflow occlusion was more frequently performed for PS resections, but precoagulation rates were similar. PS resections more frequently required hand assistance (50% vs. 20%, p < 0.001) and conversion to open (18% vs. 7%, p = 0.04). For PS versus AL resections, operative time (253 vs. 205 min, p ≤ 0.001) was longer and associated with more blood loss (307 vs. 211 mL, p < 0.001) and more frequent need for blood transfusion (15% vs. 7%, p = 0.04). However, the rate of negative resection margin, 90-day complication rates, and length of stay were similar between the two groups. This study shows that LLR of PS located liver tumors is more challenging compared to AL lesions. Nevertheless, it can be performed successfully in the majority of patients with supine positioning and intra-abdominal trocar placement, without compromising oncologic principles. Liberal uses of hand assistance and inflow occlusion were the technical tips helping us to successfully resect these tumors laparoscopically.
Sportscape, emotion, and behavioral intention: a case of the big four US-based major sport leagues

The purpose of this study was to examine the interrelationships that exist among sportscape, emotion, and behavioral intention with regard to the four US-based major sport leagues (i.e. MLB, NBA, N...
Reflecting on Prediction Strategies for Epidemics: Preparedness and Public Health Response.

Abstract Objective To provide an overview of the literature on respiratory infectious disease epidemic prediction, preparedness, and response (including pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical interventions) and their impact on public health, with a focus on respiratory conditions such as asthma. Data Sources Published literature obtained through PubMed database searches. Study Selections Studies relevant to infectious epidemics, asthma, modeling approaches, health care access, and data analytics related to intervention strategies. Results Prediction, prevention, and response strategies for infectious disease epidemics use extensive data sources and analytics, addressing many areas including testing and early diagnosis, identifying populations at risk of severe outcomes such as hospitalizations or deaths, monitoring and understanding transmission and spread patterns by age group, social interactions geographically and over time, evaluating the effectiveness of pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical interventions, and understanding prioritization of and access to treatment or preventive measures (eg, vaccination, masks), given limited resources and system constraints. Conclusion Previous epidemics and pandemics have revealed the importance of effective preparedness and response. Further research and implementation need to be performed to emphasize timely and actionable strategies, including for populations with particular health conditions (eg, chronic respiratory diseases) at risk for severe outcomes.
Unearthing the Facets of Crisis History in Crisis Communication: A Conceptual Framework and Introduction of the Crisis History Salience Scale

Coombs’s Situational Crisis Communication Theory suggests performance history, composed of relationship history and crisis history, intensify crisis responsibility attribution. Relationship history...
Development of new telecommunications services using an expert system

This paper outlines the functionality of an expert system currently under development. The ‘Requirements Assistant for Telecommunications Services‘ (RATS) is designed to actively assist the development of new telecommunications services. It helps during the early parts of the development life cycle, during requirements capture and analysis, leading to formal specifications of the service at different stages of refinement. Facilities for requirements traceability, rationale and documentation as well as impact analysis of requirements change are provided. The tool contains comprehensive knowledge bases with the main characteristics of the telecommunications domain and the development process of telecommunications services, which enable the tool to actively guide the software developer. Assistance is provided for three dimensions of the development process of functional requirements — refinement, formality and completeness. The output of the RATS tool enables a smooth transition to the ITU-recommended Specification and Description Language (SDL), which allows automated analysis of static and dynamic properties as well as code generation.
Leftward Where Bias And Rightward Distraction In Chronic Neglect. (P7.293)

OBJECTIVE: We wished to learn whether 1) as previously reported, chronic right stroke-related spatial neglect is associated with leftward Where bias (Barrett & Burkholder, 2006), 2) visual distraction induces ipsilateral Where errors, and motor cuing induces ipsilateral Aiming errors (Garza et al., 2008). BACKGROUND: Spatial bias and spatial neglect may be associated with dysfunctional, asymmetric perceptual-attentional Where processing. However, spatial errors may also result from dysfunctional, asymmetric motor-intentional Aiming. DESIGN/METHODS: Chronic right stroke survivors with (N+, n = 10, mean age 63.4 yrs), and without spatial neglect (N-, n = 26, mean 53.8 yrs), and controls (AC, n = 40, mean 58.8 yrs) bisected 96 lines (based on Garza et al.,2008). We pseudo-randomized left/ right visual distraction, and left/ right motor cuing in near/far space. We calculated estimates of Where and Aiming bias from mean line bisection errors (in mm). RESULTS: We analyzed Where and Aiming spatial bias with separate multilevel model analyses, using subjects as the random effect and distractor (left, right, none) and motor cuing (left, right) as fixed effects (Goedert et al., 2013; Rabe-Hesketh & Skrondal, 2012). All groups made mean leftward Where errors, but N+ Where errors were of larger magnitude (group main effect , p = 0.03). Right distraction occurred only in N+ (group by distractor interaction, p =0.025) for Aiming, not Where bias. N- participants made left Aiming errors in near, not far space (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: We replicated previously reported, leftward Where bias in chronic neglect. Future longitudinal research can explore whether ipsilateral neglect caused rightward Aiming errors with right distraction, or whether occurs typically in contralesional neglect. N- participants demonstrated near, not far, asymmetric Aiming. Whether our findings relate to visuo-motor function in stroke /neglect (e.g. fall risk) requires further study. Study Supported by: NIDRR/NIH Disclosure: Dr. Barrett has received personal compensation for activities with WebMD. Dr. Barrett has received research support from Kessler Foundation, National Institutes of Health, the Wallerstein Foundation for Geriatric Improvement, the Department of Education/NIDRR. Dr. Goedert has nothing to disclose. Dr. Oh-Park has nothing to disclose.
Co-creating value: Student contributions to smart cities

Given the interdependence of the public and private sectors and simultaneous and massive impact of widespread disasters on the entire community, this paper investigates the use of information technologies, specifically geospatial information systems, within the multi-organizational community to effectively co-create value during disaster response and recovery efforts. We present and examine in depth a participatory action research project in a disaster-experienced coastal community conducted during the 2006-2014 time period. The results of the action research project and analysis of a survey completed by stakeholders leads to a list of findings, in particular those related to developing a model of next generation learning design where students are co-creators of value to the smart cities. https://doi.org/10.34105/j.kmel.2014.06.026
Observation of superradiant and subradiant spontaneous emission of two trapped ions

Summary form only given. We report a laboratory realization of the gedanken experiment that Dicke used to introduce superradiance. Two Ba/sup +/ ions are laser-cooled and crystallized in a microscopic Paul trap so that they come to rest 1.5 microns from each other. This is about 3 wavelengths of the 493 nm light used to laser cool the transition. Micromotion and residual thermal motion are low so that they are essentially stationary relative to 493 nm light.
Veterans’ Courts and Criminal Responsibility: A Problem Solving History & Approach to the Liminality of Combat Trauma

In September 2010, a federal judge dismissed a criminal case involving a veteran accused of assaulting a federal police officer to allow the case to be heard by the Buffalo Veterans Treatment Court, a division of Buffalo City Court. For those involved in veterans’ advocacy and treatment, the case is significant for a number of reasons. First, it is the first criminal case nationwide to be transferred from federal court to a local veterans treatment court where the goal is to treat - rather than simply punish - those facing the liminal effects of military combat. Second, the case reignites the still unsettled controversy over whether problem-solving courts generally, and veterans courts specifically, unfairly shift the focus of justice away from the retributive interests of victims to the rehabilitative interests of perpetrators. Third, the case serves as a signal reminder to all justice system stakeholders, including parties, judges, attorneys, and treatment professionals, of the potential benefits of sidestepping courtroom adversity in favor of a coordinated effort that seeks to ameliorate victim concerns while advancing treatment opportunities for veterans suffering from combat-related trauma. This chapter explores these issues in light of the history of combat-related trauma and the development of veterans’ treatment courts around the country.
Characterization of the promoter region of the Bacillus subtilis spoIIE operon.

Abstract Mutations that define the spoIIE locus of Bacillus subtilis block sporulation at an early stage and recently were shown to prevent the proteolytic processing of sigma E (sigma 29) into its active form, an event that is believed to control critical changes in gene expression during the second hour of development. By taking advantage of two Tn917-mediated insertional mutations in spoIIE, we have cloned DNA spanning the locus. Gene disruption experiments with subcloned fragments transferred to integrational vectors revealed that the locus consisted of a single transcription unit about 2.5 kilobase pairs in size. Transcriptional lacZ fusions were used to show that expression of this transcription unit initiated at 1.5 h after the end of log-phase growth and depended upon the products of all spo0 loci. Expression was directed by a single promoter whose position was determined by high-resolution S1 protection mapping. A deletion analysis of the promoter region was also carried out, with novel integrational vectors based on derivatives of coliphage M13. The results indicated that a region of DNA extending from 183 to 118 base pairs upstream from the start point of transcription was required for full activity of the spoIIE promoter. The presumptive RNA polymerase-binding region of the promoter exhibited striking similarity to the spoIIG promoter and featured perfect but unusually spaced -10 and -35 consensus sequences for sigma A (sigma 43)-associated RNA polymerase.
Can digital signals from the keyboard capture force exposures during typing

An exposure-response relationship has been shown between muscle fatigue and its effects on keystroke durations. Since keystroke durations can readily be measured by software programs, the method has the potential as a non-invasive expo- sure assessment tool. However, the software based keystroke durations may be affected by keyswitch force-displacement cha- racteristics. Thus, this study used a force platform to measure the keystroke durations and compared them to software meas- ured keystroke durations in order to determine whether the software based keystroke durations can be used as a surrogate force exposure measures. A total of 13 subjects (6 males and 7 females) typed for 15 minutes each on three keyboards with different force-displacement characteristics. The results showed that the software based keystroke durations were more sensitive to the keyboard force-displacement differences than the force based measures. Although the digital signal based keystroke durations depend on the force-displacement characteristics, the high correlation between the two measures indicated that the keystroke durations derived from the digital signal approximated the true force derived keystroke durations, regardless of the keyboard force-displacement characteristics. Therefore, the software based keystroke durations could be used as a non-invasive, surro- gate force exposure measure in lieu of the more invasive actual force measurements.
Diffuse fibrous pseudotumor of the testicular tunics associated with an inflamed hydrocele.

Abstract Fibrous pseudotumors of the testicular tunics and paratesticular soft tissue are uncommon lesions. They typically arise as painless scrotal masses that may be associated with a hydrocele or history of trauma or infection. Although these lesions are clinically worrisome for a malignant neoplasm, they are thought to be reactive in nature, since they are composed of dense fibrous tissue with interspersed bland fibroblasts and myofibroblasts and mixed inflammatory cells. Once excised, these lesions behave in a benign fashion. Typically, these masses are multinodular, but in rare cases they are diffuse, bandlike myofibroblastic proliferations that encase the testis and are termed fibromatous periorchitis. Herein, we describe a 57-year-old man with a diffuse fibrous pseudotumor/fibromatous periorchitis that encased the left testis and adnexa and arose in close apposition to an inflamed hydrocele.
Chemical evolution of shallow groundwater as recorded by springs, Sagehen basin; Nevada County, California

Abstract Springs in Sagehen basin, California, were used to document the effect of chemical weathering on the chemical evolution and composition of groundwater in a high elevation catchment. Geochemical tracer ages were determined with chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and tritium/ 3 He dating techniques. The spring water ages range from less than 5 years to almost 40 years. Mass balance calculations performed by NETPATH were combined with spring water ages to calculate chemical weathering rates observed throughout the basin, which range from 0.0116 to 0.0018 and from 0.0036 to 0.0006 mmol l −1 year −1 , for plagioclase and hornblende, respectively. Major cation concentrations, pH, and spring water conductivity were found to correlate positively ( R 2 =0.7) with spring water age. This suggests that shallow groundwater, as represented by the springs, is a chemically evolving system.
Glucose-Stimulated Protein Synthesis in Rat Testis Slices: Substrate Specificity and Effects of Insulin and Substrate Analogs

The effects of substrate, substrate concentration, insulin, and substrate analogs on the incorporation of lysine into rat testis slices were studied. Incorporation was stimulated by 10 mM glucose and 10 mM mannose, to a lesser extent by 10 mM fructose, but not by galactose, glucitol, or xylitol. Half-maximal stimulation occurred at 2 mM glucose or 2 mM mannose and was maximal at concentrations above 4 mM. Fructose at a concentration of 20 mM was about as effective as 2 mM glucose. The glucose-stimulated incorporation was not affected by insulin. Several analogs were tested at a final concentration of 10 mM as inhibitors of glucose -and fructose-stimulated lysine incorporation. At a glucose concentration of 4 mM, only 2-deoxyglucose and 2-deoxygalactose were inhibitory, reducing incorporation to levels not significantly different from basal. When the glucose concentration was reduced to 2 mM, other analogs were also inhibitory; the most effective of these were 5-thioglucose, 3-0-methylglucose, 4,6-ethylideneglucose, and galactosamine. When 10 mM fructose was used as a substrate, the same analogs plus the fructose analogs mannoheptulose, 1-deoxyfructose, 2,5-anhydromannose, and 2,5-anhydromannitol were inhibitory. Differences in analog inhibitions against fructose and glucose suggest different rate-limiting steps for the stimulation by these two sugars. It is proposed that the response to glucose and mannose, but not fructose, is mediated by an uptake system which is limiting at low substrate concentrations. Inhibition by various sugar analogs generally results from uptake system which is limiting at low substrate concentrations. For most of the analogs this occurs under conditions in which a step subsequent to the hexose uptake system, possibly a phosphorylation step, is not saturated.
FACTORIAL VALIDITY OF JONES AND CRANDALL'S SHORT INDEX OF SELF-ACTUALIZATION

model. The results showed substantial agreement with the JonesCrandall model-a five-factor model with the fifth considered uninterpretable. The man chlference in the findings was in the factor correlations. Jones and Crandall used an orthogonal rotation whereas the present srudy determined that an oblique solution is more in harmony with the data.
Characteristic patterns of and variations in community response to acute chemical emergencies

Abstract This paper discusses the distinctive socio-behavioral patterns which emerge in the context of community response to acute chemical emergencies. Impact contingencies and the variations in behavior they occasion are especially noted. The characteristic pattern of behavior of first responders and their initial definitions of threat are also outlined. In addition, there is a discussion of the effects of convergence movement towards the disaster site on the outflow of evacuees.
On Differentiability of Solutions with Respect to Parameters in State-Dependent Delay Equations

In this paper we study differentiability of solutions with respect to parameters in state-dependent delay equations. In particular, we give sufficient conditions for differentiability of solutions in theW1, pnorm (1⩽p<∞). In establishing our main results we make use of a version of the Uniform Contraction Principle for quasi-Banach spaces.
Georeferenced Mosaics for Tracking Fires Using Unmanned Miniature Air Vehicles

Fire tracking is an increasingly important area of research aiming to help firefighters more effectively fight fires. In the past, piloted aircraft have been the main source for obtaining fire characteristics from the air. In recent years unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) have become popular for the same purpose. While large UAVs are an effective means of assisting firefighters, they are expensive to purchase and operate. Mini UAVs or MAVs, on the other hand, have become cheap and reliable platforms for surveillance missions. However, due to weight and size constraints, MAVs are often equipped with error-prone sensors, in contrast to large UAVs, resulting in poor-quality georeferencing and geolocating. Techniques to solve this problem in the fire tracking context have focused on fusing information from on-board infrared and color cameras and using various filters to correct single geolocation estimates. However, a fire can be very large and arbitrarily shaped, thereby invalidating the single geolocation point assumption. We aim to solve this problem by producing a Georeferenced Uncertainty Mosaic (GUM) in which size, shape, and geolocation information is shown simultaneously in an easy to understand georeferenced image. The GUM is created by appropriately blurring the infrared images captured by the on-board camera, and using the blurred images as observations in a particle filter.
Deep-level defects responsible for persistent photoconductivity in Ga-doped Cd 1 − x Mn x Te

Bulk n-type ${\mathrm{Cd}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Mn}}_{\mathit{x}}$Te crystals heavily doped with Ga are known to exhibit strong persistent photoconductivity (PPC) at low temperatures (below \ensuremath{\sim}100 K). In order to identify the origin of the PPC effect, we investigated the electronic properties of deep-level defects present in this material by deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) and by thermally stimulated capacitance (TSCAP) measurements. We used a ${\mathrm{Cd}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Mn}}_{\mathit{x}}$Te crystal with x=0.03 and a Ga doping level of 1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{19}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$. The DLTS measurements revealed the presence of two deep levels, with thermal activation energies for electron emission of 0.25 and 0.43 eV. The electron capture process to the 0.25-eV level was found to be thermally activated, with a thermal energy barrier of 0.11 eV. DLTS measurements performed after sub-band-gap illumination at low temperatures established that, in addition to the PPC effect, the illumination causes also a strong increase in the concentration of the 0.25-eV states, which persist to temperatures as high as T=200 K. This finding indicates that---in addition to the metastability of conduction electrons with respect to the 0.25-eV states, which results in the PPC below 100 K---the 0.25-eV states are also metastable with respect to other (ground) states from which they are created by photoexcitation. Our TSCAP measurements detected also two transitions to two different deep levels, in agreement with these results. The first of these levels is donorlike, with an activation energy of 0.21 eV. The second level is acceptorlike, and the electron transition to this level requires a thermal energy of several hundreds of meV. Because the concentrations of both the 0.25- and the 0.43-eV states found by DLTS appear to be very close to each other, we propose a single defect model with two charge states, attributing the 0.43-eV level to an acceptorlike two-electron ground state of the defect, and the 0.25-eV level to the excited, donorlike one-electron state. According to this model, the defect possesses a positive Hubbard correlation energy (positive-U system). We discuss a configuration coordinate diagram of the defect in the paper.
Investigation of Leaky-Wave Propagation and Radiation in a Metal Cut-Wire Array

The leaky-wave propagation and radiation characteristics of a metal cut-wire array are studied. It is shown that a leaky-wave can exist in the structure at frequencies above the plasmonic cut-off. The field distribution, propagation and attenuation constants of the leaky-wave are extracted from simulation and measurement, and compared with the predictions based on a rigorous homogenization model. Next, directive radiation into the air region through the leaky-wave mechanism is explored. It is found that a directive, frequency scanned beam can be formed outside the cut-wire array. The phenomenon is demonstrated through theory, simulations and measurements.
Nondestructive Characterization of Planar Defects Using Laser-Generated Ultrasonic Shear Waves

This paper introduces a laser scanning technique to characterize internal planar defects in a specimen with parallel boundaries. Based on the principles of laser-based ultrasonic shear waves and shadowing, a procedure to determine flaw location, size, and orientation is described. The key feature of this scheme is the use of an optimum wave propagation angle where the maximum shear wave propagates. The feasibility of the approach is evidenced by testing specimens with various controlled and natural internal flaws. The experimental results are promising, in that the flaw characteristics can be determined with good accuracy. It is found that the scheme is especially useful for characterizing transverse-type flaws. The limitations of the technique are also addressed.
Program Debugging with Effective Software Fault Localization (Invited Talk)

Program debugging is an important activity in the development of reliable and trustworthy software. This activity can be very expensive and time consuming due to the difficulty of identifying the exact locations of program faults. In this talk, I will explain how to take advantage of sophisticated analysis of the static and dynamic behavior of the software under examination to prioritize suspicious code in terms of its likelihood of containing program bugs.
Cross-reactivity between RSV-induced tumor antigen and B5 MHC alloantigen in the chicken

Lymphocytes from chickens homozygous (B2B2) at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) were tested for cytotoxic against five types of target chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF). Lymphocytes from B2B2 chickens bearing RSV-induced tumors lysed in vitro targets of B2B2 and B5B5 RSV-infected CEF and B5B5 normal CEF, but did not lyse B2B2 and B24B24 normal CEF. Lymphocytes from normal B2B2 chickens did not lyse any of the five types of CEF targets. Alloantisera absorption studies showed that both RSV-infected and uninfected CEF shared alloantigens, in particular B-F alloantigens, with syngeneic erythrocytes. Absorption with B2B2 RSV-infected CEF significantly lowered the titer of B2B2 anti-B5B5 alloantisera. Cross-reactivity between B5 antigen(s) and tumor-associated antigen was suggested and the nature of the cross-reactivity was discussed. It is hypothesized that this cross-reactivity prevents B5B5 chickens from recognizing the RSV-induced tumors as foreign, enhances tumor growth and leads to death of the host.
Diffuse continental deformation: length scales, rates and metamorphic evolution

In contrast with the oceanic portions of the plates, continents may deform hundreds of kilometres away from any plate boundary. Calculations that treat the continents as continuous media suggest that the across-strike length scale of deformation associated with a convergent boundary is proportional to the along-strike length of the boundary, the constant of proportionality depending on the rheology of the lithosphere. The dependence on convergent boundary length implies that, for fixed velocity of convergence, strain rates decrease with increasing length of the orogen. The dependence on rheology is less straightforward, but it appears from laboratory determination of flow laws that the scale length of compressional deformation decreases as the fraction of the lithospheric strength supported by friction on faults increases; that fraction depends on the thermal profile of the continental lithosphere and will change during the evolution of an orogenic belt. The thermal development of a diffusely deforming compressional belt is nearly independent of its strain history unless the strain rates are less than about 10 -15 s -1 . If erosion terminates the heating phase of such an orogenic belt, the dominant control on the metamorphic history is the heat supply to the continental lithosphere. In contrast, if extension of the thickened crust ends metamorphism, peak metamorphic conditions depend only on the rheological properties of the lithosphere. Metamorphism in crust that is subject to major extension following compressional orogenesis should be nearly independent of the initial thermal conditions of the crust, and may be distinguished from metamorphism terminated by erosion by a final stage of isobaric cooling from temperatures close to the maximum experienced.
Blind extraction and localization of sound sources using point sources based approaches.

This paper presents theoretical models for blind sound source localization and separation of the signals emitted by arbitrary point sources in free space. Source localizations are achieved by a model based approach that accounts for the spherical spreading of an acoustic wave and utilizes an iterative triangulation, based on the signals measured by a three-dimensional microphone array. Once source locations are determined, the source signals are separated by using the point source separation (PSS) method, which is valid for all types of signals, including harmonic, continuous, transient, random, narrowband and broadband. General solutions for signals separation are presented. Theoretically, PSS can reconstruct the individual source signals exactly. This is because it employs the free-space Green’s function, which defines the exact correlation among individual sources and measurement microphones. To validate PSS, numerical simulations are carried out and results are compared with those obtained by FastICA ...
Problems and challenges in non-imaging optics

In this paper we list a few problems in nonimaging optics which we believe are fundamental to further development of the subject. It is our hope that as they are solved, and crossed of the list, further progress can be facilitated.
Sobre o intraduzível: sofrimento humano, a linguagem de direitos humanos e a Comissão de Verdade e Reconciliação da África do Sul

Este ensaio analisa os pros e contras decorrentes da traducao de demonstracoes de sofrimento humano para uma linguagem padronizada de direitos humanos. Defendo que a experiencia da Comissao de Verdade e Reconciliacao da Africa do Sul evidencia de que maneira tal traducao torna o sofrimento humano, ao mesmo tempo, inteligivel e ininteligivel. De fato, a linguagem de direitos humanos se mostrou significativamente util ao viabilizar o reconhecimento, outrora inexistente, de eventos pertencentes a historia sul-africana, alem de ter identificado as vitimas, garantindo-lhes dignidade e, eventualmente, reconhecido a responsabilidade de certos agentes. Nao obstante, defendo que esta mesma linguagem desfigurou o depoimento das vitimas de tal maneira que as afastou de suas proprias experiencias, alem de, por vezes, te-las traumatizado novamente, o que se revelou, frequentemente, mais conveniente aos perpetradores do que as vitimas. Afirmo, ainda, que a promessa de reabilitacao, sob a qual se reveste o discurso de direitos humanos apresentado pela Comissao, priorizou formas nacionais de reabilitacao, em detrimento de reabilitacoes de carater individual, bem como possibilitou que o governo da Africa do Sul substituisse mecanismos materiais de indenizacao por mecanismos incorporeos e simbolicos.
The Effects of a Group Exercise Program on the Weight Management of Obese Women in a Publicly Funded Healthcare System

Women from minority backgrounds have the highest prevalence rates of obesity and physical inactivity. A prospective cohort pilot study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of a 12-week intervention that consisted of a group exercise program with educational reinforcement to enhance physical activity, physical fitness and physical self-worth. Twenty-three minority women completed the intervention. The participants were obese, had a neuromusculoskeletal impairment, chronic medical condition or disability that required outpatient physical therapy services. The results of this study revealed no significant reduction in body-weight but improvement was made for functional cardiovascular endurance (p < .005), lower and upper body strength (p < .006 and .042, respectively), physical self-worth (p < .0005) and moderate physical activity (p < .009). Despite the absence of weight-loss for these participants, the exercise and education intervention provided improvements in levels of physical fitness, physical self-worth and engagement in health enhancing physical activity.
Nitric oxide in renal health and disease

Nitric oxide (NO) is a labile radical gas that is widely acclaimed as one of the most important molecules in biology. Through covalent modifications of target proteins and redox reactions with oxygen and superoxide radical and transition metal prosthetic groups, NO plays a critical role in many vital biological processes, including the control of vascular tone, neurotransmission, ventilation, hormone secretion, inflammation, and immunity. Moreover, NO has been shown to influence a host of fundamental cellular functions, such as RNA synthesis, mitochondrial respiration, glycolysis, and iron metabolism. NO is formed from L-arginine by NO synthases (NOSs), a family of related enzymes encoded by separate unlinked genes. The different NOS isozymes exhibit disparate tissue and intrarenal distributions and are governed by unique regulatory mechanisms. In the kidney, NO participates in several vital processes, including the regulation of glomerular and medullary hemodynamics, the tubuloglomerular feedback response, renin release, and the extracellular fluid volume. While NO serves beneficial roles as a messenger and host defense molecule, excessive NO production can be cytotoxic, the result of NO's reaction with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, leading to peroxynitrite anion formation, protein tyrosine nitration, and hydroxyl radical production. Indeed, NO may contribute to the evolution of several commonly encountered renal diseases, including immune-mediated glomerulonephritis, postischemic renal failure, radiocontrast nephropathy, obstructive nephropathy, and acute and chronic renal allograft rejection. Moreover, impaired NO production has been implicated in the pathogenesis of volume-dependent hypertension. This duality of NO's beneficial and detrimental effects has created extraordinary interest in this molecule and the need for a detailed understanding of NO biosynthesis.
DANGEROUSLY ANTISOCIAL YOUTHS WHO KILL THEIR PARENTS

Adolescent parricide offenders are typically presented in the popular and professional literature as prosocial youths in fear of their lives, often killing to protect themselves or others from death or serious physical injury or to end the chronic abuse they and other family members suffer. There are, however, dangerously antisocial youths who kill their parents for selfish, instrumental reasons.
Laparoscopic Diagnosis of Pancreatic Disease in Dogs and Cats

Background: Histopathology is the gold standard for the diagnosis of pancreatic disease. Laparoscopy offers a minimally invasive route by which to obtain pancreatic biopsies. Hypothesis: Laparoscopy is a safe and effective technique for evaluating the pancreas in small animal patients. Animals: Medical records of 18 dogs and 13 cats examined between 1999 and 2007 that underwent laparoscopy during which observation or biopsy of the pancreas was recorded. Methods: The database for the Laparoscopy Laboratory at Colorado State University was searched for records that contained “pancreatitis,”“pancreas,” or “pancreatic.” The presenting complaints, imaging studies, and histopathologic findings of animals were recorded. All hospital admissions were searched for animals with the same presenting complaints and of those it was determined which animals had exploratory surgery and their pancreas biopsied. Results: Thirteen cats and 18 dogs underwent laparoscopy for presumptive pancreatic disease or had the appearance of the pancreas described, pancreatic biopsies obtained, or both. In 14 animals a laparoscopic biopsy of the pancreas resulted in a histopathologic diagnosis when the sonographic findings or the gross assessment failed to do so. In 35% of the animals a biopsy of the pancreas was not obtained despite findings consistent with pancreatic disease. Those animals examined for vomiting or anorexia were significantly more likely to have a biopsy of the pancreas obtained through laparoscopy versus surgery (P < .0001). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Laparoscopy and pancreatic biopsy is useful for evaluation of pancreatic disease.
Study of Doppler broadening of gamma-ray spectra in 14-MeV neutron activation analysis

Neutron reactions producing characteristic photons of isotopes are important for nondestructive analysis of materials. Technique to determine the intensity of neutron induced gamma rays by fitting a spectrum with a Gaussian function using detector resolution curves derived from isotopic sources may fail if the peak is Doppler-broadened. This leads to the miscalculation of the area of the peak and, therefore, to misidentification of the material. This work shows that Doppler broadening occurs in the 14-MeV neutron analysis with photons emitted in inelastic scattering reactions on light nuclei with excited states whose lifetimes are much smaller than the time of flight of a recoiling nucleus in the material. It provides groundwork for analysis of gamma ray spectra utilizing detector response functions measured with a 14-MeV neutron source using actual geometry of an active interrogation system.
Diet, mortality and life expectancy: a cross national analysis.

There are numerous reasons why mortality and life expectancy vary between countries. Epidemiological studies seem to indicate that dictary variations may be among them. A sample of 51 countries studied with data from the International Comparisons Project and other sources, shows that after controlling for nutrient intake, consumption of medical goods and services, income distribution, weather, and literacy, countries with more meat and poultry in their diet have lower life expectancies after age five. The results for infant mortality and child death between one and five indicate that a more animal-intensive diet may be actually be beneficial, especially if fish consumption is increased and meat and poultry consumption reduced.