cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radiofrequency Ablation of Atrial Flutter

A33-year-old man with cardiac and pulmonary sarcoidosis developed ventricular tachycardia managed with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and amiodarone therapy. Subsequently, episodes of atrial flutter triggered spurious therapies from the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, and the patient underwent electrophysiological evaluation. Common atrial flutter (caudocranial septal and counterclockwise right atrial activation) was induced, with a cycle length of 270 ms. Entrainment with a postpacing interval equal to the flutter cycle length was demonstrated in the right atrial inferior isthmus (Figure 1A⇓), indicating that this region was part of the macroreentrant circuit. A steerable 7F quadripolar 4-mm-tip thermistor radiofrequency (RF) ablation catheter (EP Technologies, Inc) was used to make a line of RF lesions extending from the tricuspid annulus to the inferior vena cava until bidirectional isthmus conduction block could be demonstrated. Atrial flutter ended during RF current application (Figure 1B⇓). Subsequently, there was no recurrence of atrial flutter. However, progressive heart failure …
Haunted Collections: Vernon Lee and Ethical Consumption

I believe that's the last bit of bric-a-brac I shall ever buy in my life (she said, closing the Renaissance casket)—that and the Chinese dessert set we have just been using. The passion seems to have left me utterly. And I think I can guess why. At the same time as the plates and the little coffer I bought a thing—I scarcely know whether 1 ought to call it a thing—which put me out of conceit with ferreting about among dead people's properties. —Vernon Lee, "The Doll'
Monoclonal antibody production by receptor-mediated electrically induced cell fusion

Fusion of myeloma cells and B lymphocytes to form hybridomas which produce monoclonal antibodies has been a major advance, but the poor efficiency and randomness of viral or polyethylene glycol fusion techniques generally gives poor yields of specific, high affinity antibodies. High voltage electrical fields with dielectrophoresis to ensure cell alignment can fuse a limited number of cells under direct microscopic examination, but it is not possible to identify B-cells destined to secrete relevant antibodies. However, B-cells express, on their surface, antigen receptor immunoglobulins of the same antigenic specificity as the secreted antibodies. Binding of antigen to surface immunoglobulins stimulates proliferation and differentiation of B-cells into plasma cells. Here we report the use of the selective, high affinity interaction of antigen with surface immunoglobulins on B-cells to facilitate a close adherence to myeloma cells. The antigen, covalently conjugated to avidin, binds to the surface immunoglobulins on B-cells. This B-cell-antigen-avidin complex binds to biotin covalently attached to the surface of myeloma cells. An intense electric field across a bulk cell suspension then produces selective fusion of cells in contact, that is, of myeloma cells with B-cells which make the appropriate antibody. We have used this technique with several antigens, and all resultant hybridomas secrete appropriate antibodies with very high affinity.
Simulations of biomolecules: characterization of the early steps in the pH-induced conformational conversion of the hamster, bovine and human forms of the prion protein

As computer power increases, so too does the range of interesting biomolecular phenomena and properties that can be simulated. It is now possible to simulate complicated protein conformational changes at ambient or physiological temperatures. In this regard, we are attempting to map the conformational transitions of the normal, cellular prion protein (PrP C ) to its infectious scrapie isoform (PrP Sc ), which causes neurodegenerative diseases in many mammals. These two forms have identical sequences and are conformational isomers, with heightened formation of β–sheet structure in the scrapie form. Conversion can be triggered by lowering the pH, but thus far it has been impossible to characterize the conformational change at high resolution using experimental methods. Therefore, to investigate the effect of acidic pH on PrP conformation, we have performed molecular–dynamics simulations of hamster, human and bovine forms of the prion protein in water at neutral and low pH. In all cases the core of the protein is well maintained at neutral pH. At low pH, however, the protein is more dynamic, and the sheet–like structure increases both by lengthening of the native β–sheet and by addition of a portion of the N–terminus to widen the sheet by another 2–3 strands.
Internal standards revisited: Effects of social comparisons and expectancies on judgments of fairness and satisfaction

Abstract Two studies examined the effect of two comparison processes on perceptions of fairness and satisfaction. Rewards relative to others (social comparison) and relative to expectancies (expectancy comparison) were orthogonally varied while absolute level of reward was held constant. Both studies showed, contrary to previous theory, that only social comparisons are related to perceived fairness, yet both comparisons are significantly related to satisfaction in an additive manner. Social comparisons explained more variation in satisfaction and dominated responses to more specific measures of affect. Partial support for specific predictions derived from equity theory and expectancy theory are reported. The overall results are interpreted as demonstrating the importance of the salience of frames of reference in reward evaluation. Estabilished practices create expectations, and since men have traditionally received greater rewards than women for the same services, they expect disproportionate rewards and tend to be disappointed if they do not get them. But these expectations have nothing to do with investments, and neither are they rooted in a conception of justice. ( Blau, 1964, p. 195)
Pulsatile secretion of parathyroid hormone in normal young subjects: Assessment by deconvolution analysis

Preliminary reports suggest that PTH is secreted in a pulsatile fashion. However, available studies have not attempted to calculate actual PTH secretion rates in healthy individuals. To accurately characterize PTH secretory dynamics in healthy subjects, we studied seven young women and six young men, all of whom had hip and spine bone densities by dual photon densitometry in the upper tertile for age-matched control subjects. PTH concentrations were measured by immunoradiometric assay in blood sampled every 2 min over 6 h. Ionized calcium levels were obtained during the second and third hours of the study. Plasma PTH profiles were subjected to deconvolution analysis, which resolves measured hormone levels into secretion and clearance components. Cross-correlation analysis was performed to assess direct or inverse correlations between serum PTH and ionized calcium concentrations at various time lags. In these subjects, PTH was secreted in a dual fashion, with significant basal (tonic) secretion and PTH pul...
The Mississippian production of space through earthen pyramids and public buildings on the Georgia coast, USA

Any attempt at understanding social action must consider space. This paper questions the assumption that changes in architecture, specifically monumental architecture and public buildings, correspond directly to changes in political organization. Lefebvre's conceptual framework is used herein to gain insight into the variations in the use and construction of space, as they are reflective of different political and ideological agendas. As a case study, this paper examines the use of space and architecture at the Irene site (9CH1), a Mississippian site on the Georgia coast. Previous interpretations of the site suggest that changes in space and architecture relate to a shift towards a more egalitarian social organization. In contrast to these ideas, the argument is offered that such changes actually reflect the changing forum and expression of power by political actors rather than a wholesale shift in socio-political complexity.
Patency Rates Among Heparin-Bonded and Conventional Polytetrafluoroethylene Grafts for Upper Extremity Hemodialysis Access

Abstract Background Although arteriovenous fistulae are the gold standard for vascular access, many patients do not have veins that are suitable for arteriovenous fistulae. These patients require arteriovenous grafts (AVGs). There have been no long-term trials designed to analyze the complication and patency rates of heparin-bonded versus conventional upper extremity AVGs. We aimed to compare patency and complication rates of upper extremity conventional versus heparin-bonded AVGs. Methods A retrospective chart review from 2008 through 2012 was conducted. Institutional review board approval was obtained. Patients with an upper extremity conventional or heparin-bonded AVG were included. Exclusion criteria included use of therapeutic anticoagulation and forearm loop grafts. Complication rates, reinterventions, and primary and secondary patency rates were compared using logistic regression analysis. Results The cohort consisted of 93 patients. Conventional and heparin-bonded grafts were compared and there was no statistically significant difference between the median time to use (29 vs 32 days; P = .440) or primary patency ( P = .673). The duration of time elapsed until intervention was a median of 69 days (mean ± standard error = 94.7 ± 10.4 days). Demographic characteristics of patients did not differ between the graft types (61% women; P = 0.342). No statistically significant differences were seen between comorbidities in the 2 groups and body mass index did not differ ( P = .986). Conclusions There is no improved primary patency, secondary patency, or difference in complication rates between patients who received conventional versus heparin-bonded AVGs.
Material Hardship Among Banked and Unbanked Earned Income Tax Credit-Eligible Families

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) has helped millions of Americans escape poverty. However, there is a dearth of research examining the experience of material hardship among EITC recipients. A lack of mainstream banking, disproportionately experienced by the poor, may also be related to increased hardship experiences. This study, using a sample of families receiving the EITC, investigates the hardship differences experienced depending on banking status. Results show that the overwhelming majority of families receiving the EITC experience some type of material hardship. Those with a bank account are less likely to experience material hardship than those without an account. Strategies to decrease hardship experiences and increase use of mainstream banking are drawn for policy makers, banking community, consumer protection and community organizations, and government human service administration.
Critical period for acoustic preference in mice

Preference behaviors are often established during early life, but the underlying neural circuit mechanisms remain unknown. Adapting a unique nesting behavior assay, we confirmed a “critical period” for developing music preference in C57BL/6 mice. Early music exposure between postnatal days 15 and 24 reversed their innate bias for silent shelter, which typically could not be altered in adulthood. Instead, exposing adult mice treated acutely with valproic acid or carrying a targeted deletion of the Nogo receptor (NgR−/−) unmasked a strong plasticity of preference consistent with a reopening of the critical period as seen in other systems. Imaging of cFos expression revealed a prominent neuronal activation in response to the exposed music in the prelimbic and infralimbic medial prefrontal cortex only under conditions of open plasticity. Neither behavioral changes nor selective medial prefrontal cortex activation was observed in response to pure tone exposure, indicating a music-specific effect. Open-field center crossings were increased concomitant with shifts in music preference, suggesting a potential anxiolytic effect. Thus, music may offer both a unique window into the emotional state of mice and a potentially efficient assay for molecular “brakes” on critical period plasticity common to sensory and higher order brain areas.
Public Leadership Framework: Studying Approaches to Diversify Engineering Education

Despite the recent interest in diversifying engineering education there has been very little analysis regarding the nature of interventions needed to refashion engineering education. This article proposes a preliminary framework referred to here as the Public Leadership Framework (PLF) to examine efforts to diversify engineering education. By comparing three highly regarded programs, the PLF is used here to reveals not just their topical differences but also the differences in their orientations and the nature of engagement with society.
A formula for the local solution of the self-dual Yang-Mills equations

Twistor techniques are used to give all local solutions to the self-dual Yang-Mills equations for any matrix gauge group. The field is expressed in terms of an infinite sum, which is a contour integral analogue of a path-ordered exponential integral, over the twistor datum. The key step is the solution of the matrix-valued Cousin-Hilbert-Riemann problem on the sphere, that is, of trivializing a holomorphic vector bundle given by a transition function over an annulus.
Synergistic interaction between α- and β -adrenergic receptors in rat brain slices: Possible site for antidepressant drug action

Abstract Experiments were undertaken to examine the characteristics of the adrenergic receptor-coupled cAMP system in rat brain slices. It was found that the potentiation of isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP accumulation by 6-fluoronorepinephrine, an α -adrenergic agonist, is largely dependent upon the degree of β -receptor occupancy, with prazosin-sensitive α-adrenergic receptors contributing less to this interaction. Chronic administration of a variety of antidepressants decreased the potentiating interaction between 6-fluoronorepinephrine and isoproterenol even under conditions where there were no obvious effects on the α - or β - adrenergic components themselves. Chronic administration of imipramine had no effect on the interaction between 6-fluoronorepinephrine and adenosine, suggesting that the drug selectively modifies the coupling between the α - and β-adrenergic systems. The results suggest that antidepressants influence the coupling between 6-fluoronorepinephrine and isoproterenol receptors independent of any effect on the individual recognition sites.
The oculocardiac reflex and sino-atrial arrest.

Nous rapportons deux arrets sino-auriculaires relies au reflexe oculocardiaque. Un de ces malades a ete opere trois fois sons anesthesie generale pour decollement de la retine. Au cours de deux de ces operations, alors que des techniques differentes ďanesthesie etaient employees, il l a eu arret sinusal. Le deuxieme malade etait opere pour ablation de cataracte. Ľarret sinusal est survenu dix minutes apres ľadministration ďatropine par voie endo-veineuse. Nous discutons des methodes de prevention du reflexe oculocardiaque.
Predators as potential dispersal agents of the nuclear polyhedrosis virus of Anticarsia gemmatalis [ Lep.: Noctuidae ] in soybean

The relationships were surveyed among an introduced nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AgNPV), populations of its larval hostAnticarsia gemmatalis, and other invertebrates associated with soybean. Early applications of AgNPV to small plots effectively suppressedA. gemmatalis populations without causing detectable perturbations in populations of other phytophagous insects or invertebrate predators. Bioassays of predators collected within and outside treated areas demonstrated that many invertebrates readily fed upon AgNPV-infectedA. gemmatalis under field conditions. These results suggest that the predator complex enhances the epidemic potential of this baculovirus. The predators, by feeding upon virus infected larvae, are believed to play an important role in maintaining and disseminating virus inoculum in soybean.
Nonvisual Photoreception in the Chick Iris

The embryonic chicken iris constricts to light ex vivo, but with characteristics atypical of visual phototransduction. The chick iris was most sensitive to short-wavelength light, demonstrating an action spectrum consistent with cryptochrome rather than with opsin pigments. Pupillary responses did not attenuate after saturating light exposure, but showed paradoxical potentiation. Iris photosensitivity was not affected by retinoid depletion or inhibitors of visual phototransduction. Knockdown of cryptochrome expression, but not of melanopsin expression, decreased iris photosensitivity. These data characterize a non-opsin photoreception mechanism in a vertebrate eye and suggest a conserved photoreceptive role for cryptochromes in vertebrates.
Mobile DNA transposition in somatic cells

It had been long assumed that almost all insertions of mobile DNA elements occurred during germ-cell development rather than in somatic-cell development, but solid evidence for transposition in somatic cells is now accumulating. To add to this evidence, a recent paper in Mobile DNA reports the somatic transposition of a site-specific retrotransposon, R2, into its insertion site in 28S ribosomal DNA in Drosophila embryos.
Characterization of ASR damage in concrete using nonlinear impact resonance acoustic spectroscopy technique

This research reports on a successful application of the nonlinear impact resonance acoustic spectroscopy (NIRAS) technique for the characterization of progressive damage in standard concrete specimens. Damage in the specimens is introduced, following ASTM C 1293 testing procedures, through the deleterious alkali–silica reaction (ASR), which leads to the formation of a gel-like reaction product, microcracks, and interfacial debonding between cement and aggregate phases. The microcracks and debonded interfaces act to increase the nonlinearity of concrete. The response of the specimen to impact loading is analyzed to obtain a nonlinearity parameter, which is used as a measure of damage. Measurements are performed on concrete prisms undergoing the ASTM C 1293 expansion test; three aggregates with varying reactivity are examined. The results from the expansion test are compared with those from the NIRAS measurements. For potentially reactive aggregate, the NIRAS technique offers a more definitive assessment of the damage state of the specimen and can be used to distinguish marginally reactive aggregates. The NIRAS results not only demonstrate a clear distinction between nonreactive and reactive aggregates using the nonlinearity parameter, but also the capability to quantitatively track ASR-induced damage in concrete, potentially forming the foundation for field assessment and monitoring.
Teaching the CS principles curriculum with App Inventor (abstract only)

The CS Principles Project is an NSF-funded initiative to develop a breadth-first advanced placement (AP) course in computer science. App Inventor is a visual, blocks-based programming language that makes sophisticated computing concepts accessible to a broad range of students. This hands-on workshop, aimed at high school and undergraduate teachers, will introduce participants to lessons, homework exercises, project assignments, and assessment materials (quizzes, grading rubrics) that can be used in an App Inventor-based CS0 course. Participants will develop simple Android apps, using devices provided by the workshop, and will use them in the context of lessons and assignments that fit within the CS Principles framework. A laptop is required. For further details see: http://is.gd/sigcse2013appinv.
Component based trust management in the context of a virtual organization

One of the difficulties in evaluating the trustworthiness of an object in a virtual organization is the lack of sufficient information to study how the object was formed and to what level its components should be trusted. If a subject could be provided with detailed information about the ingredients of a compound object, then the subject would be able to evaluate the trust level of that compound object with higher confidence. This paper introduces a scheme using labels associated with each object within the domain of a virtual organization to facilitate trust management. Each label supplies certain information regarding the originality of the associated object. Thus, partial trust (also called component trust) can be integrated to evaluate the composite trust of the compound object. Re-labeling enables object information update to accommodate the dynamic nature of a virtual organization. Indirect trust between two subjects can be calculated based on a trust network. Different subjects may view the same object with different trust values because they trust the components of the object to different degrees. This model uses recommendations supplied by other subjects to provide a dynamic and flexible way to adjust the trustworthiness of an object for a certain subject.
Domain-knowledge-guided schema evolution for accounting database systems

Abstract The static meta-data view of accounting database management is that the schema of a database is designed before the database is populated and remains relatively fixed over the life cycle of the system. However, the need to support accounting database evolution is clear: a static meta-data view of an accounting database cannot support next generation dynamic environment where system migration, organization reengineering, and heterogeneous system interoperation are essential. This paper presents a knowledge-based approach and mechanism to support dynamic accounting database schema evolution in an object-based data modeling context. When an accounting database schema does not meet the requirements of a firm, the schema must be changed. Such schema evolution can be realized via a sequence of evolution operators. As a result, this paper considers the question: what heuristics and knowledge are necessary to guide a system to choose a sequence of operators to complete a given evolution task for an accounting database? In particular, we first define a set of basic evolution schema operators, employing heuristics to guide the evolution process. Second, we explore how domain-specific knowledge can be used to guide the use of the operators to complete the evolution task. A well-known accounting data model, REA model, is used here to guide the schema evolution process. Third, we discuss a prototype system, REAtool, to demonstrate and test our approach.
Ho:YAG laser in reshaping tracheal cartilage: a pilot investigation using ex vivo porcine and rabbit cartilage

Stenotic, collapsed, and flow-restricted tracheal airways may result from blunt trauma, chronic infection, and the prolonged endotracheal intubation. This pilot investigation characterizes the degree of shape change produced by Ho:YAG laser (λ=2.12 μm) irradiation of rabbit and pig trachea tissue as a function of laser dosimetry and application protocol. Force displacement curves were generated using fresh lagomorph and porcine tracheal cartilage rings secured in a modified single beam cantilever geometry. These specimens were then irradiated for varying amounts of time and power with the objective of straightening these curved specimens. The degree of shape change was documented photographically. Force and surface temperature were monitored. Confocal microscopy was then used in combination a vital staine (“live-dead assay”) to determine the level of viability of straightened cartilage for selected exposure time-power pairs. Laser Cartilage Reshaping of the trachea may provide a new method to treat severe tracheal injuries without the need for classic open surgical techniques. This pilot investigation is the first step toward demonstrating the feasibility of this technique. Long-term, the design of stents combined with laser irradiation may provide a means to alter tracheal shape.
Synthesis and mass spectrometry of new compounds related to the tocopherols and plastoquinones

Abstract Seven new isomers of α-tocopherol acetate have been synthesized from di- and trimethylated phenols. The compounds synthesized are: 2,5,6,7-tetramethyl-8-acetoxy-2-(4′,8′,12′-trimethyltridecyl) chroman (“ortho tocopherol acetate”), 7 , and the six possible structural isomers of dimethylphytyl-1-methoxy-4-acetoxy-benzene, 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 18 , and 19 . Upon mass spectral determination, the seven synthetic compounds and natural α-tocopherol acetate produced the same fragment ions, the only differences in the spectra being in the relative intensities of some of the fragments.
Effect of 5-AmJnolevulinic Acid on Protoporphyrin IX Accumulation in Tumor Cells Transfected with Plasmids Containing Porphobilinogen Deaminase DNA

Recently, we reported that the delta-aminolevulinic acid (delta-ALA)-induced increase in porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD) activity was closely correlated with an increase in the accumulation of protoporphyrin IX (PPIX), resulting in augmented phototoxicity. In this report, we asked whether increasing the cellular expression of PBGD by use of gene transfection techniques in vitro would further enhance delta-ALA-induced PPIX accumulation and hence, phototoxicity. For these experiments we constructed plasmid vectors containing the PBGD-DNA, using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction-generated cDNA fragment encoded from its published sequence. Subsequently, transfection of the human mammary tumor cell line, MCF-7, and the human mesothelioma cell line, H-MESO-1, with the PBGD-DNA-containing plasmids was shown to produce a 2.5-2.7-fold increase in enzyme activity. Twenty-four hours after completion of the transfection procedure, transfectants were exposed for 3 h to 0.5 mM delta-ALA. Exposure of either wild type or transfectants to delta-ALA led to measurable levels of PPIX. Although this produced a modest but significant increase in intracellular PPIX content in H-MESO-1 cells compared to wild-type cells incubated with delta-ALA alone, the increase above the transfection control did not reach statistical significance. Likewise, a significant increase in PPIX was not observed in transfected MCF-7 cells subsequently exposed to delta-ALA. These data demonstrate that transient transfection of cells with the cDNA of PBGD was successful in elevating enzyme activity in both tumor cell lines, but this did not result in a comparable difference in the levels of PPIX. Such an approach for the study of other enzymes in the heme pathway should provide a model to better define rate-limiting steps in the delta-ALA induction of PPIX, and ultimately, to enhance the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy.
The Role Of Oil-In-Water Emulsions In Thermal Oil Recovery Processes

This work proposes a recovery mechanism thought to occur as a result of thermal operations in some California oil fields. The mechanism is the formation of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions in the reservoir. Evidence is presented that under the right conditions such emulsions have more favorable flow characteristics than heavy oil. The mechanism is discussed in relation to cyclic steam, steamflood and in situ combustion operations. The mechanism is thought to be more effective in the cyclic steam process than in the other two. It also is suggested that the formation of O/W emulsions increases both the producing rate and the ultimate recovery in thermal projects. A better understanding of the mechanism should make it possible to increase its effectiveness or to induce the mechanism where the conditions are not suitable in the natural state. 10 references.
Impacts of cropping systems on soil nitrogen storage and loss

Abstract Organic and low-input cropping systems that use more C inputs are alternatives to conventional systems for sustaining long-term soil fertility. An understanding of the impacts of these cropping systems on N balance (N applied minus N removed in harvested plant material), storage and loss is necessary to improve long-term soil fertility and minimize the risk of environmental pollution. An evaluation of 4-year rotations of organic (N from legumes and composted manures), low-input (N from legumes and reduced amounts of synthetic fertilizers), and conventional (conv-4, N from synthetic fertilizers) and a conventional 2-year rotation (conv-2, N from synthetic fertilizers) on N balance, storage and loss was conducted from 1989 to 1998. Compared to the conv-2 system, the organic and conv-4 systems showed 119 and 8% greater cumulative N balances, respectively, over the duration of the study. However, N balance in the low-input system was 19% less than in conv-2 system. After 10 years of differential management, total N in the top 15 cm of soil was 1.46 g kg−1 in the organic, 1.26 g kg−1 in the low-input, 1.13 g kg−1 in the conv-4, and 1.1 g kg−1 in the conv-2 system. Compared to the conv-2 system, cumulative N losses for the organic, low-input and conv-4 systems were lower by 80, 92, and 10%, respectively. These findings suggest that organic and low-input cropping systems that add C to soil have the potential for storing N and making it available for future crop use, while minimizing the risk of environmental pollution.
The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA): Maintaining and Operating a Public Information Repository

The National Institutes of Health have placed significant emphasis on sharing of research data to support secondary research. Investigators have been encouraged to publish their clinical and imaging data as part of fulfilling their grant obligations. Realizing it was not sufficient to merely ask investigators to publish their collection of imaging and clinical data, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) created the open source National Biomedical Image Archive software package as a mechanism for centralized hosting of cancer related imaging. NCI has contracted with Washington University in Saint Louis to create The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA)—an open-source, open-access information resource to support research, development, and educational initiatives utilizing advanced medical imaging of cancer. In its first year of operation, TCIA accumulated 23 collections (3.3 million images). Operating and maintaining a high-availability image archive is a complex challenge involving varied archive-specific resources and driven by the needs of both image submitters and image consumers. Quality archives of any type (traditional library, PubMed, refereed journals) require management and customer service. This paper describes the management tasks and user support model for TCIA.
Assessment of Information Systems and Technologies at California Transit Agencies

Research identifying and investigating the current technical and institutional frameworks for information systems and technologies at public transit agencies in California is described. With the rapid development of new information systems and technologies over the past 10 years, there are many opportunities for public transit agencies to improve data collection, processing, and dissemination. The current state of the practice for the use and sharing of data for operations monitoring, service planning, performance measurement, and customer information is examined. To investigate these topics, a broad survey of transit agencies in California was conducted; this was followed by detailed site visits and interviews with several representative agencies. The survey results are presented, and some conclusions for improving current practice are generated. First, the current means of data collection, processing, and dissemination are reviewed, and strategies for the application of new information systems and technologies are identified. A second element of the research involves reviewing the technical and institutional environments for data sharing both within a transit agency and between the transit agency and other organizations. Finally, innovative transit agencies and third-party organizations are also working to enhance data coordination and use among transit agencies and between transit agencies and other transportation organizations. On the basis of this inventory, it appears that many California transit agencies are strategically expanding the capabilities and use of these new information systems and technologies.
The Strategic Presidency: Hitting the Ground Running

Perfectly timed to anticipate the possible election of a new president in 1996, the second edition of James Pfiffner's "The Strategic Presidency" provides the most complete and authoritative volume on presidential transitions from JFK to Bill Clinton. First published in 1988, it is now more valuable than ever with the addition of new chapters on the Bush and Clinton transitions and numerous other revisions that greatly update the volume. When the book first appeared eight years ago, it was hailed by the "American Political Science Review" as an important new work following in "the path that Richard Neustadt long ago blazed in his classic book, Presidential Power." Immediately recognized for its contributions to scholarship, it also popularized a new phrase, "the strategic presidency," which has since become an essential part of the lexicon in presidential studies. As this book makes clear, to accomplish his policy objectives, a new president must always first get control of the government. Thus the White House must organize itself; establish a cabinet; recruit presidential appointees; confront the entrenched career bureaucracy; and formulate a legislative agenda. The supreme challenge of this transitional period, Pfiffner argues, is that all of this must be done in a very compressed time frame and under the extreme pressure of press scrutiny and unrealistically high public expectations. Even so, he also shows that systematic preparation during this period can maximize a president's opportunity at the beginning of a term. Contrary to much conventional advice, Pfiffner contends that a newly elected president's best opportunity for achieving policy goals is at the beginning of the term. Even if a "honeymoon" atmosphere does not prevail, Congress is likely to be more receptive to presidential initiatives in the early months of a term, and public opinion is likely to decline after several months in office. That's why it's so important for presidents to "hit the ground running." Like the first edition, the new one provides a concise guide for scholars and presidential aides and will be widely adopted for courses on the modern presidency. With its fine blend of insider perspective, illuminating anecdotes, and user-friendly political analysis, it will also appeal to general readers.
Protease-activated receptor stimulation activates a Ca2+-independent phospholipase A2 in bladder microvascular endothelial cells.

Increased mast cell numbers and mast cell activation represent one of the prevalent etiologic theories for interstitial cystitis, an inflammatory condition in the bladder. This study was designed p...
The electronic structure and molecular properties of boron hydride in its ground and excited states

Abstract Ab initio wave functions have been constructed for the lowest 1 Σ + , 1 π , 3 π , 1 Σ − , 3 Σ − , 1 Δ, 3 Δ, and 3 Σ + states of BH as a function of the internuclear separation. The valence bond approach was employed and full configuration interaction within the valence shell was carried out. A Gaussian-lobe function representation of the boron and hydrogen atomic orbitals was employed. Our best function for the 1 Σ + state of BH, at the experimental equilibrium separation of 2.336 Bohrs yields an energy of −25.1426 au (dipole moment 0.702 au) while at the predicted separation of 2.536 Bohrs the energy is −25.1456 au (dipole moment 0.603 au). The vertical transition energies at the experimental internuclear separation are: 1 Σ + (0.00 eV), 3 π (0.77 eV), 1 π (2.90 eV), 3 Σ − (4.07 eV), 1 Δ (6.01 eV). The dipole moment, quadrupole moment and electric field gradient at the B nucleus and at the H nucleus are reported for the bound states for three internuclear separations.
Graphene: calling all chemists.

Graphene has potentially useful electronic properties but it is difficult to produce and process on large scales. Working with chemically modified forms of graphene — such as graphene oxide — may provide an alternative.
Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma in Children and Adolescents: Role of Bone Marrow Transplantation

Although PTCL in children, as in adults, has a spectrum of clinical, morphologic, cytogenetic and immunologic features, there are several significant differences in these features between children and adults. Our data show that CD30 expression is much more common in pediatric PTCL than is reported in adult PTCL. Furthermore, the majority of children with CD30-positive PTCL do not have tumors with anaplastic large cell histology. Our data also suggest that the t(2;5) is not a specific marker of anaplastic large cell lymphoma in childhood. The likelihood of cure for children with PTCL is unclear, predominately because of the lack of large numbers of pediatric patients with this less common entity. As with other NHL, we expect that treatment with conventional dose chemotherapy following relapse will be unsuccessful in most cases. Although the data are preliminary, it appears that high dose chemo-radiotherapy followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an effective therapy in these patients. We hav...
Correlates of Perceptual and Behavioral Definitions of Abuse in HIV-Positive Sexual Minority Men

Interpersonal violence researchers have begun to focus on the role of perception of abuse experiences in post-abuse adjustment, and have posited that there may be something critical about a mismatch between having experienced abuse and actually labeling an experience as "abuse." Utilizing cross-sectional data collected from outpatient HIV care settings, this study is the first to examine the role of abuse self-definition in HIV-positive gay and bisexual men. The sample (N = 166) was divided into participants who self-defined their experiences as abuse and those who did not. Logistic regression was used to assess the impact of various factors (demographic, mental health, behavioral, and HIV health status) on the likelihood of self-defining child sexual abuse, child physical abuse, and partner abuse. Relationship to the perpetrator and characteristics of child sexual abuse experiences were explored as predictors of self-definition. Self-definition rates varied, with approximately 55% of child abuse victims and 24 to 31% of partner abuse victims labeling it as such. Participants who endorsed child sexual abuse experiences that involved force or coercion, and participants who reported a family member as the perpetrator, were more likely to define their experiences as abuse. These results suggest that screening for abuse history in clinical and research contexts should consistently utilize behaviorally anchored questions to minimize the likelihood of false negative reports. Further research is needed to better understand the process of labeling and the mechanisms underlying the labeling outcome relations.
A 24GHz CMOS digitally modulated polar power amplifier with embedded FIR filtering

A 24GHz digitally modulated polar power amplifier (PA) is proposed. A digital amplitude control word (ACW) is generated from a 1.5-bit first-order ΣΔ ADC, reducing the number of unary PA cells compared to Nyquist approaches. The power combiner and the digitally-controlled PA cells form an embedded finite impulse response (FIR) filter suppressing out of band quantization noise caused by the ADC. The PA is designed using a 90nm CMOS process and it achieves 15dBm maximum output power while drawing 100mA from 1.2V supply. A 27% drain efficiency (DE) is achieved while a −22dB error vector magnitude (EVM) is obtained with a 50MHz BW, 16-QAM OFDM signal. The proposed architecture can perform digital-to-RF conversion, FIR filtering, and power amplification simultaneously.
Secondhand smoke and smoking restrictions in casinos: a review of the evidence

Objective There is no safe level of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure. Most US casinos continue to allow smoking, thus exposing workers and patrons to the hazards of SHS. This paper reviews the scientific literature on air quality, SHS exposure, health effects and economic outcomes related to SHS and smoking restrictions in casinos, as well as on smoking prevalence among casino patrons and problem gamblers. Data sources Peer reviewed studies published from January 1998 to March 2011. Data synthesis Evidence from air quality, biomarker and survey studies indicates that smoking in casinos is a significant public health problem. Workers and patrons in casinos that allow smoking are exposed to high levels of SHS, as documented by elevated levels of SHS constituents in the air of casinos and by elevated levels of tobacco-specific biomarkers in non-smokers’ blood, urine and saliva. Partial smoking restrictions in casinos do not effectively protect non-smokers from SHS. Findings suggest that the smoking prevalence of casino patrons is comparable with that of the general public, although this prevalence may be higher among problem gamblers. Few studies have examined the economic impact of smoke-free policies in casinos, and the results of these studies are mixed. Conclusions Employees and patrons are exposed to SHS in casinos, posing a significant, preventable risk to their health. Policies completely prohibiting smoking in casinos would be expected to greatly reduce or eliminate SHS exposure in casinos, thereby protecting the health of casino workers and patrons.
An Embedded System for In-Vehicle Visual Speech Activity Detection

We present a system for automatically detecting driver's speech in the automobile domain using visual-only information extracted from the driver's mouth region. The work is motivated by the desire to eliminate manual push-to-talk activation of the speech recognition engine in newly designed voice interfaces in the typically noisy car environment, aiming at reducing driver cognitive load and increasing naturalness of the interaction. The proposed system uses a camera mounted on the rearview mirror to monitor the driver, detect face boundaries and facial features, and finally employ lip motion clues to recognize visual speech activity. In particular, the designed algorithm has very low computational cost, which allows real-time implementation on currently available inexpensive embedded platforms, as described in the paper. Experiments are also reported on a small multi-speaker database collected in moving automobiles, that demonstrate promising accuracy.
Youth, Life, and Politics: Examining the Everyday in Comparative Politics

The traditional way of introducing comparative politics to freshmen, which is through the study of institutions, is contrasted with an alternative approach. An everyday-politics approach compares the daily struggles of global youth—how they cope in times of peace and war, and with issues of wealth and poverty, identity, education and employment, and citizenship and immigration. This approach contains four elements: juxtapositions, recognition of the vicissitudes of growing up in a more complex world, the use of stories, and social action in our daily lives. This combination “gently” introduces the concepts of comparative politics but with an emphasis on how politics affect the lives of other young people. These stories also show the various forms of political participation and political resistance in different countries. An everyday-politics approach, while still experimental, seems to yield some positive results in helping students care about politics, gaining an understanding of how much is at stake for them, and connecting them to the wider world.
Modern laboratory-based education for power electronics and electric machines

The study of modern energy conversion draws upon a broad range of knowledge and often requires a fair amount of experience. This suggests that laboratory instruction should be an integral component of a power electronics and electric machines curriculum. However, before a single watt can be processed in a realistic way, the student must understand not only the operation of conversion systems but also more advanced concepts such as control theory, speed and position sensing, switching signal generation, gate drive isolation, circuit layout, and other critical issues. Our approach is to use a blue-box module where these details are pre-built for convenience, but not hidden from the students inside a black box. Recent improvements to our blue-box modules are described in this paper and include a dual-MOSFET control box with independently isolated FET devices, a triple silicon controlled rectifier control box, a discretely built, high quality pulse-width modulation inverter, a small discrete brushless dc drive system, and a high-performance computer-controlled brushless dc dynamometer motor drive system. Complete details, sufficient to allow the reader to duplicate these designs, are publicly available.
Mutations Affecting the α Subunit of Bordetella pertussis RNA Polymerase Suppress Growth Inhibition Conferred by Short C-Terminal Deletions of the Response Regulator BvgA

The effects of short deletions of the C terminus of the BvgA response regulator protein of the BvgAS two-component system were examined in Bordetella pertussis. When present as a single copy in the chromosome, deletions removing as few as two amino acids conferred a completely Bvg- phenotype. When provided in trans, on the broad-host-range plasmid pRK290, under the control of the native bvgAS promoter, deletions of two or three amino acids conferred a profound growth inhibition which was dependent on the integrity and activity of the wild-type chromosomal bvgAS locus. It is proposed that this phenotype was the result of an inappropriate interaction of the mutant BvgA protein with the RNA polymerase enzyme, specifically the alpha subunit. Mutant strains in which this growth inhibition was relieved were isolated and characterized. Although most of the suppressor mutations affected either the mutant plasmid copy or the wild-type chromosomal bvg locus, three mutations which affected the alpha subunit of B. pertussis RNA polymerase were also isolated. Two of these resulted in increased levels of the alpha subunit, and one caused a substitution of glycine for the aspartic acid residue at position 171, in the N-terminal domain. All three mutations also resulted in a differential phenotype in that expression of fha was essentially normal, but expression of ptx was greatly reduced.
Bioremediation: An Overview of How Microbiological Processes can be Applied to the Cleanup of Organic and Inorganic Environmental Pollutants

Bioremediation, Ecology, Technology Organic Contaminants Halogenated Aliphatic Compounds Halogenated Aromatic Compounds Nonchlorinated Pesticides and Herbicides Military Chemicals Other Organic Compounds Inorganic Contaminants Metals and Metalloids Keywords: bioremediation; biotechnology; halogenated compounds, bioremediation of; hydrocarbons, bioremediation of; metals, bioremediation of; pesticides, bioremediation of; sediments, bioremediation of
The oxidation mechanism of θ-Al2O3 scales

Abstract A nearly single-phase θ-Al2O3 scale has been grown on two FeCrAl alloys, according to a time-temperature-transformation relationship for the formation of external alumina scales. SIMS sputter depth profiles of the 18 O 16 O distribution consistently indicate that θ-Al2O3 scales grow primarily by the outward transport of Al. This mechanism is consistent with the observed scale microstructure and is significantly different from tracer profiles for α-Al2O3 scales.