cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative evaluation of visual performance of liquid crystal displays

The front-of-screen quality as the visual performance of thin- film transistor liquid crystal displays were investigated using the original algorithm for uniformity analysis. Extraction and evaluation of 'mura,' which was low-contrast and non-uniform brightness region, was successfully demonstrated using commercial-available test system with our algorithm. The algorithm was led out from researching of sensory analysis and human perception. The sensitivity of the technique was demonstrated by a detectable change at even the small level which was perceptible by experienced manufacturing inspectors. The evaluation and judgement for 'mura' using our technique closely matched the results from the experienced inspectors.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Temperature Effects of the Several Intense IR Absorption Peaks in NTD Si:H

Temperature effects of 2210, 1946, and 1831 cm−1 IR absorption peaks in NTD Si:H are measured and analysed. The phonon scattering process is the dominant factor of the temperature effects, while the phonon decomposition process can be neglected. The symmetry, Td, of defect-complex corresponding to the 2210 cm−1 peak can be transformed into D2d symmetry as temperature rises above 200 K. The transition causes anomalous temperature effects which broaden the linewidth of the peak and destroy its symmetric peak shapes, i.e. shoulders appear on the low frequency sides of the peaks. The symmetric breaking mechanism strongly supports that the V + 4 H model is responsible for the 2210 cm−1 IR absorption peak. The correlation between the temperature-dependent linewidth and the degeneracy of its vibration mode is discussed. Temperatureffekte der 2210, 1946 und 1831 cm−1 IR-Absorptionsmaxima in NTD Si:H werden gemessen und analysiert. Der Phononenstreuprozes ist der dominierende Faktor der Temperatureinflusse, wahrend der Phononenzerfallsprozes vernachlassigt werden kann. Die Symmetrie, Td des Defektkomplexes des 2210 cm−1-Maximums kann in die D2d-Symmetrie uberfuhrt werden, wenn die Temperatur 200 K ubersteigt. Der Ubergang verursacht anomale Temperatureffekte, die die Linienbreite des Maximums verbreitern und seine symmetrischen Linienformen zerstoren, d. h. es treten Schultern an den niederfrequenten Flanken des Maximums auf. Der symmetriebrechende Mechanismus weist stark darauf hin, das das V + 4 H-Modell fur das 2210 cm−1-IR-Absorptionsmaximum verantwortlich ist. Die Korrelation zwischen der temperaturabhangigen Linienbreite und der Entartung seiner Schwingungsmode wird diskutiert.
A survey of bond graph modelling for interacting lumped and distributed systems

Abstract Through use of normal modes, bond graphs can be used to construct perhaps the most accurate low order models for linear distributed systems. By requiring relatively few equations, when compared to finite difference and finite element models, a physically understandable model results for design and automatic control applications. These bond graph distributed models can also be directly combined with bond graph models of lumped systems or other distributed systems to yield an overall system model with all the analytical and computational advantages that bond graph modelling affords. This paper surveys the development of bond graph modelling applied to interacting lumped and distributed systems.
Geospatial variation of grapevine water status, soil water availability, grape composition and sensory characteristics in a spatially heterogeneous premium wine grape vineyard

Abstract. The geoscience component of terroir in wine grape production continues to be criticized for its quasi-mystical nature, and lack of testable hypotheses. Nonetheless, recent relational investigations are emerging and most involve water availability as captured by available water capacity (AWC, texture) or plant available water (PAW) in the root zone of soil as being a key factor. The second finding emerging may be that the degree of microscale variability in PAW and other soil factors at the vineyard scale renders larger regional characterizations questionable. Cimatic variables like temperature are well mixed, and its influence on wine characteristic is fairly well established. The influence of mesogeology on mesoclimate factors has also been characterized to some extent. To test the hypothesis that vine water status mirrors soil water availability, and controls fruit sensory and chemical properties at the vineyard scale we examined such variables in a iconic, selectively harvested premium winegrape vineyard in the Napa Valley of California during 2007 and 2008 growing seasons. Geo-referenced data vines remained as individual study units throughout data gathering and analysis. Cartographic exercises using geographic information systems (GIS) were used to vizualize geospatial variation in soil and vine properties. Highly significant correlations (P
Beamformed Flow-Acoustic Correlations in High-Speed Jets

An experimental study of simultaneous multi-point measurements in the flow and acoustic fields of a Mach 1.75 cold air jet is presented. A series of four optical deflectometer (OD) probes were used for the flow field measurements, and eight microphones arranged on a circular arc recorded the far-field pressure in the direction of peak emission. In addition, some of the OD probes were positioned in the near acoustic field of the jet. The correlation methodology involves calculating the delay-and-sum beamformer outputs of the OD probes and microphones, then computing the coherence between the two outputs. With the OD probes in the jet shear layer, there is a significant correlation, on the order of 0.1, between the turbulent fluctuations and far-field noise in the direction of peak emission. As the OD probe moves transversely away from the jet, the coherence with the far-acoustic field first drops and then increases significantly to levels on the order of 0.3. The drop is associated with the probe moving into the hydrodynamic pressure field that does not radiate to the far field; the subsequent increase signifies the probe being located in the acoustic pressure field. In the vicinity of the jet exit, the peak coherence between the OD signal and microphone beamformer coincides with the physical location of the OD probe. However, as the shear layer thickens downstream, the peak coherence generally lags the probe location. It is argued that this is caused by the refraction of the acoustic rays by the mean velocity and speed-of-sound gradients. The effect is particularly severe when the OD probe is on the jet centerline past the end of the potential core. This underscores the need to include refraction effects in calculating the beamformer output of the microphone array.
Secretion of Surfactant by Rat Alveolar Type II Cells:Morphometric Analysis and Three-Dimensional Reconstruction

Secretion of surfactant by alveolar type II cells occurs by exocytosis and is stimulated by several mechanical and hormonal mechanisms, including beta-agonists. We examined the morphological correlates of this process by electron microscopy and by three dimensional reconstructions of rat lung alveolar epithelial type II cells before and after isoproterenol stimulation. Male rats were given a dose of isoproterenol 2 hours prior to anesthesia. The lungs were fixed by intratracheal instillation and lung tissue was processed by methods designed to enhance the retention of saturated phospholipids. The type II cells were evaluated by transmission and scanning electron microscopy and morphometry of the type II cells was performed. Three dimensional reconstruction of secretory events at the alveolar air border was also done. We observed a dose dependent increase in elliptical cell-surface pores averaging 0.2 X 0.4 micron in size on the alveolar luminal side of type II cells. Most often these pores were surrounded by an elevated area lacking microvilli and overlying an area of granular cytoplasm. The pores observed were about half the average diameter of the lamellar bodies and a deformation of that spherical secretory organelle was seen frequently. We conclude these cell-surface pores represent the structures through which surfactant is released by type II cells. During the secretion of lamellar bodies, deformation may be imposed at the restriction of the surface pores. This deformation could be important in the transformation of the lamellar material from an intracellular storage site to its active role on the alveolar surface.
An analytical approach to low observable maintenance practices using simulation and marginal analysis

The F-22 Raptor is a unique aircraft with many technological advantages and superior capabilities. The aircraft's stealth capability is a function of many design aspects, including coatings that cover the outside of the aircraft and help mitigate radar detection. Maintaining these Low Observable coatings has its own set of challenges to include an inexperienced work force, time consuming procedures, and demanding maneuvers of a fifth generation fighter aircraft. Another challenge facing the F-22 fleet is low aircraft availability, where the aircraft is down for numerous reasons. Using a simulation built in ARENA, process improvements to Low Observable maintenance can be quantified with a goal of improving aircraft availability. One example of process improvements, the use of extra stock panels is tested in the simulation to see the potential marginal improvement to Aircraft Availability.
Compensation of the transducer response for high frequency coded excitation imaging

An enhanced approach in which the windowed chirp transmission is inverse filtered with the impulse response of an ultrasonic transducer is investigated to improve axial resolution and to reduce the side lobe level in high frequency coded excitation imaging. This method reduces side-lobe level more than the resolution enhancement compression (REC) method without using a mismatched filter. The proposed method modifies the number of samples of transmission signal to maintain the accuracy of convolution operation while performing inverse filtering. In this way, side-lobe level is minimized compared to the REC method without a loss of axial resolution. Both simulation and experimental measurements were carried out to validate the enhanced method. FieldII simulation was performed for a 34MHz focused single element transducer. For the experimental measurement, a focused LiNbO 3 single element transducer at 34MHz center frequency with 74% bandwidth was used. The two way impulse response of transducer was acquired by pulse-echo measurements. The frequency of the Hanning windowed chirp was from 20MHz to 60MHz. Images of a wire target and rabbit eyeball were acquired for the image evaluation. The simulation results showed that the axial resolution at −6dB was enhanced from 53µm to 48µm at the focal point of transducer whereas experimental results showed that the axial resolution at −6dB was enhanced from 52µm to 46µm and side-lobe level of proposed method was decreased by 4dB compared with the REC method.
Free actions of finite groups on rational homology 3-spheres

We show that any finite group can act freely on a rational homology 3-sphere. © 2000 Elsevier
Investigating coupling patterns in state-space models for system reliability

State-space representation in system reliability modeling provides a flexible means for modeling dynamic scenarios, but monolithic models tends to be prohibitively complex for realistic systems. Breaking models into modules that can be analyzed independently (off-line) greatly reduces this complexity, but the characterization of the coupling among these modules should provide adequate accuracy once those modules are assembled together. In this paper, the feasibility of component-based modeling of shared repair resources is investigated. The work builds upon a recently developed compact representation of competing risks scenarios that matches the relative occurrence probability ratios of multiple risks (choice) and replaces it with a single Weibull distribution.
Rewiring mesenchymal stem cell lineage specification by switching the biophysical microenvironment

Rewiring mesenchymal stem cell lineage specification by switching the biophysical microenvironment
Evaluating Performance in Training-Oriented Human Service Organizations:

Training organizations are reluctant to evaluate themselves seriously, partly because of the fear that gains from such evaluations are minimal while the losses may be astronomical, particularly if the evaluation is negative. Adding to this difficulty is the lack of program evaluation models that emphasize the idea of positive change in training contexts. A "value-added" model is proposed to address this circumstance in human service training organizations. Trainers and OD practitioners and researchers concerned with valuable change in organizations are thus introduced to the notion of a value-added framework.
Economic and Social Rights in the United States: Implementation Without Ratification

In 1948, the United States firmly supported the inclusion of economic and social rights when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights encompassing these rights. Since then, however, the U.S. has been ambivalent, and at times hostile, to these rights. Although the U.S. Senate ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in 1992, it never ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and it does not look likely to do so in the near future. Nonetheless, economic and social rights are being implemented in the United States. International human rights mechanisms – including the Human Rights Council and the Special Rapporteurs – investigate the U.S. record on respecting, protecting and fulfilling the economic and social rights in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Moreover, state, county and city governments now look to international economic and social rights to guide their decision-making and evaluate their progress. Despite the ambivalence of the U.S. government toward these rights, they are being implemented in the U.S. at the federal, state and local level. This article explains how.
Abnormal Ionization in the E Region of the Ionosphere

Records of the field strength of 10-megacycle signals have been made at a distance of 30 kilometers from the transmitter. "Bursts" of received energy, of a few minutes' duration, were noted at times when no reflection from the F layer was present. When the density of ionization in the F layer was above the critical value for this frequency, occasional short periods of strong absorption at a low level have greatly reduced the strength of the reflected signal. Both of these phenomena are apparently due to small volumes of dense ionization in the E region, and they are consistent with a theory that such local ionization is caused by the transit of a single large meteor. Examination of astronomical data on the number and size of meteors shows that this is a possible explanation of the abnormally intense ionization frequently observed in the E layer. The same recently accessible data indicate that the constant meteoric bombardment of the atmosphere can maintain a continuous background level of ionization in the E region of about the magnitude which is observed during the night.
Antitumor Agents from Bursera microphylla (Burseraceae) III: Synthesis of Burseran

Burseran, 3-(3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl)4-(3“,4,5”-trimethoxybenzyl) tetrahydrofuran, has been synthesized in order to prove its proposed structure.
Positron emission tomography imaging--technical considerations

Positron imaging instrumentation has improved rapidly in the last few years. Scanners currently under development are beginning to approach fundamental limits set by positron range and noncolinearity effects. This report reviews the latest developments in positron emission tomography (PET) instrumentation, emphasizing the development of coding schemes that reduce the complexity and cost of high-resolution scanners. The relative benefits of using time-of-flight (TOF) information is discussed as well.
The InfoPad project: review and lessons learned

The InfoPad project was started at UC Berkeley in 1992 to investigate the issues involved in providing multimedia information access using a portable, wireless terminal. It quickly became clear that a key design constraint was the energy consumption, which could best be addressed through an integrated system approach. The project was therefore organized to address all design levels, including the applications and user interface, backbone network protocols, software for distributed network support, the wireless link, and the pad itself which used a number of low voltage ASIC designs and a processor running embedded code. Tools were developed when not available (particularly in support of low energy design), as well as an interface to mechanical designers who created a custom injection molded case. The wide scope of the project presented a number of unique challenges for a research environment and the lessons learnt are presented.
Immunoassay of Pig and Human Gastric Proton Pump

Monoclonal antibodies against the K+-dependent adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) responsible for acid secretion in the pig gastric mucosa were generated by hybridoma technology. Two of these antibodies, shown to bind selectively to subunits of the ATPase and to label intracellular membranes of pig and rabbit parietal cells, were used to develop a sensitive (±1 pmol) immunoassay for the ATPase. Enzyme samples were adsorbed to the wells of polystyrene microtitration plates and then incubated sequentially with monoclonal antibody, antimouse immunoglobulin G coupled to alkaline phosphatase, and p-nitrophenyl phosphate. Standard curves relating the absorbance of the wells at 410 nm to log 10 micrograms ATPase were fitted by a three-parameter logistic, with a useful assay range of 0.05-10 μg ATPase. The immunoassay allows measurement of proton-pumping ATPase levels in human gastric biopsy specimens and may therefore be useful in studies of gastric mucosal function.
Viral Myocarditis and Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Mechanisms of Cardiac Injury, Inflammation, and Fibrosis

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the myocardium, which often follows infection with one of many different pathogens including viruses, bacteria, protozoa, helminths, or fungi. Enteroviruses of the family of Picornaviruses (small, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses) are a major etiological agent causing the clinical disease. Myocyte injury results from the direct infection and replication of the pathogen, from the innate and adaptive host immune responses to the infection, and from induction of autoimmunity to heart antigens. Chronic inflammation is likely due to autoimmunity, persistent viral infection in the heart, and an attempt to heal scar tissue laid down as a consequence of acute inflammation-induced remodeling. Profibrotic cytokines and mediators released during acute myocarditis in susceptible individuals activate fibroblasts and recruit new fibroblast differentiation via endothelial mesenchymal transition leading to cardiac remodeling and dilated cardiomyopathy.
Compaction mechanics of plastically deformable dry granules

To improve the understanding of how dry granulation and in particular, granule solid fraction (SF) impact the compaction behavior of plastically deformable microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), in this study, the Drucker Prager Cap (DPC) model parameters were calibrated using monodisperse MCC dry granules as model granules. Dry granules were produced as directly compressed small cylindrical compacts of MCC with SF in the range of 0.40 to 0.70 which were monodisperse in both size and SF. Virgin MCC powder and granules were compressed into tablets with SF in the range of 0.70 to 0.90. The DPC parameters (cohesion, internal friction angle, cap eccentricity, and hydrostatic yield stress), Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio were experimentally determined from diametrical and uniaxial compression, and in-die compaction tests. Results showed that calibration of the shear failure surface only may be adequate for MCC granules when the DPC model is completely calibrated for virgin MCC. Increasing granule SF significantly decreased the cohesion only. All other parameters were impacted by the tablet SF only. In the 2D yield surface, only the shear failure surface expanded as the granule SF increased. MCC of any granulation status requires the same in-die compaction stress state for densification to a given tablet solid fraction.
Is collective repression an effective counterinsurgency technique? Unpacking the cyclical relationship between repression and civil conflict

Research on the relationship between civil conflict and repression has led to one conclusion—the law-like finding that states respond to internal challengers with repression—and one puzzle with com...
Some considerations on relational equilibria

A previous study (Bull. Math. Biophysics,31, 417–427, 1969) on the definitions of stability of equilibria in organismic sets determined byQ relations is continued. An attempt is made to bring this definition into a form as similar as possible to that used in physical systems determined byF-relations. With examples taken from physics, biology and sociology, it is shown that a definition of equilibria forQ-relational systems similar to the definitions used in physics can be obtained, provided the concept of stable or unstable structures of a system determined byQ-relations is considered in a probabilistic manner. This offers an illustration of “fuzzy categories,” a notion introduced by I. Bąianu and M. Marinescu (Bull. Math. Biophysics,30, 625–635, 1968), in their paper on organismic supercategories, which is designed to provide a mathematical formalism for Rashevsky's theory of Organismic Sets (Bull. Math. Biophysics,29, 389–393, 1967;30, 163–174, 1968;31, 159–198, 1969). A suggestion is made for a method of mapping the abstract discrete space ofQ-relations on a continuum of variables ofF-relations. Problems of polymorphism and metamorphosis, both in biological and social organisms, are discussed in the light of the theory.
Testing and Analysis of Reverberation Time in Three Halls of Shenyang Imperial Palace

There is still a lack of research on the sound field in Chinese traditional architecture. The sound field in the three main halls in Shenyang Palace Museum was examined in this study. As an important acoustic index,the reverberation time was systematically measured and analysis was made in terms of the measurement data of T30 and T10 at different locations at various frequencies,and in terms of the relationships between reverberation time and the function of each hall. The results indicated that the three halls all had good acoustic quality,and their reverberation times could well satisfy the needs of respective functions.
The Utopian Spirit in the Socialist Construction in China

The paper, by inspecting the socialist construction in China from the perspective of utopian spirit, has found out that, in a relative long period after the liberation, we have been enacting the communism as the given ideal state, which is opposite to the reality. This has frequently put the socialist construction in China in a trap because of the utopian mistake in some sense. It is the necessary step in the socialist construction in China to go through the utopian period since the reform and the opening-up. This has brought about unprecedented prosperity in materials. However, we should also avoid the cultural dilemma where we are tied up to modernity and fall into the culturally difficult situation without the utopian spirit.
Carcinoma of the tongue and tonsil (oropharynx).

This article emphasizes the multidisciplinary approach to the management of carcinomas of the tongue and oropharynx. The decision for the primary mode of therapy will depend on the multiple factors discussed.
This Old House: Renovating the House of Labor at City University of New York

Is it a dream to think that intellectual workers can invent a new form of unionism? That's one version of the question we're trying to answer, as an insurgent caucus within an academic union, two years into the project of remaking the house of labor at the City University of New York.
Using Theory and Practice to Build an Instructional Technology Tool Kit

Abstract In this chapter, the research on active learning, effective technology integration, and knowledge building are used to propose a scaffold around which librarians can build their own strategies of incorporating technology in face-to-face, blended, and fully online instructional interactions. This construct can make using technology in instruction less daunting. By using the three ideas together, along with Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy and the Association of College and Research Libraries’ Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education and Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, librarians can also empower students to more actively engage in their own information literacy learning. From this theoretical scaffold, situationally appropriate technology tools will be recommended for information literacy instruction. While these tools will generally be viewed through the lens of online or distributed learning, many (if not all) technology resources could be used in face-to-face or blended instructional interactions as well.
Ki-67 protein expression and tumor associated inflammatory cells (macrophages and mast cells) in canine colorectal carcinoma

Ki67 index, tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) and mast cells (MCs) are associated with malignancies in animal and human neoplasms including colorectal carcinomas (CRC). This has not been assessed in canine CRC. Given similar genetic abnormalities between human and canine CRC, we assessed Ki-67 and mitotic indices, TAMs and MC count (MCC) in canine CRC (n = 17). TAMs and MCC were compared with those in adenomas (n = 13) and control (n = 9). Ki-67 index in CRC (17.13 ± 11.50) was strongly correlated (r = 0.98, p 0.05). Ki-67 index, TAMs and MCC in canine CRC were recorded for the first time in this study. Ki-67 index and MCC are associated with malignancy in canine CRC. Quantitative assessment of MCs and Ki-67 coupled with mitotic index and other clinical parameters may help in evaluating malignancy in canine CRC. TAMs likely play a role in the development of canine colorectal tumors. Further studies to determine the clinical significance of these parameters for prognostic, chemo-preventive and chemotherapeutic purposes in canine colorectal tumors are recommended.
Miscibility Transition Temperature Scales with Growth Temperature in a Zebrafish Cell Line

Cells can alter the lipid content of their plasma membranes upon changes in their environment to maintain and adjust membrane function. Recent work suggests that some membrane functions arise because cellular plasma membranes are poised close to a miscibility transition under growth conditions. Here we report experiments utilizing giant plasma membrane vesicles (GPMVs) to explore how membrane transition temperature varies with growth temperature in a zebrafish cell line (ZF4) that can be adapted for growth between 20 and 32°C. We find that GPMV transition temperatures adjust to be 16.7 ± 1.2°C below growth temperature for four growth temperatures investigated and that adjustment occurs over roughly 2 days when temperature is abruptly lowered from 28 to 20°C. We also find that GPMVs have slightly different lipidomes when isolated from cells adapted for growth at 28 and 20°C. Similar to past work in vesicles derived from mammalian cells, fluctuating domains are observed in ZF4-derived GPMVs, consistent with their having critical membrane compositions. Taken together, these experimental results suggest that cells in culture biologically tune their membrane composition in a way that maintains specific proximity to a critical miscibility transition.
Radiative Thermal Annealing/in Situ X-ray Diffraction Study of Methylammonium Lead Triiodide: Effect of Antisolvent, Humidity, Annealing Temperature Profile, and Film Substrates

Organic–inorganic hybrid halide perovskites are one of the most promising emerging photovoltaic materials due to their high efficiency and potentially low processing cost. Here, we present a well-controlled, manufacturing relevant annealing method, radiative thermal annealing, for the methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI3) films formed by a solvent engineering process, with dimethylformamide (DMF) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as solvent and diethyl ether as the antisolvent. Radiative thermal annealing can produce high quality perovskite films, evidenced by high efficiency solar cell devices (∼18% power conversion efficiency), in a shorter time than the widely used hot plate annealing. Using in situ X-ray diffraction during the radiative annealing, we show that the role of the antisolvent is not to form an important intermediate compound (a PbI2-MAI-DMSO complex) by washing of the main solvent (DMF), but to achieve a pinhole free, uniform film of MAPbI3 with minimal intermediate compound. Importantly, we ...
Utility of T2* Gradient-Echo Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Routine Imaging of Ischemic Stroke

P27 Objective: To determine the utility of routine T2* weighted gradient-echo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluating patients with ischemic stroke. Methods: One hundred stroke patients with CT scans negative for hemorrhage were prospectively evaluated with T1, T2, FLAIR, and T2* weighted gradient-echo imaging. Results: Ten T2* scans showed evidence of prior hemorrhage, 9 asymptomatic. Seven had abnormalities seen only on T2* imaging. Three had evidence of blood products on T2 as well as T2* (1 subacute). In one patient, a T2* done 2 hours after giving tPA showed abnormality consistent with amyloid angiopathy. She had a subsequent hemorrhagic complication. Discussion: Ten percent of our patients with negative CT scans showed evidence of prior hemorrhage on MRI. Seven percent showed abnormality consistent with hemorrhage only on T2* imaging. T2* sequences are rapidly obtained and readily available on most existing scanners with no additional hardware or software requirements. The information obtained may not be available clinically or with other imaging studies and may alter both acute and chronic management decisions. Conclusion: While our sample size is small, our data indicate that T2* gradient-echo MRI may a valuable tool in the routine imaging evaluation of ischemic stroke.
Azaleas in the Evening

This flowing silk organza evening dress was designed using fabric hand dyed with azalea blossoms. It consists of three layers of silk organza designed in a low-waste, wrap-across-the-back style with asymmetric hem. I seek to constantly challenge myself by learning new dyeing, surface design, pattern making, and/or construction techniques, combining learned techniques in different ways. Exploration of the contact method of natural dyeing as a new textile design technique was my initial design goal. My second design goal was to seek out dyestuff sources that I had not used before when developing the color for this textile and garment design. Azalea blossoms were a readily available potential dyestuff and one that I had not used in previous designs. I found that use of these flowers as a dyestuff was an experimental opportunity, because no information was discovered regarding use of azaleas in either the historical or contemporary natural dye literature.
Small networks, evolution of knowledge and species longevity: Theoretical integration and empirical test☆

Abstract How do small groups play pivotal roles of invention and innovation in (human) organizations and cultures? Economic theories of human capital, i.e., knowledge-skills—provide classic formulations. The economic theories of human capital as intrinsic to societal development and physical survival have direct connections to small group theory of learning through communication and socioemotional interaction. These theories have important parallels in biological theories of the evolution of human intelligence. They are supplemented by social exchange theory and the ecological dominance-social-competition model. These theoretical approaches are common to the overlapping disciplines of social anthropology, sociology and the social psychology of small group behavior. However, even these theories, while plausible and mutually reinforcing, do not fully account for the extraordinary influence of small groups in the invention and innovation process. A crucial moment of invention and innovation is the psychological stress involved in expression/presentation (even to oneself) of a new idea (on an important subject) that is contrary to accepted (i.e., conventional) wisdom. In this article the argument is made that the social support function of small groups, discussed extensively in the epidemiological literature, facilitates that presentation by: (1) reality testing, i.e., confirmation of the validity (truth value), significance and usefulness of abstract or empirical discovery/creation; (2) emotional support moderating the effects of anxiety or threat; and (3) material support of the discoverer/discovery through financing or provision of significant social contacts. Thus, we observe trends in human knowledge and consequent economic development: (1) continuous enlargement of the base of knowledge through specialization and differentiation of disciplines and employment, where disciplinary knowledge is embedded in the structure of employment. (2) Sustainable economic development results in expanded human longevity—minus the losses through employment and income inequality. The impact of economic growth on species survival, engendered by small-group-mediated innovation, can be observed in a statistical model over the beneficial impact of economic development on global cardiovascular mortality. The statistical model also demonstrates the harm to cardiovascular health brought about by employment losses and income inequality associated with world-wide automation.
SPECT imaging of transgenic stem cells and dendritic cells for gene delivery

1624 Objectives: Gene therapy holds enormous therapeutic potential for breast cancer treatment. Very recently, stem/progenitor cells have been considered as delivery vehicles for transferring exogenous genes to the cancer cells. The purpose of this study was to determine whether endothelial progenitor (EPCs) and dendritic cells (DCs) can be used as gene delivery vehicles. In this study, we used EPCs and DCs to carry human sodium iodide symporter (hNIS) gene to the sites of implanted breast cancer in mouse model. Expression of hNIS was determined by Tc-99m pertechnetate (Tc-99m) scan. Methods: Three million human breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cells in 50 µl of serum free media were subcutaneously implanted in the right flank of nude mice. EPCs were isolated from fresh human cord blood. Dendritic cells were differentiated from the cord blood CD34+ or CD14+ cells. Both, EPCs and DCs were genetically transformed to carry hNIS gene using adenoviral vectors. Genetically transformed and normal cells were administered intravenously in tumor bearing mice when tumors grew to 0.5 cm in sizes. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images were acquired 3 days after cell injection, with a custom built micro-SPECT (converted from a clinical PRISM 3000XP using multi-pinhole animal collimators from Bioscan Inc.) using Tc-99m. Expression of hNIS in accumulated cells was determined by staining with anti-hNIS antibody. Results: SPECT images from animals that received transfected cells showed significantly higher radioactivity in tumors as compared to the same images from animals that received non-transfected cells and to the background activity in the same animal. Presence of administered cells was also confirmed by the presence of hNIS positive cells. Conclusions: SPECT images showed accumulation of administered EPCs and DCs in implanted breast cancer, and expression of hNIS gene, respectively. Our study indicates that both EPCs and DCs can be used to deliver genes by systemic administration. This method can be used in the future development of gene therapy approaches for different cancer diseases. Research Support (if any): A grant from DOD
Strength of Implementation Intentions to Use Condoms Among Men Who Have Sex with Men

Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use is increasing among men who have sex with men (MSM), condoms remain key to HIV prevention. Implementation intentions-which link a behavioral action plan with a situation or cue-may predict condom use. The Strength of Implementation Intentions Scale (SIIS), which assesses condom use implementation intentions, has not been evaluated among MSM. A structural model tested whether the SIIS mediated the relationship between condom use intentions and condomless sex acts among 266 sexually-active MSM (56% White, 26% Black, 15% Latino, Mage = 32.54). After controlling for PrEP use, HIV-status, and demographics (χ2(107) = 140.06, CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.03), the SIIS fully mediated the relationship between condom use intentions and condomless sex acts. The SIIS can serve as a fidelity check for interventions, a mediator in theoretical models, and future studies should incorporate implementation intentions into HIV prevention interventions for MSM.
Confronting Measurable Journalism

This introductory essay introduces “measureable journalism” as a term that encapsulates the cultural and material shift to digital platforms capable of providing real-time, individualizable, quanti...
Implementing BPEL4WS: the architecture of a BPEL4WS implementation: Research Articles

BPEL4WS (BPEL in short) is a business process definition language built natively on top of the Web services application model. BPEL provides a workflow-oriented composition model for Web services applications, and is thus a central piece in the heavily componentized service-oriented computing model. BPEL results from the merger of two distinct process metamodels (the process algebra model of XLANG and the graph-oriented model of WSFL) into a coherent and powerful framework. Implementing BPEL thus presents significant challenges to middleware developers. This paper discusses those challenges and describes the design and architecture of the BPWS4J runtime, and a full implementation of the BPELWS 1.1 specification. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intelligent monitoring and control

Intelligent monitoring and control involves observing and guiding the behavior of a physical system toward some objective, with real-time constraints on the utility of particular actions. Generic functional requirements for this task include: integration of perception, reasoning, and action; integration of multiple reasoning activities; reasoning about complex, time-varying systems; coordination of multiple response modes; dynamic allocation of limited computational resources. We illustrate these requirements in the domain of patient monitoring in a surgical intensive care unit (SICU). We propose a generic architecture, designed and implemented in layers: top-level system organization; reasoning architecture; generic reasoning skills and knowledge representation; first-principles knowledge of physical systems; domain knowledge. We illustrate the architecture in the "Guardian" system for SICU monitoring and describe Guardian's performance on an illustrative scenario. Finally, we discuss the generality and limitations of the proposed architecture.
Prevention of Cancers of the Esophagus and Stomach

Key Points Prevention of both tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption are key factors in primary prevention of cancer of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Consumption of fruits and vegetables is lower than optimal in the United States, and increased consumption of these foods has beneficial effects on the prevention of esophageal and stomach cancers as well as other major chronic diseases. Specific micronutrients or combinations of micronutrients may be effective in the prevention of upper GI tract cancers, but this has not yet been firmly established in randomized controlled trials. Helicobacter pylori is a gastric carcinogen. A relatively small proportion of persons infected with H. pylori are ultimately diagnosed with gastric cancer; therefore, an understanding of the cofactors in this process is an important area of research. Barrett’s esophagus is believed to be a premalignant lesion for esophageal adenocarcinoma. Obesity, as determined by elevated body mass index, is also associated with adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, the rates of which are increasing in the United States.
FGF controls epithelial-mesenchymal transitions during gastrulation by regulating cell division and apicobasal polarity

To support tissue and organ development, cells transition between epithelial and mesenchymal states. Here we investigated how mesoderm cells change state in Drosophila embryos and whether fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling plays a role. During gastrulation, presumptive mesoderm cells invaginate, undergo an epithelial-to-mesenchymal state transition (EMT) and migrate upon the ectoderm. Our data show that EMT is a prolonged process in which adherens junctions progressively decrease in number throughout the mesoderm cells’ migration. FGF influences adherens junction number and promotes mesoderm cell division, which we propose decreases cell-cell attachments to support slow EMT while retaining collective cell movement. We also found that, at the completion of migration, cells form a monolayer and undergo a reverse mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET). FGF activity leads to accumulation of beta-integrin Myospheroid basally and cell polarity factor Bazooka apically within mesoderm cells, thereby reestablishing apicobasal cell polarity in an epithelialized state in which cells express both E-Cadherin and N-Cadherin. In summary, FGF plays a dynamic role in supporting mesoderm cell development to ensure collective mesoderm cell movements as well as proper differentiation of mesoderm cell types.
Iatrogenic spleen injury risk during robotic left colonic and rectal resections by routine left flexure mobilization technique: a retrospective study.

Background The routine mobilization of the left colonic flexure as a standard procedure during left colonic/rectal resection is a controversial topic in open and minimally invasive surgery. According to some authors, this maneuver may increase the risk of iatrogenic spleen damage; for others this does not change the odds. Ligaments over-traction is the most frequent injury mechanism. Some documented risk factors are reported: laparotomic approach, male gender, vascular disease, cancer, diverticulitis, surgery performed in emergency-setting. The type of procedure influences the associated risk: transverse colectomy is the riskiest, followed by left colonic resection and pancolectomy. Methods Retrospective original paper. Sample size - a total of 125 patients have been considered. 75 robotic left colonic resections (60%), 40 robotic rectal resections (32%) and 10 robotic pancolectomy (8%). Primary outcomes - 1) percentage of iatrogenic splenic injuries; 2) conversion rate. Secondary outcomes - 1) intra-/postoperative complications; 2) anastomotic leakage rate; 3) mortality. In order to avoid potential confounding factors and technical/expertise heterogeneity, all the procedures included have been performed using the same standardized operative technique and by the same experienced surgeon (P.C.G.). Results We retrospectively analyzed 125 procedures. Primary outcomes - 1) iatrogenic splenic injuries: 0%; 2) conversion rate: 1.6%. Secondary outcomes - 1) intraoperative complications: 0%; 2) anastomotic leakage rate: 1 case of leakage out of 125 cases (1.3% of the left colectomy sub-sample); in this case the leakage was probably due to an infectious process rather than a vascular deficit; 3) mortality: 0%; 4) miscellanea postoperatory complications (small bowel obstructions, wound infection, pelvic collections, pneumonia and acute kidney injury) are detailed in the manuscript. Conclusions In our experience, and according to some of the literature data as well, during robotic left colonic/rectal resections the routine mobilization of the left flexure as a standard procedure is not a risk factor in terms of iatrogenic spleen injury rate. Conversely, this technique may be beneficial as it does not excessively extend the operative time, increases the surgical skills acquirement, and reduces the tension-related anastomotic ischemia. It also allows a better oncological dissection. Standard laparoscopic approach reduces the rate of spleen by almost 3.5 times in comparison to open surgery. The improved technical accuracy provided by the robotic platform may decrease the rate of splenic injury. More studies are needed on the topic to confirm our findings.
Unconventional natural gas development and hospitalizations: evidence from Pennsylvania, United States, 2003-2014.

Abstract Objectives To examine relationships between short-term and long-term exposures to unconventional natural gas development, commonly known as fracking, and county hospitalization rates for a variety of broad disease categories. Study design This is an ecological study based on county-level data for Pennsylvania, United States, 2003–2014. Methods We estimated multivariate regressions with county and year fixed effects, using two 12-year panels: all 67 Pennsylvania counties and 54 counties that are not large metropolitan. Results After correcting for multiple comparisons, we found a positive association of cumulative well density (per km 2 ) with genitourinary hospitalization rates. When large metropolitan counties were excluded, this relationship persisted, and positive associations of skin-related hospitalization rates with cumulative well count and well density were observed. The association with genitourinary hospitalization rates is driven by females in 20–64 years group, particularly for kidney infections, calculus of ureter, and urinary tract infection. Contemporaneous wells drilled were not significantly associated with hospitalizations after adjustment for multiple comparisons. Conclusions Our study shows that long-term exposure to unconventional gas development may have an impact on prevalence of hospitalizations for certain diseases in the affected populations and identifies areas of future research on unconventional gas development and health.