cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decomposing biodiversity data using the Latent Dirichlet Allocation model, a probabilistic multivariate statistical method

We propose a novel multivariate method to analyse biodiversity data based on the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model. LDA, a probabilistic model, reduces assemblages to sets of distinct component communities. It produces easily interpretable results, can represent abrupt and gradual changes in composition, accommodates missing data and allows for coherent estimates of uncertainty. We illustrate our method using tree data for the eastern United States and from a tropical successional chronosequence. The model is able to detect pervasive declines in the oak community in Minnesota and Indiana, potentially due to fire suppression, increased growing season precipitation and herbivory. The chronosequence analysis is able to delineate clear successional trends in species composition, while also revealing that site-specific factors significantly impact these successional trajectories. The proposed method provides a means to decompose and track the dynamics of species assemblages along temporal and spatial gradients, including effects of global change and forest disturbances.
Seasonality of Reproduction in Amazon River Dolphins (Inia geoffrensis) in Three Major River Basins of South America

Reproduction of Amazon River Dolphins, Inia geoffrensis, is generally reported to be highly seasonal; however, this conclusion is based on studies from only one area of Inia distribution from throughout the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. Our observations of live dolphins from the Orinoco, Amazon, and Mamore river basins (in Venezuela, Peru and Bolivia, respectively) indicate that reproduction in Inia often occurs year-round, with seasonal peaks varying according to geographic location. Inia neonates in Peru and Bolivia were seen in all seasons, and were observed most often in falling water (season was defined by relative water level). Conversely, neonates in Venezuela were seen at the end of low water and in rising water, yet were never observed during falling water. Inia mating behavior in Peru was observed in all seasons, while mating was observed only during falling and low water in Bolivia. Our review of the literature from throughout the range of Inia indicates variation in reproductive seasonality, with year-round reproduction in some areas. Seasonality of peaks in births varied according to study area, and may be more closely associated with local environmental and prey conditions than with taxonomic relatedness, relative seasonal differences in water levels, or broad geographic distribution.
Pointwise generalized algebraic data types

In the GADT (Generalized Algebraic Data Types) type system, a pattern-matching branch can draw type information from both the scrutinee type and the data constructor type. Even though the type system can handle complex interactions between the two types, most programs require only simple interactions in the form of parametric instantiation and type indexing.To explore the tradeoffs related to GADT patterns, we define the Pointwise GADT type system, which restricts GADTs to the common case of parametric instantiation and type indexing. The Pointwise GADT type system still accepts a wide range of GADT programs, while rejecting a pathological function whose pattern-matching branches can make arbitrarily different assumptions about the type environment. We also state and prove several properties of the type system, which we speculate might be useful in helping researchers design better type inference algorithms.
Psychoeducational Groups: Process and Practice

Part I: Structuring. Psychoeducational Groups: Overview and Model. Planning. Evaluation and Exercises. Group Leadership and Instructional Style. Part II: Leader Development and Facilitation Skills. Group Leader Self-development. Group Leadership Skills. The Group: Process and Progress. Part III: Leader Competencies. Cultural and Diversity Issues and Concerns. Ethical and Legal Standards. Potential Membership Problems, Concerns, and Intervention Skills. Managing Conflict and Guidelines for Confrontation. Part IV: Applications. Leading Psychoeducational Groups for Children and Adolescents. Leading Psychoeducational Groups for Adults. Psychoeducational Groups for Illnesses and Other Conditions. Psychoeducational Support Groups.
Dynamic policy coordination: Stockpiling for energy security

Abstract This paper looks at the problem of coordinating the use of oil stockpiles during a disruption in the world oil market when an individual country's actions affect the market price. We model the problem as a dynamic game between two oil-importing nations. When the disruption is expected to persist at the same intensity, we show that there are no benefits to coordination. More generally, however, the noncooperative equilibrium will differ from the cooperative one. We characterize the benefits from cooperation and determine the key parameters on which they depend.
An integral equation for dynamic elastic response of an isolated 3-D crack

Abstract By use of a steady state (e−iωt) dynamic elastic representation theorem for fields created by relative motions ΔUk on the faces of a crack, we reduce the problem of steady state response of an isolated three-dimensional planar crack, loaded by tractions on its surfaces, to an integral equation for ΔUk.
A test, based on conversion to the Bernstein polynomial basis, for an interval to be free of zeros applicable to polynomials in Chebyshev form and to transcendental functions approximated by Chebyshev series

Abstract Polynomials of high degree are much less vulnerable to roundoff error when expressed as truncated Chebyshev series rather than the usual power series form. Recent articles have developed subdivision methods in which all real roots on the canonical Chebyshev interval, x ∈ [−1, 1], are found by subdividing the interval and finding the roots of separate Chebyshev series of moderate degree on each subdomain. This strategy can be applied either to polynomials or to transcendental functions if the latter are analytic on the search interval and thus have rapidly convergent Chebyshev polynomial approximations. The last step is to compute the eigenvalues of the Chebyshev–Frobenius companion matrix for each local polynomial. Here, we propose a simple strategy for flagging some subdomains as “zero-free” so that eigensolving can be omitted. The test requires conversion of the polynomial from Chebyshev form to a Bernstein polynomial basis. The interval is zero-free if all coefficients in the Bernstein basis are of the same sign. We give the conversion matrices for various small and moderate N and quote Rababah’s formulas for general N . We show how to exploit parity so as to halve the cost of the conversion for large N to about N 2 floating point operations. We show that the conversion matrices have condition numbers that are approximately (5/8)2 N .
Ablation of Polymers and Biological Tissue by Ultraviolet Lasers

When pulsed, ultraviolet laser radiation falls on the surface of an organic polymer or biological tissue, the material at the surface is spontaneously etched away to a depth of 0.1 to several micrometers. In the process, the depth of etching is controlled by the width of the pulse and the fluence of the laser, and there is no detectable thermal damage to the substrate. The material that is removed by etching consists of products ranging from atoms to small fragments of the polymer. They are ejected at supersonic velocities. This dry photoetching technique is useful in patterning polymer films. It is also under serious investigation in several areas in surgery.
Attenuated fever response in mice lacking TRPV1

TRPV1, the capsaicin receptor, is expressed not only in nociceptive neurons, but also in other locations, including the hypothalamus. Studies involving systemic or intrahypothalamic capsaicin administration have suggested a role for TRPV1 in body temperature control. To explore this possibility, we examined thermoregulatory responses in TRPV1-/- mice. These mutant animals exhibited no obvious changes in circadian body temperature fluctuation, tolerance to increased (35 degrees C) or decreased (4 degrees C) ambient temperature or ethanol-induced hypothermia. In contrast, fever production in response to the bacterial pyrogen, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was significantly attenuated in TRPV1-/- mice. Despite this finding, we detected no significant differences between TRPV1-/- and control mice in the extent of LPS-induced c-Fos expression in numerous fever-related brain subregions. These results suggest that TRPV1 participates in the generation of polyphasic fever, perhaps at sites outside the brain.
Impurity Modes of Vibration in Vanadium Based Alloys

Incoherent inelastic neutron scattering measurements on disordered substitutional alloys of vanadium yield information on the frequency dependence of the “self” part of the displacement-displacement correlation function for the sum of the atoms in the alloy. The frequency response of the square of the displacement of each atom in these alloys is measured and thus one has direct evidence for any defect modes of vibration that arise upon alloying» All alloys were examined to see that the solute atoms were in solution; the small (111) Bragg peak observed in vanadium via neutron diffraction showed smaller integrated intensity as vanadium was alloyed. The number of atoms in solution in the vanadium matrix determined by neutron diffraction agreed with the number determined by chemical analysis to within the experimental error. The inelastic neutron scattering data were taken on the slow-chopper facility at the Brookhaven Graphite Research Reactor.
Inhibitory signaling through signal regulatory protein-α is not sufficient to explain the antitumor activities of CD47 antibodies.

CD47 is a receptor for the secreted protein thrombospondin-1 and a counterreceptor for two members of the signal regulatory protein (SIRP) family. These interactions play important roles in hemostasis, cardiovascular pathophysiology, ischemic injuries, inflammation, radiation injuries, and cancer. Correspondingly, antibodies that block thrombospondin-1 or SIRPα binding and antisense oligonucleotide analogs that suppress CD47 expression have shown efficacy in treating rodent and porcine models of these diseases.
SETSUDŌ: perturbation-based testing framework for scalable distributed systems

Modern scalable distributed systems are designed to be partition-tolerant. They are often required to support increasing load in service requests elastically, and to provide seamless services even when some servers malfunction. Partition-tolerance enables such systems to withstand arbitrary loss of messages as "perceived" by the communicating nodes. However, partition-tolerance and robustness are not tested rigorously in practice. Often severe system-level design defects stay hidden even after deployment, possibly resulting in loss of revenue or customer satisfaction.We propose a novel perturbation-based rigorous testing framework, named SETSUDŌ, especially targeted to expose system-level defects in scalable distributed systems. It applies perturbations (i.e., controlled changes) from the environment of a system during testing, and leverages awareness of system-internal states to precisely control their timing. It uses a flexible instrumentation framework to select relevant internal states and to implement the system code for perturbations. It also provides a test policy language framework, where sequences of perturbation scenarios at a high level are converted automatically to system-level test code. This test code is weaved-in automatically with application code during testing, and any observed defects are reported. We have implemented our perturbation testing framework and demonstrate its evaluation on several open source projects, where it was successful in exposing known, as well as some unknown, defects. Our framework leverages small-scale testing, and avoids upfront infrastructure costs typically needed for large-scale stress testing.
PACS for radiology

We describe a PACS system being developed for the radiation oncology department of Harper Hospital. The system is compatible with the DICOM 3 standard. The system consists of two broad parts: the database and communication system, and the viewing station(s). The system can be used to view patient images, import images from and export images to, other DICOM compatible systems, and check port films.
Guest editorial: Special section on security in distributed computing systems

ESEARCH in the area of security of computing systems has always been of utmost importance, particularly in recent years as orchestrated attacks have sought to cripple critical infrastructures. Security issues in distributed computing systems involve reducing vulnerabilities as well as giving system management the insight and control needed to defend distributed information systems. All aspects of business and government operations and services are dependent upon the security and integrity of our information and communication infrastructures. Critical sectors such as energy, health, transportation, social and emergency services, manufacturing, processing, and logistics and distribution functions rely almost entirely on data processing and interchange. The recent attacks on government and commercial computers indicate that “hacking” has gone beyond the realm of domestic pranks and has entered the domain of state sponsored cyber-terrorism. Clearly, these information security threats to vital national infrastructures present risks of debilitating impact on the defense and economic security of the nation and the state. As such, these issues pose new challenges to researchers. Advances are rapidly being made in the following areas: anonymity and camouflaging, intrusion detection, dynamic coalition, distributed denial of service, security protocols, authentication and verification, and mobile code and agent security. This special section of IEEE Transactions on Parallel and Distributed Systems is targeted at related issues in security of distributed computing systems. Response to the call for papers was overwhelming. From these excellent submissions, seven were accepted for publication in this special section. The first paper by M. Ahamad, S. Lakshmanan, and H. Venkateswaran explores the subject of responsive security for stored data. X. Zhang, L. Xiao, and Z. Xu discuss low-cost and reliable mutual anonymity protocols in peer-to-peer networks. Integrated access control and intrusion detection for Web servers is explained by T. Ryutov, C. Neuman, D. Kim, and L. Zhou. The paper by L. Wang, X. Zhao, D. Pei, R. Bush, D. Massey, and L. Zhang explores ways to protect BGP routes to top-level DNS servers. J. Xu and M. Sung introduce a technique for defending against internet DDoS attacks. The next paper, by H. Wang and K. Shin, describes a built-in protection mechanism to counter DDoS attacks, known as TransportAware IP Routers. The final paper from A. Mei, L. Mancini, and S. Jajodia discusses a secure dynamic fragment and replica allocation in large-scale distributed file systems. Finally, I would like to take this time to thank the contributing authors, reviewers, and the Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Pen-Chung Yew. Additional thanks goes to Mr. Shengquan Wang for Web management and Ms. Larisa Archer for administration of the review process. Without their contributions and support, this special section would not be possible.
Removal of Macroglobulins from Serum by Ultrafiltration through Agarose Membranes

ULTRAFILTRATION as a method for separating proteins of different sizes has been used in the past1–3, particularly in the separation of viruses from other smaller proteins4, as well as in the separation of viruses from one another3–9. The scant use currently made of this method is astonishing, for it seems much more attractive to push a protein solution through a membrane-shaped gel (ultrafiltration) than to let it seep through a column filled with grains of a gel and to depend on pure diffusion for the separation of proteins of different sizes (gel filtration chromatography). These considerations induced us to attempt the separation of 19S macroglobulins (molecular weight of about 1,000,000) from the other serum proteins (molecular weight of about 160,000 and 70,000) by ultrafiltration. Such a separation, when successful, is very useful in immunohaematology, immunochemistry and immunology in general, especially where the differentiation between primary and secondary antibody forming responses is of interest.
Within-compound associations in a variety of compound conditioning procedures

Abstract Three experiments used a flavor-aversion preparation to demonstrate the occurrence of within-compound associations in various conditioning procedures. In Experiment 1 rats first received two separate two-flavor compounds, each followed by a mild US. They then received one element from one compound paired with a strong US and one element from the other compound nonreinforced. A subsequent choice test of the other two flavors from the compounds revealed that the consumption of each test flavor reflected the conditioning history of the element with which it had been paired. Rats drank less of the flavor whose associate had been paired with the strong US than of the flavor whose associate had been nonreinforced. In Experiment 2 within-compound associations were observed using a similar design in a blocking procedure in which one element from each of the two compounds was conditioned previously. Experiment 3 identified within-compound associations in a procedure where reinforced single element presentations were intermixed with nonreinforced compound presentations, as in a conditioned inhibition paradigm. These results suggest that within-compound associations occur in several important conditioning procedures which use multiple CS presentations.
Breakdown of perturbation theory at tree level in theories with scalars

Abstract It is shown that the cross section for q q →n Higgs in the standard model becomes non-perturbative in tree approximation at CM energies and multiplicities approximately given by √ s 100–300 TeV 2 /m H , nm H /√ s 2 3 . A similar result ho lds in the standard SUSY model with two doublets, and hence is not related to triviality. The large tree amplitudes are shown to imply that the overlap of a high energy incoming q q state with a classical scalar field configuration Hc(x) will be unsuppressed as long as |Hc (0)|≳ mH/ √λ, where λ is the quartic coupling in the Weinberg-Salam model. It is possible that this overlap can be become large for parton CM energies available at SSC.
Credit market imperfection, financial market globalization, and catastrophic transition

We analyze a two-country overlapping generations model with integrated financial markets. We assume heterogeneous countries with respect to the population size, to the technology and to the level of credit market imperfection. We show that a subcritical Neimark-Sacker bifurcation may occur and that, before its destabilization, a stable steady state coexists with two invariant closed curves - one attracting and one repelling. In this way we reinforce existing results on the implications of the credit market imperfection that not only causes amplification and persistence of macroeconomic shocks, but also leads to significant changes in the long run behavior of the economy (i.e., catastrophic transition).
Transforming growth factor-β regulates the adhesive interactions between mononuclear cells and microvascular endothelium

Adhesion of leukocytes to the vascular endothelium is essential for the movements of cells from the bloodstream into inflammatory sites. In the present study, dermal microvascular endothelial cells (DMEC) isolated from normal porcine skin retained the capacity to adhere 51Cr-labeled porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), nylon-wool-purified T cells, and isolated monocytes. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta) decreased the capacities of DMEC to support the adhesion of these cells in a dose-dependent manner. Maximal inhibition was observed with a TGF-beta dose of 0.25 ng/ml and an incubation time of 6-12 h. TGF-beta did not affect the morphology of DMEC and had no adverse effect on the viability of the treated cells. The blocking effects of TGF-beta on PBMC adhesion to DMEC was neutralized by a polyclonal turkey anti-TGF-beta antiserum but not by control turkey serum. Although pretreatment of PBMC with TGF-beta decreased the capacity of these cells to adhere to normal DMEC monolayers, kinetic studies demonstrated that these effects required between 4 and 8 h incubation time. In addition, preincubation of DMEC with TGF-beta completely blocked their response to the stimulating effects of TNF-alpha, IL-1-beta, or both cytokines. Furthermore, TGF-beta also abrogated the enhanced adhesiveness of DMEC pretreated with TNF-alpha and IL-1-beta. These findings suggest that TGF-beta may play an important role in the down-regulation of inflammatory responses by decreasing vascular endothelial adhesiveness for mononuclear cells and monocytes.
Inaccuracy of Ballard scores before 28 weeks' gestation

Objective: Ballard scores are commonly used to estimate gestational age (GA). The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of the New Ballard Score (NBS) for infants <28 weeks GA by accurate menstrual history and to evaluate NBS as an outcome predictor. Methods: Infants weighing 401 to 1500 g in 12 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network centers had NBS performed before age 48 hours. Accuracy of NBS estimates of GA was assessed for infants with GA determined by accurate menstrual history. In a larger cohort of infants, NBS was included in regression models of the association of NBS and death, poor outcome, and duration of hospital stay. Results: At each week from 22 to 28 weeks GA by accurate menstrual history, NBS estimates exceeded GA by dates by 1.3 to 3.3 weeks, and estimates varied widely (range of widths of 95% CIs for the observations, 6.8 to 11.9 weeks). NBS did not contribute significantly to regression models of death, poor outcome, or duration of hospital stay. Conclusions: Inaccuracies in GA determined by the NBS should be considered when treating extremely premature infants, particularly in decisions to forego or administer intensive care. Refinement of GA scoring systems is needed to optimize clinical benefit. (J Pediatr 1999;135:147-52)
BRIEF RESOLUTION OF THE ISSUE OF SIMILARITY VERSUS COMPLEMENTARITY IN MATE SELECTION USING HEIGHT PREFERENCES AS A MODEL

Do birds of a feather flock together or do opposites attract? Do we marry someone who reinforces our strengths and who shares our weaknesses or do we marry someone whose strengths, weaknesses, and needs are complementary to our own? Investigations into this question have established two facts. The first fact is that most people have a strong conviction that opposites do attract, that we want and choose someone complementary. The second fact, however, is that most data show that we in fact choose someone similar. A possible resolution is offered by the hypothesis that on some dimensions at least we want someone rather similar to ourselves but still just different enough to create a comfortable contrast in the correct direction. One might call this idea the contrast hypothesis or contrast model of mate selection. Preferences in regard to height fit this hypothesis to some degree at least and indeed a contemplation of height preferences inspired the notion in the first place. The present article uses simulat...
The enhanced capillary pumped loop flight experiment, a prototype of the EOS platform thermal control system

The CAPL shuttle flight experiment will provide micro-gravity verification of the prototype capillary pumped loop (CPL) thermal control system for EOS. The design of the experiment is discussed with particular emphasis on the new technology areas in ammonia two-phase reservoir design and heat pipe heat exchanger development. The thermal and hydrodynamic analysis techniques and results are also presented, including pressure losses, fluid flow, and on-orbit heat rejection capability. CAPL experiment results will be presented after the flight, currently planned for 1993.
Balancing BMP Signaling through Integrated Inputs into the Smad1 Linker

FGF and other Ras/MAPK pathway activators counterbalance BMP action during neurogenesis, bone formation, and other aspects of vertebrate development and homeostasis. BMP receptors signal through C-terminal phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of the transcription factor Smad1, whereas MAPKs catalyze inhibitory phosphorylation in the Smad1 linker region. Here we show that linker phosphorylation restricts Smad1 activity by enabling Smad1 recognition by the HECT-domain ubiquitin ligase Smurf1. Besides causing Smad1 polyubiquitination, Smurf1 binding inhibits the interaction of Smad1 with the nuclear translocation factor Nup214. Consequently, MAPK-dependent Smurf1 binding leads Smad1 alternatively to degradation or cytoplasmic retention. Smad1 linker phosphorylation and Smurf1 act as interdependent inputs to control BMP signaling during mouse osteoblast differentiation and Xenopus neural development. Linker phosphorylation is triggered also by BMP, providing feedback control. The interplay between linker phosphorylation, Smurf-dependent ubiquitination, and nucleoporin exclusion enables regulation of BMP action by diverse signals and biological contexts.
The impact of RTC dispositions on local housing and real estate markets

Abstract This article examines the critical question of whether disposition activity of the Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC) will disrupt local real estate markets by driving values down and encouraging additional defaults. The question is approached by identifying key characteristics of local economies and real estate markets that could be associated with adverse market responses and then examining 12 individual metropolitan areas in this context. A survey of metropolitan areas with high RTC concentrations finds varying potential for adverse impact. Detailed case studies in three metropolitan areas—Dallas, Denver, and Oklahoma City—find the potential to vary widely by property type, quality level, and geographic location. By and large, commercial markets are expected to be less affected because of (1) the already depressed condition of most markets, (2) market segmentation that would insulate investment grade submarkets, (3) capitalization of expectations about disposition, and (4) political constraint...
Simulation of non-isothermal draw and twist of a bi-component chiral glass fiber

A computational framework for computing taper and twist profiles for chiral fibers fabricated from heated bi-component drawn glass filaments is developed, with full coupling between the momentum and temperature fields in both the glass and the surrounding air. A method for solving the inverse problem, in which the takeup holder velocity is varied with a predefined program in order to obtain a desired taper shape, is developed and illustrated.
Evolution of Nanoparticle Deposits Printed Using Electrospray

In an electrospray, large electric potentials are used to generate a spray of highly charged droplets. Colloidal dispersions, consisting of nanoparticles in a volatile solvent, can be atomized using electrospray. Printing occurs by directing the emitted droplets toward a target substrate (TS). The solvent evaporation is rapid and dry nanoparticles are produced before reaching the surface. In this study, we investigate the structure of nanoparticle deposits printed using electrospray. Using dark field microscopy, four regimes are identified that mark the evolution of the deposit structure at early times. Electrospray imparts an excess electric charge onto the emitted particles. It is shown that the mutual Coulombic interaction between the particles governs their transport and ultimately the microstructure of the printed deposits. Electrospray offers enhanced control over the microstructure of printed nanomaterial deposits compared to traditional printing techniques. This has significant implications for the manufacturing of flexible electronic and photonic devices.
Gibbs free energy of liquid drops on conical fibers.

Small drops can move spontaneously on conical fibers. As a drop moves along the cone, it must change shape to maintain a constant volume, and thus, it must change its surface energy. Simultaneously...
Clinical outcomes associated with evolving treatment modalities and radiation techniques for base-of-tongue carcinoma: thirty years of institutional experience.

Curative treatment for base-of-tongue squamous cell carcinoma (BOT SCC) has evolved over time; however, comparative outcomes analysis for various treatment strategies is lacking. The authors reviewed the evolution of treatment modality and radiotherapy (RT) technique for 231 consecutive BOT SCC patients at our institution between 1981 and 2011. Treatment modalities included definitive chemoradiotherapy (chemoRT) (42%), definitive RT (33%), surgery followed by RT (20%), and surgery alone (5%). RT techniques included external beam plus interstitial brachytherapy (EBRT + IB) (37%), conventional EBRT (29%), intensity-modulated radiation therapy ± simultaneous integrated boost (IMRT ± SIB) (34%). Clinical characteristics and outcomes were stratified by modality or RT technique. Treatment modality evolved from definitive RT (1980s–1990s) to definitive chemoRT (1990s–2000s). RT technique evolved from EBRT + IB (1980s–1990s) to conventional EBRT (1990s–2000s) to IMRT + SIB (2000s). With median alive follow-up of 6 years (0.3–28 years), the 5-year LC, LRC, and OS rates were 80%, 73%, and 51%. There was no difference in distribution of gender, age, stage among treatment modalities. Definitive chemoRT had improved LRC (HR 1.6) and OS (HR 1.7) compared to definitive RT. IMRT + SIB had improved LRC (HR 3.2), DFS (HR 3.4), and OS (HR 3.0) compared to conventional EBRT. Over the past 30 years, BOT SCC treatment has undergone major paradigm shifts that incorporate nonsurgical functional preservation, concurrent chemotherapy, and advanced RT techniques. Excellent locoregional control and survival outcomes are associated with accelerated IMRT with chemotherapy.
Metaphysics and Professional Resistance to Program Evaluation.

One of the most common and most difficult problems confronting program evaluators is the resistance they encounter when attempting to implement evaluation efforts. The philosophical and psychological foundations of this resistance are explored. Problems in the evaluative paradigm are presented. Value differences between evaluators and practitioners are highlighted. Emotional bases for practitioner behavior are clarified and types and loci of resistance are outlined. Suggestions for coping strategies are discussed.
Miniature electron microscopes for lithography

Two inexpensive and extremely accurate methods for fabricating miniature 10 - 50 kV and 0.5 - 10 kV electron beam columns have been developed: `slicing,' and `stacking.' Two or three miniature columns could be used to perform a 20 nm or better alignment of an x-ray mask to a substrate. An array of miniature columns could be used for rapid wafer inspection and high throughput electron beam lithography. The column fabrication methods combine the precision of semiconductor processing and fiber optic technologies to create macroscopic structures consisting of charged particle sources, deflecting and focusing electrodes, and detectors. The overall performance of the miniature column also depends on the emission characteristics of the micromachined electron source which is currently being investigated.
Biphasic Waveforms Prevent the Chronic Rise of Defibrillation Thresholds With a Transvenous Lead System

Abstract Objectives. The purpose of this study was to compare chronic changes in monophasic and biphasic defibrillation thresholds using a uniform transvenous lead system and testing protocol. Background. Defibrillation thresholds increase over time in patients with nonthoracotomy lead systems. This increase can result in an inadequate chronic defibrillation safety margin and could limit the safety of smaller pulse generators, which have a reduced maximal output. However, previous studies of the temporal changes of defibrillation thresholds evaluated complex lead systems or monophasic shock waveforms, neither of which are used with current technology. Methods. This study was a prospective, randomized assessment of the effects of shock waveforms on the changes of transvenous defibrillation thresholds over time. Paired monophasic and biphasic thresholds were measured both at implantation and at follow-up (250 ± 105 days) in 24 consecutive patients who were not receiving antiarrhythmic drugs. The lead system was a dual-coil Endotak C lead, and reverse polarity shocks (distal coil = anode) were delivered. Results. Monophasic defibrillation thresholds increased from (mean ± SD) 13.7 ± 6.0 J to 16.8 ± 6.7 J (p = 0.02), whereas biphasic thresholds were unchanged (10.4 ± 4.3 J to 10.2 ± 4.8 J, p = 0.86) in the same patients. Shock impedance chronically increased (47.0 Ω to 50.5 Ω, p = 0.02) and was unaffected by waveform. Conclusions. These results indicate that biphasic shocks prevent the chronic increase in defibrillation thresholds with a transvenous lead system. (J Am Coll Cardiol 1997;30:233-6)
Flexure design using metal matrix composite materials: Nanopositioning example

Advanced metal matrix composite (MMC) materials combine a metal and at least another part, such as a ceramic, to form a material with enhanced mechanical properties compared to traditional materials. An aluminium silicon carbide metal matrix material is investigated for compliant flexure design for nanopositioning systems. The material is up to 60% stiffer than traditional aluminum alloy with little to no increase in density. It is shown that the dynamic response of flexure-guided stages can be more easily tailored using the MMC. A flexure-based nanopositioner is designed to exhibit low cross-coupling behavior at high frequencies using the MMC. Finite element analysis (FEA) is used to guide the design process, and a prototype stage is created and evaluated. The measured dynamic response agrees with the FEA modeling; particularly, by using the MMC the actuation mode of the stage can be designed to occur before the out-of-plane modes. The improvement in performance of using the MMC outweighs the disadvantages that include increase cost of the material and lower manufacturability compared to traditional aluminum alloys. The stage is characterized to demonstrate the advantages of the material.
A Modular Framework for Performance-Based Durability Engineering: from Exposure to Impacts

Abstract A modular framework for assessing the economic, environmental, and social impacts of structural durability has been proposed and applied to a concrete structure expected to undergo climate-change-accelerated chloride-induced reinforcement corrosion. The proposed performance-based durability engineering (PBDE) framework comprehensively considers uncertainty, accommodates non-stationary exposure, and computes quantitative sustainability metrics. Drawing on previous work in the nuclear risk and earthquake engineering communities, PBDE’s three analysis stages are de-coupled at pinch-points, allowing the use of a convolution integral to link uncertainty in exposure, deterioration and repair, and sustainability impacts. The convolution-based methodology for the PBDE framework has been compared with traditional Monte Carlo simulation. Results of the convolution approach were statistically equivalent to brute-force Monte Carlo analysis using the same number of simulations, and the convolution approach has advantages in deaggregation, backwards conditioning, and updating of results to reflect new information or models. Limitations of the convolution approach are discussed, as are possible techniques for decreasing computational expense and areas for future work. Potential applications for PBDE include design code calibration, decision support for climate change adaptation policy, and sensitivity assessment to direct research.
Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 is required for chemoattractant-induced leukocyte adhesion in resting, but not inflamed, venules in vivo.

Abstract The leukocyte integrins LFA-1 and Mac-1 bind to endothelial intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Leukocyte adhesion induced by micropipette injection of formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine (fMLP) or macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2) next to a venule in the exteriorized mouse cremaster muscle was almost completely blocked after intravenous injection of the ICAM-1 mAb YN-1. In contrast, after 2-h pretreatment with TNF-α, leukocyte adhesion induced in postcapillary venules by fMLP or MIP-2 was not blocked by the ICAM-1 mAb. Leukocyte adhesion was significantly reduced by mAb GAME-46 to CD18 even after TNF-α treatment. We conclude that ICAM-1 is necessary for neutrophil adhesion to unstimulated endothelium, but not for adhesion to cytokine-stimulated endothelium. Although ICAM-1 is expressed at high levels after TNF-α, ICAM-1 either is not functional or is redundant with other endothelial ligands for β 2 integrins.
Tubulin determination by an isotope dilution-vinblastine precipitation method. The tubulin content of Spisula eggs and embryos.

BETH BURNSIDE, CHRIS KOZAK, and F. C. KAFATOS. From the Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543 . Dr . Burnside's present address is the Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 . Dr . Kozak's present address is the Department of Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520 . Dr. Kafatos' present address is The Biological Laboratories, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 .
Survival and tolerability of liver radioembolization: a comparison of elderly and younger patients with metastatic colorectal cancer

Aim To evaluate the outcomes among elderly (≥70 years) and younger patients (<70 years) with liver-dominant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who received radioembolization (RE) as salvage therapy.
Museums and Cultural Property: A Retreat from the Internationalist Approach

Responding to J. H. Merryman's discussion of cultural property internationalism in the preceding IJCP issue, this article examines the currency of the internationalist perspective within the museum community. Perhaps surprisingly, there is little evidence of adherence to an internationalist perspective, at least among the official policies and publications of museums and museum organizations. The article proposes that the current dissociation with cultural internationalism in the acquisitions arena signals an important shift, and bears significant long-term consequences for many museums.
More Americans Are Eating “5 A Day” but Intakes of Dark Green and Cruciferous Vegetables Remain Low

Epidemiological investigations repeatedly show that the regular consumption of dark green and cruciferous vegetables, tomatoes and citrus fruits in particular is related to reduced cancer risk. We used the 1994-1996 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals to examine the types of fruits and vegetables consumed by Americans. The analytic sample population, which consisted of 4806 men and women (25-75 y old) who completed two nonconsecutive 24-h recalls, consumed 3.6 +/- 2.3 servings of vegetables and 1.6 +/- 2.0 servings of fruit daily. Iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, French fried potatoes, bananas and orange juice were the most commonly consumed fruits and vegetables, accounting for nearly 30% of all fruits and vegetables consumed. The most popular items, lettuce and tomatoes, were consumed by 39-42% of the sample population during the reporting period. Fewer respondents (16-24%) consumed French fried potatoes, bananas or orange juice. Only 3% of the sample consumed broccoli during the reporting period. White potato consumption averaged 1.1 servings daily, with French fried potatoes representing 0.4 serving. Tomato product consumption averaged 0.5 serving daily, dark green vegetable consumption averaged 0.2 serving daily and citrus, berries or melon consumption amounted to nearly 0.8 serving daily. These data indicate that Americans are consuming more fruits and vegetables but that dark green and cruciferous vegetable intake is low.
Macrocultures: Determinants and Consequences

Faced with turbulent national and international environments, entire U.S. industries — most notably steel and automobiles — have revealed a distinct propensity to overlook radically new types of competitors, cling to traditional technologies, and remain mired in similar, yet outdated, strategic postures. In this article, we ascribe the adaptive failures of entire industries not only to the microcultures of single organizations, but also to what we term interorganizational “macro-cultures” — relatively idiosyncratic beliefs that are shared by managers across organizations. More specifically, we propose that value-added networks linking organizations into collectivities both induce and reflect the existence and persistence of more or less homogeneous macrocultures. In turn, homogeneous macrocultures (a) increase the level of inertia these organizations experience, (b) influence the inventiveness of organizations and the diffusion of innovations among them, and (c) increase the similarity of member organizat...
Frameless patient registration using ultrasonic imaging: a preliminary study

Locating the patient accurately in real time is necessary for many medical robotics applications. Current solutions are expensive or inconvenient. We show progress toward solving these problems by using ultrasound to track computed tomography (CT) reference features in realtime. We compute the locations of target features in the ultrasonic images relative to the CT reference features.
Anterior leaflet resection of the mitral valve

Triangular resection is a reconstructive option for treatment of anterior leaflet mitral disease with segmental prolapse. In our experience, it is a safe and reproducible technique, associated with low rates of recurrent MR or need for reoperation, as well as decreased likelihood for systolic anterior motion after mitral repair. We review our experience with this technique over a 25-year experience with mitral valve reconstruction.
BBS-ONE: Bulletin board and forum system for mobile opportunistic networks

Electronic bulletin boards and forum systems are commonly used to exchange opinions, news, event notifications, documents and other media on the Internet. However, such systems usually require a central server hosting the content. Such servers cannot be installed in ad-hoc opportunistic wireless networks, which are created when mobile devices congregate to form a localized and short-lived network without Internet connectivity. We present BBS-ONE, a bulletin board system for opportunistic networks, and describe its service model and implementation. BBS-ONE works in highly mobile opportunistic networks, considers the mobility of nodes, and allows nodes to operate even when churn is high when nodes join and leave the network. It transparently disseminates public data and posts and persists desired data by operating in a peer-to-peer fashion and using a store-carry-forward model of communication. It maintains the data consistency needed for a BBS and forum system. We have implemented the application on generic desktop OS platforms (Windows, Linux, Mac) as well as a mobile platform (iPhone/iPod).
Diazepam prevents changes in intracellular Cl− and Ca2+ and restores neuronal activity after ischemia in vitro

We have shown that diazepam (DZ) protects hippocampal neurons when administered early after transient cerebral ischemia. To examine mechanisms of DZ action, in the absence of systemic effects, we used an in vitro model of ischemia [oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)] in the adult hippocampal slice. We are interested in determining if DZ can prevent upstream events such as loss of ionic homeostasis and its consequences on neuronal transmission. We measured the effect of OGD on changes in intracellular Cl− and Ca2+. Application of DZ after OGD prevented the increase in intracellular Cl− in area CA1 pyramidal neurons, measured by optical imaging with the Cl− sensitive fluorescent probe, MEQ. The increase in intracellular Cl− after OGD led to a reduction in GABA responses 2 h later, measured in the presence of the GABA agonist, muscimol. When DZ was added for 1 h after OGD, muscimol responses were restored completely. To measure changes in intracellular Ca2+ after OGD, we bath-loaded adult hippocampal slices with calcium green-1 AM. OGD increased intracellular Ca2+ in CA1 pyramidal neurons. The addition of DZ prior to OGD reduced the increase in intracellular Ca2+ by approximately 50%. To determine the effect of DZ on neuronal transmission within the hippocampus, we measured field responses in area CA1 pyramidal neurons. Area CA1 population spikes were suppressed by OGD and they did not recover 1 h later. When DZ was included in the reoxygenation buffer for only 30 min, it restored the population spike amplitude to within 85% of that in normal slices. Thus, after OGD, DZ restores ionic homeostasis, preserves GABA responses and restores neuronal activity within the hippocampus. Acknowledgements: Supported by NIH grant #NS28791.
The faulty module bypass for thermoelectric generation

This paper proposes the solutions of bypassing the faulty modules for the thermoelectric generation (TEG). To obtain sufficient voltage, several TEG modules usually have to connect in series. For a single string of TEG modules, when one module fails, the output power of the whole string is lost. After comparing several low-cost bypass approaches, one bypass circuit based on the buck-boost converter is analyzed. By transferring energy among the serial modules, the terminal voltage across the serial modules can be automatically balanced. Consequently, the maximum output power can still be achieved in the remaining modules, compared to the other approaches of only bypassing the faulty module. The output power stress can be shared among the serial modules according to their output power capacity, so that the utilization of diverse cells is more effective and the lifetime of the modules is prolonged. The experimental results of a laboratory prototype demonstrate its bypass and balance features.