cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Concentration quenching in chlorophyll- a and relation to functional charge transfer in vivo

Chlorophyll-a in ordinary solvents exhibits concentration quenching. Dimeric chlorophyll is reasonably well confirmed as the quenching species, by a critical reanalysis of available data on concentration dependence and on spectral features, in ordinary solvents, and in several analogous quenching environments. This quenching in the dimer in vitro is somewhat less firmly analyzed as due to a new fast internal conversion. Much peripheral evidence supports transient charge transfer as the cause of internal conversion. The same evidence points to a strong similarity to functional charge transfer in vivo. I suggest that inability to extract P680 may be due to its conversion to a form resembling P700 by addition of water. A number of straightforward experiments are suggested to test these proposals. In particular, it is desirable to test for the existence of a vibronic perturbation (from a highernπ* state) in the dimer, as an alternative to charge transfer for explaining the “observed” internal conversion. Such a vibronic cause would raise interesting problems for phototrap function in vivo.
Karl Marx's sociological theory of democracy: Civil society and political rights

Abstract This essay reconstructs Marx's relationship to democracy and liberalism through an examination of his early work which was directly concerned with the issues of understanding democracy as a kind of society. Only with an analysis of the dynamics of civil society—a political economic, sociological, and historical understanding—could the true nature of citizenship be discerned. In contradistinction to liberal political theory, he would argue that political theory could not stand on its own if it analyzed only the state. Marx came to understand the contradiction between the liberal state and civil society as what he called a sophistry because it undermined the possibility of the democratic agency of workers. This was a sophistry, not because he opposed political democracy, but because the development of capitalism undermined the possibility of democratic agency. Citizenship could be nothing but a “lion's skin” of politics concealing the nature of civil society beneath it. This contradiction would drive Marx's thought forward as he moved from liberalism to democratic socialism with his developing understanding of the structure and dynamics of capitalism from 1843 until the end of his life. The essay illustrates two closely related claims about Marx's thought regarding liberalism and democracy. First, I argue that Marx engaged in a democratic critique of liberalism; second, and as a response to his democratic critique of liberalism, Marx developed a more sociological understanding of democracy, and hence believed that political democracy was a necessary condition of freedom, though not a sufficient condition.
Picowatt infrared power measurement using an absolute cryogenic radiometer

We report on initial measurements of the low-temperature thermal properties of a device that is similar to the experimental apparatus used for absolute cryogenic radiometry (ACR) within the Low Background Infrared Radiometry (LBIR) facility at NIST. The device consists of a receiver cavity mechanically and thermally connected to a temperature-controlled stage through a thin-walled polyimide tube which serves as a weak thermal link. In order to evaluate the functionality of the device for use in a cryogenic radiometer, we measured the thermal resistance and thermal time constant of the system within the temperature range of 1.8 - 4.4 K. The measured thermal resistance and thermal time constant at 1.883 K were 2400 ± 500 (K/mW) and 24 ± 6 (s). This value for the thermal resistance should result in about an order-of-magnitude increase in radiometer sensitivity compared with the present ACR within LBIR. Although the sensitivity should increase by about an order-of-magnitude, the measured time constant is nearly unchanged with respect to previous ACRs within LBIR, due to the reduced dimensions of the receiver cavity. Finally, the thermal conductivity inferred from the measured thermal resistance and geometrical parameters was computed, with an average value of 0.015 (W/m-K), and compared with other measurements of polyimide from the literature.
Polystyrene as an inert matrix for photophysical investigations

Abstract Polystyrene with its rather high energy first excited singlet state and triplet state has been thought of as a useful matrix material for optical experiments providing a rigid medium over a rather wide range of temperatures. Unfortunately, for certain molecular dopants interferences are encountered between excited states of the dopant and those of acetophenone-like (AC) impurities usually found in polystyrene. In this work an effective technique has been developed to remove these AC residues using silica-gel column chromatography in combination with a heat treatment in the presence of hydroquinone. The latter procedure removes suspected peroxy residues the reactive radical fragments of which are rendered harmless by quenching with hydroquinone. The column treatment selectively removes the AC-containing residues. Using 395 nm as an emission wavelength to monitor the presence of AC residues and employing a naphthalene solution as an external standard, a thirtyfold decrease in emission intensity is found for treated samples.
Analytic Review: Glucose Controversies in the ICU

Hyperglycemia is common in critical illness and has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. An era of tight glucose control began when intensive insulin therapy was shown to improve outcomes in a single-center randomized trial. More recently, with the publication of additional studies, questions have been raised regarding the efficacy and safety of intensive glycemic management. This article will review the biologic mechanisms that may help us understand why and how hyperglycemia and insulin are relevant in critical illness. We will then explore insights gleaned from available clinical trials. Finally, we will discuss specific areas of controversy that relate to the implementation of glycemic control in the intensive care unit, such as the ideal glucose target and the importance of hypoglycemia.
Subepicardial Aneurysm Evaluated by Multiplane 2D and Real-Time 3D Volumetric Transesophageal Echocardiography

A 76-year-old man with a history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and 90 pack-year smoking, presented to his primary care physician with complaints of worsening dyspnea. His ECG finding did not show any pathological Q-wave or ST-T abnormalities (Online Figure I). A 2D transthoracic echocardiogram revealed normal left ventricular (LV) systolic function with inferior and inferolateral wall motion abnormalities. A suspicious aneurysm was also noted (Figure 1). His adenosine stress nuclear perfusion images showed a moderate-sized area of ischemia or jeopardized myocardium involving the infero-lateral LV (Online Figure II). He underwent cardiac catheterization, which revealed an occluded right coronary artery and significant left-to-right collaterals (Figure 2). Left ventriculography revealed a hypokinetic basal inferior wall and an aneurysm (Figure 3, Movie I). A follow-up transesophageal echocardiogram was performed using an x7–2t …
Influence of acidity level in simulated rain on disease progress in four plant pathosystems.

Abstract Field investigations were performed in 1984–1985 on the effects of acidity level in simulated rain on disease dynamics in four pathosystems: alfalfa leaf spot (ALS), peanut leaf spot (PLS), potato late blight (PLB), and soybean brown spot (SBS). Studies were performed in an ambient rain exclusion apparatus with simulated rain acidity levels of pH 2·8, 3·6, 4·2, 4·8, or 5·6 and four plots per pH level. In 1984 for ALS and PLB, rain was simulated three times a week at 6–8 mm per event. For PLS and SBS in 1984 and for PLB, PLS, and SBS in 1985, rain was simulated twice a week at 13–16 mm per event with a 10 min pause halfway through each event. Disease was assessed three times a week. In 1984, no significant effect of acidity level in simulated rain on disease severity was detected in any pathosystem. Severity of PLB differed among treatments in 1985 with significant quadratic and cubic components for the dose-response relationship. PLS severity decreased with increasing level of acidity in simulated rain in 1985 and the dose-response relationship was linear. No differences in severity of ALS or SBS due to acidity of simulated rain were found. Thus, disease response to acidity of simulated rain is system dependent.
Effect of altered litter size on the cellularity of skeletal muscles at weaning and subsequent growth in rats

Abstract The growth of skeletal muscles in rats suckled in various sized litters was studied. Litters were divided at 2 days post partum into: small (3 pups), medium (7–9 pups) and large litters (15–20 pups). Males from all three litter sizes were killed at the end of lactation; another group of males from these litters was fed a stock diet ad libitum to 143 days of age. At both 23 and 143 days of age the rats suckled in large litters had lighter bodies and muscles than animals from small or medium sized litters; at 23 days of age the muscles had significantly smaller fibers but there was no reduction in the number of fibers. These differences in muscle cellularity did not exist at 143 days. Bone length was reduced also in the rats suckled in large litters at 23 and 143 days of age. Feeding the rats from the large litters until they attained the body weight of those suckled in small litters produced a return of the weight and fiber diameter of the muscles to those in the small litters. The length of the humerus, and therefore the biceps brachii, was longer, thereby giving a different conformation to the muscle. The extent of the differences in all measurements between the litters at 143 days of age was less than those at 23 days of age. The data indicate that the number of fibers in skeletal muscles is not affected by a nutritional stress imposed during lactation; thus catch-up growth occurs by hypertrophy
A combined heartbeat detector based on individual BCG and IPG heartbeat detectors

This paper presents a preliminary approach for heartbeat detection on a weighing scale, using a combined heartbeat detector and an ensemble method. First, two independent sub-detectors are implemented based on the BCG (Ballistocardiogram) and lower-body IPG (Impedance Plethysmogram) signals. Then, the results of these sub-detectors are combined using a higher level decision maker. The BCG, which describes the reaction of the body to cardiac ejection of blood, was measured using the strain gauges in a modified commercial weighing scale. For the lower-body IPG, a small amount of current was injected into the subject through the electrodes under the subject's toes, and the resulting differential voltage across the heels was measured. We tested our method on the first 30 seconds of the BCG and IPG signals collected from 8 subjects. The results show the combination significantly improved over individual detector, with a resulting interval accuracy of 97%.
Shortcomings in Pharmacokinetic Analysis by Conceiving the Body to Exhibit Properties of a Single Compartment

In the past, pharmacokinetic assessment of drug absorption, metabolism, and excretion usually have been based on the concept of the body behaving as a single compartment. After rapid i.v. injection, provided that blood samples are taken sufficiently soon after injection, at least a bi-exponential curve is obtained. The initial portion of this curve, the so-called rapid distribution phase, has been ignored without proof, and it has been assumed that the single-compartment concept does not introduce large errors into the subsequent calculations. On the basis of first principles, at least one additional peripheral compartment must exist for virtually any compound introduced into the body. Such a model is physiologically compatible with distribution of the drug throughout the body under perfusion and diffusion forces. The two-compartmental open-system model is discussed in respect to the error introduced into the usual absorption rate and elimination rate calculations and on the estimation of the volume of distribution of various drugs.
Lessons from Industry for Science Cyberinfrastructure: Simplicity, Scale, and Sustainability via SaaS/PaaS

Commercial information technology has changed dramatically over the past decade, with profound consequences for both software developers and software consumers. Software-as-a-service (SaaS) enables remote use of powerful capabilities, from accounting and payroll to weather alerts and transporation logistics, that used to require expensive in-house facilities and expertise. Platform-as-a-service (PaaS) offerings from cloud providers simplify the development and operation of SaaS software. These developments have slashed costs, reduced barriers to access and entry, and spurred innovation. Science cyberinfrastructure, in contrast, seems stuck in the 20th Century. I discuss lessons from industry that the scientific community might consider when designing cyberinfrastructure for the 21st Century.
Monte Carlo Investigation of Diffusion of Receptors and Ligands that Bind Across Opposing Surfaces

Studies of receptor diffusion on a cell surface show a variety of behaviors, such as diffusive, sub-diffusive, or super-diffusive motion. However, most studies to date focus on receptor molecules diffusing on a single cell surface. We have previously studied receptor diffusion to probe the molecular mechanism of receptor clustering at the cell–cell junction between two opposing cell surfaces. Here, we characterize the diffusion of receptors and ligands that bind to each other across two opposing cell surfaces, as in cell–cell and cell–bilayer interactions. We use a Monte Carlo method, where receptors and ligands are simulated as independent agents that bind and diffuse probabilistically. We vary receptor–ligand binding affinity and plot the molecule-averaged mean square displacement (MSD) of ligand molecules as a function of time. Our results show that MSD plots are qualitatively different for flat and curved interfaces, as well as between the cases of presence and absence of directed transport of receptor–ligand complexes toward a specific location on the interface. Receptor–ligand binding across two opposing surfaces leads to transient sub-diffusive motion at early times provided the interface is flat. This effect is entirely absent if the interface is curved, however, in this instance we observe sub-diffusive motion. In addition, a decrease in the equilibrium value of the MSD occurs as affinity increases, something which is absent for a flat interface. In the presence of directed transport of receptor–ligand complexes, we observe super-diffusive motion at early times for a flat interface. Super-diffusive motion is absent for a curved interface, however, in this case we observe a transient decrease in MSD with time prior to equilibration for high-affinity values.
Modulation of voltage-activated Ca currents by pain-inducing agents in a dorsal root ganglion neuronal line, F-11.

Whole cell currents evoked by pain-inducing agents—bradykinin (Bk), capsaicin (Cap), and reciniferatoxin (RTX), and their modulation of voltage-activated Ca currents were examined in F-11 cells using a patch electrode voltage clamp technique. Most F-11 cells generated action potentials under current clamp if their membrane potentials were held sufficiently negative. Average peak inward Na current (INa) was 100 μA/cm2 and the INa was abolished by 10−6 M tetrodotoxin. At least two types of Ca currents could be clearly distinguished on the basis of voltage dependency and kinetics; a low threshold transient ICa(t) and a high threshold sustained ICa(I). In addition, another high threshold transient Ca current, presumably ICa(n), was observed. About 30% of the cells produced inward current for these pain-inducing agents, when activated at the membrane holding potential of −70 mV. In some F-11 cells, the amplitude of action potential was observed to increase during 10−6 M Cap-induced depolarization. Both low and high threshold Ca currents were reduced by 10−6 M Bk in the majority of the cells. Similarly, both 10−6 M Cap and 10−9 M RTX reduced these Ca currents. However, a considerable number of cells showed an initial enhancement followed by reduction in the amplitude of these Ca currents. With higher concentrations of these ligands, all Ca currents were suppressed. Such modulation of voltage-activated Ca currents by pain-inducing agents occurred in both the presence and absence of apparent receptor-activated current flows in the cells. In pertussis toxin (PTX)-treated cells, the inhibitory modulation of Ca currents by pain-inducing agents was suppressed. In contrast, in cholera toxin (CTX)-treated cells, this inhibitory modulation appeared to be enhanced. These data indicate that the inhibitory modulation of Ca channel currents by Cap and RTX, similarly to that of Bk, involves a PTX-sensitive inhibitory G protein (Gi). © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Experimental and theoretical investigation of the depletion and structural forces produced by ionic micelles

Abstract The technique of colloid probe atomic force microscopy was used to measure the force profile between a silica particle and a flat silica plate in solutions of tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (C 14 TAB) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) at varying concentrations. With increasing surfactant concentration the onset of a depletion well and structural forces was observed. The measured results were compared to the predicted results of the model of Walz and Sharma [26] for hard, charged, spherical depletants. For C 14 TAB the measured depletion force was substantially smaller in magnitude than that predicted by this model. In solutions of SDS micelles, a similar overestimation of the depletion force was observed but not to the same degree as for the C 14 TAB solutions. It was found that by reducing the magnitude of the electrostatic repulsive interactions in the system via lowering the effective surface potentials, the measured force profiles could be accurately matched. These results suggest that modeling ionic micelles as simple hard, charged spheres may not be appropriate and that the level of deviation from such a modeling approach depends on the specific properties of each type of micelle.
Separating Oil from Aqueous Extraction Fractions of Soybean

Previous research has shown that enzyme-assisted aqueous extraction processing (EAEP) extracts 88–90% of the total soybean oil from extruded full-fat soy flakes into the aqueous media, which is distributed as cream (oil-in-water emulsion), skim, and free oil. In the present work, a simple separatory funnel procedure was effective in separating aqueous skim, cream and free oil fractions allowing mass balances and extraction and recovery efficiencies to be determined. The procedure was used to separate and compare liquid fractions extracted from full-fat soy flour and extruded full-fat soy flakes. EAEP extracted more oil from the extruded full-fat soy flakes, and yielded more free oil from the resulting cream compared to unextruded full-fat soy flour. Dry matter partitioning between fractions was similar for the two procedures. Mean oil droplet sizes in the cream and skim fractions were larger for EAEP of extruded flakes compared to non-enzymatic AEP of unextruded flour (45 vs. 20 μm for cream; 13 vs. 5 μm for skim) making the emulsions from EAEP of extruded flakes less stable. All major soy protein subunits were present in the cream fractions, as well as other fractions, from both processes. The cream could be broken using phospholipase treatments and 70–80% of total oil in the extruded full-fat flakes was recovered using EAEP and a phospholipase de-emulsification procedure.
Ionothermal effects on low-dimensionality uranyl compounds using task specific ionic liquids

Ionothermal methods were employed in the synthesis of two novel uranyl coordination compounds: [C5H6N]2 [UO2(C7H7SO3)4(H2O)] (1) and UO2(HAsO4)(NC5H11O2) (2), using pyridinium and betainium class ionic liquids. The results show novel ionic liquid incorporation and uranyl structural topologies, providing insight into the development of low-dimensionality uranyl complexes beyond traditional hydrothermal methods.
Predictive power management method for network devices

Energy consumption can be reduced by powering down components within a router, switch, or other network device during inter-packet idle periods. A predictive power management method based on exponential smoothing and detection of very long idle periods is developed. Long idle periods are detected using quantile estimation. The method improves upon that of Hwang and Wu.
Post-traumatic growth, stressful life events, and relationships with substance use behaviors among alternative high school students: A prospective study

A highly stressful life event (SLE) can elicit positive psychosocial growth, referred to as post-traumatic growth (PTG) among youth. We examined PTG and the number of SLEs for their influence on substance use behaviours among a sample of older, diverse alternative high school students participating in a drug prevention programme (n=564; mean age=16.8; 49% female; 65% Hispanic). Surveys assessed PTG, SLEs and substance use behaviours at the two-year follow-up. Multilevel regression models were run to examine the effect of PTG and the number of SLEs on frequency of substance use at the two-year follow-up, controlling for baseline substance use, sociodemographic variables, peer substance use, attrition propensity and treatment group. Greater PTG scores were associated with lower frequencies of alcohol use, getting drunk on alcohol, binge drinking, marijuana use and less substance abuse at the two-year follow-up, but not associated with cigarette or hard drug use. Also, PTG did not moderate the relationship between cumulative number of SLEs and substance use behaviours, rather PTG appears to be protective against negative effects of a single, life-altering SLE. Fostering PTG from a particularly poignant SLE may be useful for prevention programmes targeting alcohol, marijuana and substance abuse behaviours among high-risk youth.
The diffusion of nitrogen in vanadium

Abstract A recent model for solute diffusion in solids, applied to nitrogen in vanadium, is discussed in terms of experimental evidence and thermodynamic considerations.
Food webs and the Upper Mississippi River: contributions to our understanding of ecosystem function in large rivers

Studies on the Upper Mississippi River, particularly over the last 15 years, have contributed to our understanding of trophic processes in large rivers. The framework established by earlier population-specific studies, however, cannot be overlooked. Examination of the feeding habits of fish ranging from planktivores to piscivores gave the first indication that trophic processes were influenced by the spatial complexity and annual hydrological patterns of river-floodplain ecosystems. Experimental studies, which have often been considered impossible or impractical in large rivers, demonstrated the potential for biotic controls of system dynamics through predator–prey and competitive interactions. Such studies have been particularly helpful in understanding the potential impact of non-native species, including zebra mussels and Asian carp, to biodiversity and secondary production. Our understanding of riverine ecosystem function expanded greatly as food web studies began the application of a new tool—natural stable isotopes. Studies employing stable isotopes illustrated how food webs in a number of large rivers throughout the world are supported by the autochthonous production of microalgae. This study, coupled with other studies testing the prevailing models of riverine ecosystem function, has brought us to a point of better understanding the nature of river ecosystem functions. It is through looking back at the earlier studies of fish diet that we should realize that the temporal and spatial complexities of river ecosystem function must still be addressed more fully. This and a better grasp of the significance of the arrangement of patches within the riverine landscape will prove beneficial, as we assess the appropriate scale of river rehabilitation with an eye on how rehabilitation promotes productivity within complex ecosystems, including the Upper Mississippi River.
Synthesis of branched copolysilanes from trichlorosilanes

Soluble polymers and copolymers have been prepared from monosubstituted trichlorosilanes via thermal reductive coupling with sodium in toluene. Phenyltrichlorosilane has been copolymerized with methylphenyl dichlorosilane, with n-hexyltrichlorosilane, with tetrachlorosilane and with tetrakis(chlorodimethylsilyl)silane. n-Hexyltrichlorosilane has been copolymerized with methylphenyldichlorosilane, with phenyltrichlorosilane and with silicon tetrachloride. Soluble polymers and copolymers with molecular weight in the range ≈ 2,000 to ≈ 106 have been obtained. The absorption and emission spectra of the resulting polymers are strongly affected by the presence of trisilyl- and tetrasilylsubstituted silicon atoms. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Boundary-scan: Built to last? panel position

IEEE 1149.1 standard has been used extensively by the board test community to date. However, the nature of the circuits that are being tested is changing rapidly and significantly. In light of these changes and others the boundary scan technology will not likely survive long term. Higher levels of integration in silicon devices, increases in board density, and platform performance constraints will also play a role. Finally, the ever increasing customer quality expectations (at lower costs, by the way) will likely add nails to the coffin as well. That all being said some limited usage is expected to continue on lower density PCB's and non-performance critical 10 interfaces for some time yet.
Harvest management and the growth and condition of submarket-size sea mussels, Mytilus californianus

Abstract Wild populations of the sea mussel, Mytilus californianus, are being harvested commercially from open permit areas on the Oregon coast. This study tests the hypothesis that a controlled harvest increases the growth rate and condition index of the remaining submarket-size mussels (less than 4 cm in length) by reducing competition. Six harvest plots (50 cm×50 cm) were created in dense mussel beds at various seasons by removing the surface layers of mussels and leaving at least one layer on the rock substrate. Submarket-size mussels, 2–4 cm in length, were individually marked and measured. Half of the marked mussels were wedged in between the remaining mussels of the harvest plot, while the other half were placed into adjacent undisturbed plots. Plots were harvested after 3–8 months and the growth and condition of the marked mussels determined. Mussels grew significantly more in the harvested plots (0.6–1.7 mm per month) than in undisturbed plots (0.4–1.4 mm per month). Condition index (weight of dry meat, g×100/shell volume, ml) was also significantly greater in harvested (10–15) than in control plots (9–12). The implications of these findings for the management of M. californianus beds are discussed.
The preparation of platelet concentrates by the light-spin/hard-spin technique.

Abstract For at least two decades the light-spin/hard-spin (LS/HS) method for preparation of platelet concentrates (PC) has been the standard of platelet support. With concern over the detrimental effects of platelet activation during component preparation and with increased recognition of the adverse consequences resulting from residual donor leukocytes in PC, new approaches to the production of PC have begun. This review addresses two aspects of the traditional LS/HS method of platelet preparation: platelet activation and residual leukocyte content. Studies of platelet activation are reviewed which focus on the second (hard-spin) centrifugation step during which pelleting of platelets occurs. Platelets studied immediately after the hardspin exhibit evidence of α-granule release, expression of activation antigens, and decreased aggregation. There is a suggestion that some degree of reversal of platelet activation routinely occurs during the rest period following the hard-spin. The residual leukocyte content of PC prepared by the LS/HS method ranges from 10 7 to 10 9 leukocytes/unit. The residual donor leukocytes are predominantly lymphocytes and monocytes. Degeneration of residual donor leukocytes may release soluble cytokines resulting in febrile transfusion reactions. It remains controversial whether or not the cell-membrane fragments and microvesicles of degenerating donor leukocytes are capable of HLA allosensitization or viral transmission. Release of leukocyte elastase from degenerating leukocytes during platelet storage has been proposed as contributing to the platelet storge lesion. More research is needed to address the question of whether or not pre-storage leukocyte reduction during component preparation will result in improved PC. It appears likely that within the next few years radical changes will occur in the method of preparation of PC with the aim of providing the greatest degree of hemostatic effectiveness with the least toxicity to patients.
A software for capital investment analysis in manufacturing

Abstract The strategic benefits of advanced manufacturing technology are hard to quantify, making it uncertain how to include them in the capital inventment justification process. This had led to the adoption of multicriteria techniques in which direct cost savings is but one of several criteria used to evaluate investment alternatives. NCIC (Non-traditional Capital Investment Criteria) is a software tool developed by the authors that facilitates the incorporation of difficult-to-quantify benefits and costs into capital budgeting. It combines a framework for clarifying non-traditional criteria with a procedure for subjectively assessing criteria merit in dollar terms. Their values can then be incoporated in a conventional present worth analysis.
Resistant fits for regression with correlated outcomes an estimating equations approach

The generalized estimating equations procedure of Liang and Zeger (1986) can be highly influenced by the presence of unusual data points. A generalization is introduced which yields parameter estimates and fitted values resistant to influential data. A diagonal weight matrix for each cluster is incorporated into the estimating equations which downweights the multivariate response vector element-wise. Efficiency of the procedure is investigated, including the case of correlated binary outcomes.
A Route-Oriented Sleep Approach in Wireless Sensor Network

In resource-limited wireless sensor network, significant energy savings and longer life time of sensors can be achieved by having an effective energy management forcing sensors to sleep as long as they can. In this paper, we propose a Route-Oriented Sleep (ROS) approach which allows sensors to sleep based on routing information and the level of network's activities. The scheme lets sensors switch their roles in the network according to the critical probability of the percolate theory without losing their sensing and communication connection coverage. This technique takes advantages of routing decisions and implements an effective sleep scheme at the network level, which allows some of sensors along the route path to sleep and wake up when they are a part of specific route. This produces balanced and low energy consumption for each node. ROS does not only achieve significant energy savings, but also reduces the communication interferences in the data transmissions, thus reduces the latency of data transmissions. The simulation results show that the proposed ROS approach significantly saves the sensor energy consumption more than 50%.
A viable pregnancy in a patient with myositis ossificans progressiva

Myositis ossificans progressiva is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by a progressive ectopic ossification of the connective tissue of the voluntary muscles and ligaments with associated debilitation and characteristic skeletal malformations. There have been less than 600 cases in the literature. This is the first reported case of a viable pregnancy in a patient with myositis ossificans progressiva.
The identification of inbound call center agents’ competencies that are related to callers’ repurchase intentions

Abstract Increasingly, inbound call centers are being employed to manage customer complaints and maintain customer loyalty. The purpose of this research is to identify the customer relationship management and oral communication competencies of inbound call center agents that have a significant influence on callers’ repurchase intentions. Previous research has typically obtained customers’ retrospective evaluations of their experience with customer service employees. Unfortunately, a caller's memory for specific agent behaviors is likely to fade with delay. As a result, retrospective ratings of behaviors are likely to be inferred from the caller's overall perceptions of the service experience. Therefore, an expert supervisor's on-line observational measures of agent competencies were used for the present study. Callers’ repurchase intentions were determined by a mail survey. Results showed that several specific agent competencies were related to callers’ repurchase intentions. For example, results showed that personalization of the call, the offer of additional services, an optimal rate of speech, and the absence of vocalized pauses were all significantly related to higher caller repurchase intentions. These results add to the literature on the effects of employee behaviors on customer loyalty and show that the behavior of inbound call center agents can have a significant influence on customers’ relationships with the firm.
A theory for synchronization of dynamical systems

Abstract In this paper, a theory for synchronization of multiple dynamical systems under specific constraints is developed from a theory of discontinuous dynamical systems. The concepts on synchronization of two or more dynamical systems to specific constraints are presented. The synchronization, desynchronization and penetration of multiple dynamical systems to multiple specified constraints are discussed, and the necessary and sufficient conditions for such synchronicity are developed. The synchronicity of two dynamical systems to a single specific constraint and to multiple specific constraints is investigated. Finally, the synchronization and the corresponding complexity for multiple slave systems with multiple master systems are discussed briefly. The meaning of synchronization for dynamical systems with constraints is extended as a generalized, universal concept. The theory presented in this paper may be as a universal theory for dynamical systems. The paper provides a theoretic frame work in order to control slave systems which can be synchronized with master systems through specific constraints in a general sense.
Vehicle alteration of paraquat lethality in mice

Abstract The lethal toxicity to mice of paraquat dissolved in saline was lower than when it was dissolved in distilled water. This was true whether paraquat was administered ip or sc. This apparent protective effect of saline was not observed when paraquat was given iv, or when saline was given by a different route concomitant with paraquat dissolved in water. The absorption of ip paraquat was apparently more rapid when water was the vehicle and significantly higher paraquat concentrations were observed in plasma, lung, and kidney 24 hr after injection. In untreated mice and those pretreated ip with paraquat in saline 24 hr earlier the decay of iv-administered paraquat from blood was slower when dissolved in water compared with saline. However, the disappearance of iv paraquat dissolved in saline or water was the same in mice that had been pretreated 24 hr earlier with ip paraquat dissolved in water. It is concluded that paraquat is more toxic dissolved in water because of a combination of increased absorption from the peritoneal cavity and decreased excretion at the later times after administration, thereby allowing higher concentrations of the herbicide to be accumulated in the lung.
Chemical environment in halogenated styrene polymers studied by using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy

Abstract Polystyrene samples, incorporated with halogen elements (F, Cl, Br, I) on the para -position of the benzene ring, were studied using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy. It was found that the free-volume hole size is significantly affected by the internal Coulombic interaction of the halogen group, and is mainly related to the electronegativity of halogen–carbon bonds. In addition, it is found that the free-volume is secondarily modified by the steric effect of the side groups. The intensity of o -Ps has a linear relationship with the strength of the C–X bond and is strongly affected by the chemical environment in a halogenated styrene polymer system.
Electromagnetic scattering from a two-dimensional, randomly rough, perfectly conducting surface: iterative methods

Iterative methods offer a practical means for the calculation of wave scattering from two-dimensional surfaces. We present what is to our knowledge the first calculation of the scattering of an electromagnetic beam from a two-dimensional, randomly rough, perfectly conducting surface, using an iterative approach. We also examine a bootstrapping scheme of iteration that can further reduce computing time.
The Neoclassical and Post-Keynesian Research Programs: The Methodological Issues

(1981). The Neoclassical and Post-Keynesian Research Programs: The Methodological Issues. Review of Social Economy: Vol. 39, No. 2, pp. 111-132.
Complications of Intravesical Oxybutynin Chloride Therapy in the Pediatric Myelomeningocele Population

ABSTRACTPurpose: We report our experience with the intravesical administration of oxybutynin chloride with particular focus on the incidence and characterization of untoward effects and inconvenience of therapy.Materials and Methods: From 1990 to 1995, 23 children 5 to 11 years old with myelodysplasia were treated with intravesical oxybutynin chloride. Initial dose was 1.25 mg. in 5 cc sterile water instilled during routine catherization 3 times daily, which was increased as tolerated and clinically indicated. Oral anticholinergic, antispasmodic and sympathomimetic medications were discontinued during therapy. We reviewed therapeutic indications, duration, reason for discontinuation and untoward effects. Patients/parents were surveyed for convenience of treatment as well as side effects and their timing with respect to drug administration and dose.Results: In 15 patients (65%) treatment was discontinued and oral formulations were resumed or other therapy was required due to side effects, ineffectiveness o...
Autonomic dependence of ventriculoatrial conduction

To evaluate the effects of isoproterenol and atropine on patients with poor ventriculoatrial (VA) conduction, 17 patients were studied who did not have 1-to-1 VA conduction during ventricular pacing at a rate slightly faster than sinus rate (group I) and 11 patients were studied who had 1-to-1 VA conduction, but only at constant ventricular pacing cycle lengths longer than 600 ms (group II). Isoproterenol infusion at a rate causing a 20 to 30% increase in sinus rate or up to 4 micrograms/min shortened the ventricular pacing cycle lengths that induced VA block in all group II patients. Atropine administration at a dose causing a 20 to 30% increase in sinus rate or up to a total dose of 2 mg also shortened the ventricular pacing cycle lengths that induced VA block in all group II patients. At similar pacing cycle lengths, isoproterenol and atropine induced shorter VA intervals than control. Nine of 17 group I patients had demonstrable 1-to-1 VA conduction either during isoproterenol infusion or after atropine administration. Of these 9 patients, 1-to-1 VA conduction could be found only during isoproterenol infusion in 3 patients and only after atropine administration in 4 patients. The improvement of VA conduction by these drugs was related to their effects on the atrioventricular node. The change in VA conduction mediated by autonomic changes induced by these drugs may explain why some patients without demonstrable VA conduction during rest may have, under certain circumstances, "endless-loop" tachycardia or paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia using atrioventricular nodal conduction as the retrograde limb.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Functional magnetic resonance imaging reveals neuroanatomical dissociations during semantic integration in schizophrenia.

Background Schizophrenia symptoms can be conceptualized in terms of a breakdown of a balance between 1) activating, retrieving, and matching stored representations to incoming information (semantic memory-based processing) and 2) fully integrating activated semantic representations with one another and with other types of representations to form a gestalt representation of meaning (semantic integration). Semantic memory-based processes are relatively more dependent on inferior frontal and temporal cortices, whereas particularly demanding integrative processes additionally recruit the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and sometimes parietal cortices. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to determine whether the modulation of temporal/inferior frontal cortices and the DLPFC can be neuroanatomically dissociated in schizophrenia, as semantic integration demands increase. Integration demands were manipulated by varying the nature (concrete vs. abstract) and the congruity (incongruous vs. congruous) of words within sentences. Methods Sixteen right-handed schizophrenia patients and 16 healthy volunteers, matched on age and parental socioeconomic status, underwent event-related fMRI scanning while they read sentences. Blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) effects were contrasted to words within sentences that were 1) concrete versus abstract and 2) semantically incongruous versus congruous with their preceding contexts. Results In both contrasts, large networks mediating the activation and retrieval of verbal and imagistic representations were normally modulated in patients. However, unlike control subjects, patients failed to recruit the DLPFC, medial frontal and parietal cortices to incongruous (relative to congruous) sentences, and failed to recruit the DLPFC to concrete (relative to abstract) sentences. Conclusions As meaning is built from language, schizophrenia patients demonstrate a neuroanatomical dissociation in the modulation of temporal/inferior frontal cortices and the DLPFC.
Sensitivity of the cosmic microwave background anisotropy to initial conditions in quintessence cosmology

We analyze the evolution of energy density fluctuations in cosmological scenarios with a mixture of cold dark matter and quintessence, in which the quintessence field is modeled by a constant equation of state. We obtain analytic expressions for the time evolution of the quintessence perturbations in models with light fields. The fluctuations behave analogously to a driven harmonic oscillator, where the driving term arises from the inhomogeneities in the surrounding cosmological fluid. We demonstrate that the homogeneous solution, determined by the initial conditions, is completely sub-dominant to the inhomogeneous solution for physically realistic scenarios. Thus we show that the cosmic microwave background anisotropy predicted for such models is highly insensitive to the initial conditions in the quintessence field.
Micro-gasometric determination of water in hydrated salts

The method ofElitsur for gasometric determination of water in hydrated salts by the liberation of hydrogen resulting from the interaction between calcium hydride and hydrated salt in pyridine medium has been made applicable to micro scale by the use of suitable apparatus and procedure.
Nuclear aberrations and loss of synaptonemal complexes in response to diethylstilbestrol (DES) in Caenorhabditis elegans hermaphrodites.

Abstract In Caenorhabditis elegans , loss of viability and fertility is observed after treatment with DES. The decrease in life span is associated with senescent morphology of meiotic prophase nuclei, such that nuclei from young and old specimens cannot be differentiated. Aging in oocytes at the pachytene stage of meiotic prophase is manifested by nucleo-cytoplasmic aberrations, increased density of the nucleoplasm and cytoplasm and decrease in numbers of mitochondria. Increasing concentrations of DES are characterized by concomitant decrease in fertility and increased production of abnormal gametes. At DES concentrations higher than 1.25 μg/ml, synaptonemal complexes (SC) are absent from the nuclei, thus, effective pairing and segregation of homologous chromosomes is not possible. The absence of SCs may be the result of: (1) a premeiotic colchicine-like effect that influences pairing of chromosomes; (2) changes in the structure of the DNA due to DES binding that results in changes in expression of the DNA; and (3) changs in temporal DNA synthesis in response to DES. Since the SC is essential for regulating pairing and subsequent separation of bivalents, the lack of an SC explains the loss of fertility, due to the production of unbalanced gametes, observed in DES-treated specimens.
Tree-branch-searching multiresolution approach to skeletonization for virtual endoscopy

One of the most important tasks for virtual endoscopy is path planning for viewing the lumen of hollow organs. For geometry complex objects, for example the lungs, it remains an unsolved problem. While alternative visualization modes have been proposed, for example, cutting and flattening the hollow wall, a skeleton of the lumen is still necessary as a reference for the cutting. A general-purpose skeletonization algorithm often generates redundant skeletons because of the local shape variation. In this study, a multistage skeletonization method for tree-like volumes, such as airway system, blood vessels, and colon, was presented. By appropriately defining the distance between voxels, the distance to the root from each voxel in the volume can be effectively determined with means of region growing techniques. The end points of all branches and the shortest path from each end point to the root can be extracted based on this distance map. A post-processing algorithm is applied to the shortest paths to remove redundant ones and to centralize the remained ones. The skeleton generated is one-voxel wide, along which every branch of the 'tree' can be viewed. For effectively processing volume of large size, a modified multiresolution analysis was also developed to scale down the binary segmented volume. Tests on airway, vessel, and colon dataset were promising.