cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A clocked, fast electronics trigger for high energy physics

Abstract For a Fermilab experiment we have designed and built gated-pulse-stretcher modules which allow us to clock all of the fast electronics with the accelerator rf, thus simplifying the trigger design.
Versatility of Electrically Propelled Spacecraft for Planetary Missions

Advanced reconnaissance electric planetary spacecraft /AREPS/ concept for repeated coverage of Mars or Venus surface, using solar- photovoltaic system
Neurocardiogenic syncope in children with a normal heart.

Abstract Objectives . The purpose of this study was to review the results of investigation and management of children with syncope and a structurally normal heart. Background . Syncope is a common clinical problem and has many etiologies. Autonomic testing and, in particular, the tilt/ orthostatic test have helped to positively diagnose neurocardiogenic syncope in a high proportion of such patients. Methods . Patient case notes and autonomic test charts were reviewed in 162 children aged 1 to 20 years (mean age 12.8 years) with syncope. The autonomic test consisted of orthostatic maneuver, carotid sinus massage, diving reflex, Valsalva maneuver and dose response to intravenous boluses of isoproterenol and phenylephrine. Serum levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine were drawn during the orthostatic test. After confirmation of neurocardiogenic syncope, treatment was begun with fludrocortisone and salt, and beta-adrenergic blocking agents were used as a second line of therapy when indicated. Results . The orthostatic test was positive for neurocardiogenic syncope in 100 patients (62%) and negative in 62 (38%). Patients in the former group were older, were more often female and had a diminished response to carotid sinus massage, a higher Valsalva ratio and a higher supine epinephrine level. Both groups showed an increase in epinephrine and norepinephrine levels at 5 min of standing. In the orthostatic positive group at the time of syncope, norepinephrine levels decreased, whereas epinephrine levels increased. Patients in this group were also more sensitive to the vasodilating effect of isoproterenol but not to its chronotropic effects. Eleven patients had cardioinhibitory syncope (asystole ≥3 s). Of these, three had pacemaker implantation. Fludrocortisone and salt used in 84 patients in the orthostatic positive group produced resolution of symptoms in 55 patients (65%) and improvement in 14 (17%). Ten patients received beta-blockers, with resolution in four and improvement in four. Conclusions . Patients with orthostatic test-proved neurocardiogenic syncope show evidence of autonomic dysfunction. They also show beta-adrenergic hypersensitivity. Treatment initiated on the basis of the protocol was associated with amelioration of symptoms in the majority of patients.
Joint shape segmentation with linear programming

We present an approach to segmenting shapes in a heterogenous shape database. Our approach segments the shapes jointly, utilizing features from multiple shapes to improve the segmentation of each. The approach is entirely unsupervised and is based on an integer quadratic programming formulation of the joint segmentation problem. The program optimizes over possible segmentations of individual shapes as well as over possible correspondences between segments from multiple shapes. The integer quadratic program is solved via a linear programming relaxation, using a block coordinate descent procedure that makes the optimization feasible for large databases. We evaluate the presented approach on the Princeton segmentation benchmark and show that joint shape segmentation significantly outperforms single-shape segmentation techniques.
Influence of technetium on the microstructure of a stainless steel-zirconium alloy

Stainless steel–zirconium alloys are being developed for the disposal of metallic waste generated during the electrometallurgical treatment of spent Experimental Breeder Reactor (EBR-II) fuel. The metallic waste contains the fission product technetium, which must be incorporated into a stable waste form matrix to prevent its release into the environment. The baseline waste form for metallic waste from EBR-II fuels is a stainless steel–15 wt% zirconium (SS–15Zr) alloy. The microstructure of SS–15Zr alloys containing 2 wt% technetium was characterized using a combination of microscopy, spectroscopy, diffraction, and chemical analysis techniques. Peaks corresponding to the iron solid solutions ferrite and austenite, ZrFe2-type Laves polytypes C36 and C15, and an Fe23Zr6-type intermetallic were identified in diffraction patterns of the alloy. Discrete technetium-rich phases were not observed either in diffraction patterns or in the microstructure; the element partitioned into various phases of the SS–15Zr alloy. Technetium favors ferrite and austenite over the Zr-based intermetallics. The lattice parameters of the Zr-based intermetallics are smaller than those in an alloy without technetium, which appears to substitute at the zirconium sites of the intermetallic lattice.
Precipitation of copper salicylaldoximate from homogeneous solution

Abstract Salicylaldoxime can be synthesised m aqueous medium by the reaction of salicylaldehyde and hydroxylamine hydrochloride in order to precipitate copper in a readily filterable form. Copper can be easily separated from nickel II and iron III .
Effectiveness-NTU Relations for Heat Exchangers With Streams Having Significant Kinetic Energy Variation

Effectiveness-NTU equations are derived for counter and parallel-flow heat exchangers with fluids having high velocities. In this case, the change in the kinetic energy occurring within the heat exchanger will significantly affect the temperature profiles. The effectiveness is found to depend on the usual non-dimensional variable that compare the heat exchanger conductance to the hot- and cold-side capacity rates and on four additional nondimensional quantities that reflect the magnitude and distribution of the kinetic energy on the hot and cold-sides of the heat exchanger The governing differential equations are derived, nondimensionalized, and solved analytically for the case of an exponentially distributed kinetic energy. Graphical solutions are presented and interpreted for several cases. The solutions are applied to a particular case involving high velocities within a counter-flow heat exchanger used to produce cryogenic temperatures.
SU‐FF‐J‐56: Integrating Real‐Time Tracking Into Image Guided Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer Treatment

Purpose: To investigate how a real‐time tracking technique, based on implanted transponders, could be effectively integrated into the current process for image‐guided radiation treatment of prostate cancer.Method and Materials: Current prostate IGRT process includes MR‐imaging for prostate delineation, CT simulation for treatment planning, and daily on‐board kV‐ and CBCT‐imaging for target alignment. The real‐time tracking technique uses implanted radiofrequency transponders and an external detector array (Calypso4D) to monitor prostate motion. This study assess (1) magnetic field induced displacement of transponders during MR imaging, (2) image artifacts introduced by transponders in CT and MR images, (3) image artifacts caused by the transponder detector antenna array in in‐room kV and CBCTimages. A tissue‐equivalent phantom mimicking prostate tissue stiffness was constructed and implanted with 3 operational transponders prior to phantom solidification. CT scans were performed before and immediately after 1.5T and 3.0T MR imaging of the phantom, which used prostate‐typical pulse sequences. Transponder positions were independently localized by the Calypso system and by CT/CT image registration and evaluated for MR induced displacement. Image artifacts by modality were assessed in phantom and patient cases. Results: MR‐induced position displacements are minimal (<1.0mm) for both 1.5T and 3T scanners. The temperature variation due to MRI RF heating is <0.1°C. MR image artifacts are most significant with the gradient echo sequence, and have radii ∼1.5cm and length∼4.0cm. The detector array caused significant deterioration in the CBCTimage quality. The visibility of transponders and bony anatomy was not affected on the kV images. Major changes of the IGRT protocol: (a) MR and CTimaging back‐to‐back for treatment planning is changed to MR prior‐ and CT post‐implant; (b) Daily CBCT prior‐ is changed to post‐treatment and with detector array removed. Conclusion: There are tradeoffs in the clinical IGRT flow to accommodate and minimize the substantial imaging artifacts.
Distributive justice and pay satisfaction: A field test of an equity theory prediction

Equity theory predicts that one's inputs and outcomes are evaluated in relation to the inputs and outcomes of others. Inequity can result from getting fewer outcomes or more outcomes than relevant others. For example, workers may feel dissatisfied with their wages if they are either overpaid or underpaid relative to their coworkers. Although the “underpaid” hypothesis has received a good deal of research support, the “overpaid” hypothesis has not. In fact, research on the latter prediction has been confined almost exclusively to laboratory experiments. This paper presents the results of three field tests of the overpaid/underpaid predictions of equity theory. Three national probability samples, involving many different kinds of workers and companies, show a curvilinear relationship between perceptions of equity and pay level satisfaction. The data show that both being underpaid and overpaid relative to comparison standards results in greater pay dissatisfaction than those who are compensated equitably. As predicted by Adams (1965), however, the threshold for overpayment inequity is higher than that for underpayment. Results are consistent across different measures within and across studies. Implications of the results are discussed.
Retransformation of ts SV40 transformants by murine sarcoma virus at non-permissive temperature.

Temperature sensitive (ts) SV40 transformed mouse fibroblasts (tsSV3T3) express their transformed phenotype in vitro when growing at 32° C but not when growing at 39° C1. Viral mRNA is, however, apparently transcribed at 39° C, for SV40 specific T-antigen can be demonstrated and viral mRNA can be found by nucleic acid hybridization: Fusion-rescue experiments show that the transforming virus is wild type but tsSV3T3 cells cannot be re-transformed at 39° C with high multiplicity SV40. This suggests that the temperature sensitive behaviour stems from a cellular rather than a viral mutation. The question then arises of the stringency with which these ts transformants control the expression of viral transformation functions at 39° C.
Civil Society Before Democracy: Lessons from Nineteenth-Century Europe. Edited by Nancy Bermeo and Philip Nord. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield, 2000. 320p. $79.00 cloth, $26.95 paper.

The Polish philosopher and diplomat Piotr Ogrodzinski has described “civil society” as a weasel word. It is hard to disagree, given that neo-Tocquevillians, Weberians, critical theorists, Christian fundamentalists, and World Bank analysts all unabashedly sing its praises while having completely different referents in mind for the term. Because it concerns itself with the historical development of civil society, rather than with some abstract idealized notion of it, this collection of essays by historians and social scientists is a sorely needed addition to the literature.
Can structural and functional characteristics be used to identify riparian zone width in southern Appalachian headwater catchments

We characterized structural and functional attributes along hillslope gradients in headwater catchments. We endeavored to identify parameters that described significant transitions along the hillsl...
Switching parasite proteins on and off.

Parasite infections such as malaria threaten the lives of millions of people around the globe. New genetic tools have been developed to evaluate parasite proteins as targets for urgently needed drug and vaccine development.
Late migration and seawater entry is physiologically disadvantageous for American shad juveniles

Juvenile American shad Alosa sapidissima were subjected to isothermal transfers into sea water (salinity 24) 'early' (1 September; 24° C) and 'late' (10 November; 10° C) in the autumn migratory season. Early acclimation resulted in a modest osmotic perturbation that recovered rapidly. Haematocrit declined by 14% at 24 h, recovering within 48 h. Plasma osmolality increased by 6% at 4 h, recovering within 8 h. Early acclimation caused a two-fold increase in gill Na + , K + -ATPase activity by 24h and a four-fold increase by 4 days. The number of chloride cells on the primary gill filament increased two-fold by 4 days. Chloride cells on the secondary lamellae rapidly decreased from 22 cells mm -1 to <2 cells mm -1 within 4 days. Late acclimation resulted in a severe and protracted osmotic perturbation. Haematocrit levels declined by 23% at 4 days, recovering by 14 days. Plasma osmolality increased by 36% by 48 h, recovering by 4 days. Initial gill Na + , K + -ATPase activity was two-fold greater than in 'early' fish and did not change during acclimation. Initial numbers of chloride cells on the primary filament were two-fold greater than 'early' fish and did not increase during acclimation. Initial number of chloride cells on the secondary lamellae was five-fold greater than 'early' fish (116 v. 22 cells mm -1 ) and declined to negligible numbers over 14 days. Differences between initial measures for 'early' and 'late' fish reflect previously described physiological changes associated with migration. These data indicate that late migrants face a greater physiological challenge during seawater acclimation than early migrants. Physiological performance apparently limits the observed duration of autumnal migration.
The natural history of conduct disorder symptoms in female inmates : On the predictive utility of the syndrome in severely antisocial women

This study examined the utility of the conduct disorder (CD) diagnosis in predicting antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) among incarcerated women. It was surprising that most female inmates did not meet standard criteria for ASPD. This was due to a low occurrence of CD symptoms reported before age 15. Cluster analysis of CD symptoms revealed 4 types that characterized women with criminal histories. One type, which was characterized by a history of CD with interpersonal and physical aggression, was more predictive of ASPD than the traditional CD diagnosis. Yet another type, characterized by destruction of property, also represented an improvement over the traditional CD diagnosis. Overall, the results suggest that the types of CD behaviors, rather than their number, may be a more important indicator for identifying women at risk for future antisocial personality pathology.
Prenatal Diagnosis: General Introduction, Methodology, and Review

Prenatal diagnosis of hematologic disease has been performed in more than 10,000 fetuses since 1974, with the majority at risk for thalassemia. Fetal blood sampling was the initial method, but most centers are now changing to DNA technology, particularly using specimens obtained by chorionic villus sampling. Fetal blood globin chain composition and synthesis is examined using carboxymethyl cellulose columns, electrophoresis, and high performance liquid chromatography. Fetal globin DNA is tested for gene deletions, mutations that affect restriction enzyme cleavage sites, and restriction fragment length polymorphisms, and specific 01igo-nucleotides are used to identify some point mutations. The current trend is for early sampling (by chorionic villus sampling), gene amplification, and specific DNA analyses. The safety of all methods (blood or DNA) is above 96%, and the accuracy more than 99%. The acceptability of these approaches has been high.
Moving towards Integration of Services for Parents with Intellectual Disabilities.

Parents with intellectual disabilities, like all parents, require suitable services and support in order to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of themselves and of their children. Substantial clinical and empirical literature now exist documenting the degree to which these parents can be successful when supports and services are matched to their learning characteristics, living environments, and communities. However, despite the documentation of need and the evidence of success, suitable supports for these families continue to be limited, fragmented, and uncertain. Absent any effective personal political voice, governmental, professional, and private organizations largely have ignored the need to ensure an evenness of supports for these parents. Another major difficulty has been the absence of demonstrations for successful integration of services. Since the lack of interest by government and by others means the absence of funds to examine new integrative program models, parents have been faced with...
Chemokine receptor expression on human eosinophils from peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid after segmental antigen challenge.

Abstract Background The recruitment of circulating eosinophils to the lung is a characteristic feature of allergic airway inflammation. Chemokine receptors likely play a role in this complex process. However, reports of chemokine receptor expression on human eosinophils are conflicting. Objective The aim of this study was to determine whether the chemokine receptor profile of human eosinophils change when these cells are recruited to the airway after an antigen challenge and development of an allergic inflammatory response. Methods Blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells were obtained from 13 allergic subjects 48 hours after segmental bronchoprovocation with antigen. The CC chemokine receptor (CCR) 1 to 7, 9, and CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR) 1 to 4 were determined by flow cytometric analysis of whole blood and unseparated BAL cells. Results Compared with their circulating counterparts, airway eosinophils had decreased CCR3 and increased CCR4, CCR9, and CXCR3 expression on their cell surface. Furthermore, expression of CCR3, CCR4, and CXCR3 was significantly correlated with the percentage of eosinophils in BAL fluid at 48 hours. Eosinophils also expressed CXCR4, but this receptor did not change after antigen-induced recruitment to the airway. In contrast, the expression of CCR1, CCR2, CCR5, CCR6, CCR7, CXCR1, and CXCR2 remained undetectable on either blood or BAL eosinophils. Conclusions Our data suggest that recruitment of eosinophils to the airway is associated with a modulation of their chemokine receptor profiles. These changes in chemokine receptors could be involved in determining eosinophil function and antigen-induced airway inflammation.
Clinical management of infantile fibrosarcoma: a retrospective single-institution review.

Background Infantile fibrosarcoma (IFS) is an uncommon soft-tissue sarcoma. Here we review our experience treating this tumor.
Proximity and Student Density as Ecological Variables in a College Classroom

A study of the relationship between student grades and: (a) proximity (distance from the student to the instructor), (b) centrality (seating in the center of the room compared to seating toward the...
Field identifications of SU (m+n)/SU (m)×SU (n)×U(1) conformal models

Abstract The field identifications for the SU( m + n )/SU( m )×SU( n )×U(1) coset conformal field theory are shown in the character and modular transformation formalism. Their applications in classifying all the possible fields are given and the dualities of the theories with interchanged m , n and k under this classfication are discussed. The conditions for the occurrence of fixed points are presented.
The State of Public Strategic Management Research: A Selective Literature Review and Set of Future Directions

Strategic planning and related strategic management elements have become ubiquitous practices at all levels of U.S. government and many nonprofit organizations over the past 25 years. The authors r...
Effects of caffeine on intracellular sodium activity in cardiac Purkinje fibres: relation to force

1 An increase in cytoplasmic calcium by caffeine would lead to Ca extrusion via the Na/Ca exchange. The hypotheses were investigated that, as a consequence, caffeine might increase intracellular sodium activity (aiNa) and that the relation between aiNa and force might be conditioned by the Ca load. 2 Action potential, aiNa and contractile force were recorded in sheep Purkinje fibres during exposure to caffeine under conditions that decrease or increase the Ca load by different mechanisms. 3 In Tyrode solution, caffeine (8 mm) increased aiNa from 8.05 ± 0.20 to 10.52 ± 0.40 mm (+ 30.5%) and had a triphasic effect on force: an initial transient increase (+ 93.6%), a subsequent decrease (-37.1%) (negative inotropy) and slow partial recovery (+8.9%). 4 Decreasing the Ca load by means of manganese (1 mm) decreased aiNa and force. Adding caffeine re-increased aiNa and no longer caused a negative inotropic action. Cadmium (0.2 mm) also decreased aiNa, and caffeine reincreased it although far less than in Tyrode solution. 5 High [K]o (10 mm) and tetrodotoxin (5 μm) decreased aiNa as well as force. In their presence, caffeine re-increased aiNa and no longer had a negative inotropic action. 6 Increasing the Ca load by means of high [Ca]o (8.1 mm) increased force (+ 195%) and decreased aiNa, (-20.3%). Adding caffeine re-increased aiNa (+ 28.1%), but immediately decreased force (-32.3%). 7 Addition of pyruvate (10 mm) to caffeine increased force, as it does in the presence of Ca overload. 8 Noradrenaline (0.1–1 μm) decreased aiNa and increased contractile force. In its presence, caffeine decreased aiNa further and increased force. 9 It is concluded that caffeine increases aiNa, even during the negative inotropic effect. The decrease in force appears to depend on Ca load. Thus, caffeine no longer decreases force under conditions that decrease Ca load (Mn, high [K]o, TTX) and immediately decreases force when the Ca load is increased (high [Ca]o). However, in the presence of noradrenaline, caffeine decreases aiNa and markedly increases force, as the Ca load is increased, but Ca can be removed from the cytoplasm into the SR.
The effects of composition and γ′/γ lattice parameter mismatch on the critical resolved shear stresses for octahedral and cube slip in NiAlCrX alloys

Prototypical single-crystal NiAlCrX superalloys were studied to examine the effects of the common major alloying elements, Co, Mo, Nb, Ta, Ti, and W, on yielding behavior. The alloys contained about 10 at. pct Cr, 60 vol pct of the γ′ phase, and about 3 at. pct of X in the γ′. The critical resolved shear stresses (CRSSs) for octahedral and primary cube slip were measured at 760 °C, which is about the peak strength temperature. The CRSSOct and CRSScube are discussed in relation to those of Ni3 (Al, X) γ′ alloys taken from the literature and the γ′/γ lattice mismatch. The CRSSOct of the γ+γ′ alloys reflected a similar compositional dependence to that of both the CRSSOct of the γ′ phase and the γ′/γ lattice parameter mismatch. The CRSScube of the γ+γ′ alloys also reflected the compositional dependence of the γ′/γ mismatch, but bore no similarity to that of CRSScube for γ′ alloys since it is controlled by the γ matrix. The ratio of CRSScube/CRSSOct was decreased by all alloying elements except Co, which increased the ratio. The decrease in CRSScube/CRSSOct was related to the degree in which elements partition to the γ′ rather than the γ phase.
Brain electrical activity mapping: clinical applications.

The past 5 years have witnessed the growing use of topographic mapping and other quantified techniques in the clinical practice of neurophysiology
Labor Migration and HIV Risk: A Systematic Review of the Literature

To inform the development of multilevel strategies for addressing HIV risk among labor migrants, 97 articles from the health and social science literatures were systematically reviewed. The study locations were Africa (23 %), the Americas (26 %), Europe (7 %), South East Asia (21 %), and Western Pacific (24 %). Among the studies meeting inclusion criteria, HIV risk was associated with multilevel determinants at the levels of policy, sociocultural context, health and mental health, and sexual practices. The policy determinants most often associated with HIV risk were: prolonged and/or frequent absence, financial status, and difficult working and housing conditions. The sociocultural context determinants most often associated with HIV risk were: cultural norms, family separation, and low social support. The health and mental health factors most often associated with HIV risk were: substance use, other STIs, mental health problems, no HIV testing, and needle use. The sexual practices most often associated with increased HIV risk were: limited condom use, multiple partnering, clients of sex workers, low HIV knowledge, and low perceived HIV risk. Magnitude of effects through multivariate statistics were demonstrated more for health and mental health and sexual practices, than for policy or sociocultural context. The consistency of these findings across multiple diverse global labor migration sites underlines the need for multilevel intervention strategies. However, to better inform the development, implementation, and evaluation of multilevel interventions, additional research is needed that overcomes prior methodological limitations and focuses on building new contextually tailored interventions and policies.
Software Engineering for Computational Science and Engineering [Guest editors' introduction]

This special issue contains extensions of the best papers from the 2013 International Workshop on Software Engineering for Computational Science and Engineering. In addition to summaries of the included articles, this introduction also contains a summary of the workshop discussion.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma after radiation therapy for breast cancer. A report of two additional patients.

Background. Malignant pleural mesotheliomas (MPMs) are rare tumors that usually have a fatal outcome. The association of these tumors with asbestos exposure is well established. Induction of malignant mesothelioma by nonasbestos-related causes also has been reported in the literature, although the number of documented cases is extremely small. Two additional patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma many years after radiotherapy for breast cancer are reported. Methods. The observations as reported in the literature on the involvement of radiation in the development of MPMs are reviewed and compared with the authors' clinical experience. In a retrospective random review, 1000 patients who received thoracic irradiation at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center were studied for histologic and radiographic evidence of MPM. The selection criteria included the development of a unilateral pleural effusion years after successful treatment with thoracic irradiation for a proven malignancy. Patients with a history compatible with asbestos exposure were excluded from the review. Results. There have been only three previous cases of documented MPM associated with thoracic irradiation reported in the English literature. A review of the experience at our institution has demonstrated three patients with radiation-induced MPM. One patient has been reported elsewhere. Details of the other two patients are discussed in this paper. Conclusions. Nonasbestos-related causes of MPMs are rare. The additional two patients lend added support to the association between thoracic irradiation and the development of MPM. The development of a unilateral pleural effusion occurring years after successful treatment of a proven malignancy with thoracic irradiation should alert the clinician to the possibility of MPM. Cancer 1995; 76:437–41.
Two dimensional echocardiographic recognition of the descending thoracic aorta: Value in differentiating pericardial from pleural effusions

The course of the descending thoracic aorta has recently been visualized with two dimensional echocardiography and its presence confirmed with contrast studies. In the parasternal short axis view, we used the location of the descending thoracic aorta to differentiate pericardial from pleural effusions in 40 patients. Sixteen patients, each with an isolated pericardial effusion, had an echo-free space between the descending thoracic aorta and left ventricular posterior wall. Nine patients, each with an isolated pleural effusion, had an echo-free space posterior to the descending aorta. Fifteen patients, each with both a pericardial and pleural effusion, had echo-free spaces both between the descending thoracic aorta and left ventricular posterior wall and also posterior to the descending thoracic aorta. With one exception, all patients had anatomic confirmation of these findings. Forty-one patients undergoing cardiac surgery served as controls and none had a posterior echo-free space in relation to the descending thoracic aorta. At operation, no pericardial or pleural effusion was evident. The location of the descending thoracic aorta on two dimensional echocardiography serves as a valuable landmark in localizing the pericardial-pleural interface, thereby differentiating pericardial from pleural effusions.
Current status of maintenance therapy for advanced ovarian cancer

Even after countered with and responding to maximal surgical and chemotherapy efforts, advanced ovarian cancer usually ultimately recurs. One strategy employed to forestall recurrence is maintenance chemotherapy, an extension of treatment following a complete response to conventional measures. Many agents have been studied and many more are currently under investigation in maintenance regimens. While phase III data suggest that taxane maintenance prolongs progression-free survival, no overall survival benefit has been established. This article reviews the current status of maintenance therapy for advanced ovarian cancer, including phase III evidence and new and upcoming trials.
Magnetization and sound velocity measurements near the antiferromagnetic transition in the heavy fermion system UPt3

Abstract The heavy fermion superconductor UPt3 has a superconducting transition at 0.5 K and an antiferromagnetic transition at 5 K. We present measurements in the vicinity of the antiferromagnetic transition of both the sound velocity and magnetisation.
A User Interface for the Kansas Geological Survey Slug Test Model

The Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) developed a semianalytical solution for slug tests that incorporates the effects of partial penetration, anisotropy, and the presence of variable conductivity well skins. The solution can simulate either confined or unconfined conditions. The original model, written in FORTRAN, has a text-based interface with rigid input requirements and limited output options. We re-created the main routine for the KGS model as a Visual Basic macro that runs in most versions of Microsoft Excel and built a simple-to-use Excel spreadsheet interface that automatically displays the graphical results of the test. A comparison of the output from the original FORTRAN code to that of the new Excel spreadsheet version for three cases produced identical results.
A Short-Term Intervention to Enhance Cognitive and Affective Functioning in Older Adults:

Objective: This study was designed to investigate the benefits of a short-term intervention for older adults that targeted cognitive functioning and quality of life issues important for independent...
Quality adapted backlight scaling (QABS) for video streaming to mobile handheld devices

For a typical portable handheld device, the backlight accounts for a significant percentage of the total energy consumption (e.g., around 30% for a Compaq iPAQ 3650). Substantial energy savings can be achieved by dynamically adapting backlight intensity levels on such low-power portable devices. In this paper, we analyze the characteristics of video streaming services and propose an adaptive scheme called Quality Adapted Backlight Scaling (QABS), to achieve backlight energy savings for video playback applications on handheld devices. Specifically, we present a fast algorithm to optimize backlight dimming while keeping the degradation in image quality to a minimum so that the overall service quality is close to a specified threshold. Additionally, we propose two effective techniques to prevent frequent backlight switching, which negatively affects user perception of video. Our initial experimental results indicate that the energy used for backlight is significantly reduced, while the desired quality is satisfied. The proposed algorithms can be realized in real time.
The Crystal Structure of the Reduced, Zn2+-Bound Form of the B. subtilis Hsp33 Chaperone and Its Implications for the Activation Mechanism

The bacterial heat shock protein Hsp33 is a redox-regulated chaperone activated by oxidative stress. In response to oxidation, four cysteines within a Zn2+ binding C-terminal domain form two disulfide bonds with concomitant release of the metal. This leads to the formation of the biologically active Hsp33 dimer. The crystal structure of the N-terminal domain of the E. coli protein has been reported, but neither the structure of the Zn2+ binding motif nor the nature of its regulatory interaction with the rest of the protein are known. Here we report the crystal structure of the full-length B. subtilis Hsp33 in the reduced form. The structure of the N-terminal, dimerization domain is similar to that of the E. coli protein, although there is no domain swapping. The Zn2+ binding domain is clearly resolved showing the details of the tetrahedral coordination of Zn2+ by four thiolates. We propose a structure-based activation pathway for Hsp33.
On the Challenges and Opportunities of Pervasive and Ubiquitous Computing in Health Care

Summary form only given, as follows. A record of the panel discussion was not made available for publication as part of the conference proceedings. Pervasive healthcare systems have the potential to revolutionize next generation medical applications and significantly improve the quality of healthcare services. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the development of a number of sensing and monitoring healthcare devices for clinical applications ranging from managing chronic diseases and acute diabetes to epilepsy and other debilitating neurological disorders. These wearable devices enable continuous monitoring of physiological signs as opposed to occasional episodic reviews with doctors and healthcare staff. More recently a growing interest in smart, implantable in vivo monitoring and intervention devices is starting to emerge. While progress is being made in the technologies associated with micro-sensing and actuation, issues related to the development of an information and computation infrastructure for the acquisition, fusion and dissemination of multi-sensory date and the development of power-efficient, QoS-aware protocols and mechanisms, for dependable, robust and secure wireless monitoring systems are still to be investigated. This panel focuses on discussing the long-term, challenging research problems and technological barriers that need to be addressed in order to enable a ubiquitous computing and communications infrastructure for large-scale, pervasive healthcare. Panelists from leading technology companies and research institutions will present brief talks centering on different aspects of the pervasive healthcare infrastructure. The audience will then be encouraged to ask questions and present short opinions.
Depression of an infinite liquid surface by an incompressible gas jet

The problem of small angle depressions in a liquid surface due to an impinging two-dimensional potential jet is considered. Using conformal mapping methods and finite Hilbert transforms, the problem is formulated as a non-linear singular integral equation. The integral equation is approximated by a set of non-linear algebraic equations which are solved numerically by a method of repeated linear corrections. In addition, an asymptotic solution (for low jet velocity) is derived.From the numerical solutions of the integral equation, the liquid-surface profiles and the free streamlines of the jet are calculated for four cases. These results verify the appearance of lips on the liquid surface which have been observed experimentally by others.
Low-interference sensing electronics for high-resolution error-correcting biomechanical ground reaction sensor cluster

This paper presents a low-interference and low - power sensing electronics design for a high-resolution error-correcting biomechanical ground reaction sensor cluster (GRSC) developed for improving inertial measurement unit (IMU) positioning resolution and accuracy. The GRSC is composed of 13 × 13 sensing nodes, which can measure dynamic ground forces, shear strains, and sole deformation associated with a ground locomotion gait. The integrated sensing electronics consist of a front-end multiplexer that can sequentially connect individual sensing nodes in a GRSC to a capacitance-to-voltage converter followed by an ADC, digital control unit, and driving circuitry to interrogate the GRSC. The sensing electronics are designed in a 0.15 µm CMOS process and occupy an area of approximately 3 mm2 with an expected resolution of 10-bits and 14-bits for the z-axis pressure sensing and the x and y-axes shear strain sensing, respectively, while dissipating a DC power less than 2 mW from a 3V supply.
Intergenerational Associations Between Trauma and Dissociation

The purpose of this study was to investigate intergenerational relationships between trauma and dissociation. Short and long term consequences of betrayal trauma (i.e., trauma perpetrated by someone with whom the victim is very close) on dissociation were examined in a sample of 67 mother–child dyads using group comparison and regression strategies. Experiences of high betrayal trauma were found to be related to higher levels of dissociation in both children and mothers. Furthermore, mothers who experienced high betrayal trauma in childhood and were subsequently interpersonally revictimized in adulthood were shown to have higher levels of dissociation than non-revictimized mothers. Maternal revictimization status was associated with child interpersonal trauma history. These results suggest that dissociation from a history of childhood betrayal trauma may involve a persistent unawareness of future threats to both self and children.
Loss of Gremlin Delays Primordial Follicle Assembly but Does Not Affect Female Fertility in Mice

The transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) protein family is renowned for its diverse roles in developmental biology including reproduction. Gremlin is a member of the differential screening-selected gene aberrative in neuroblastoma (DAN)/cerberus family of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonists. Recent studies on gremlin focus on its involvement in embryonic skeletal, lung, and kidney development. To define the role of gremlin (Grem1) in female reproduction, we analyzed postnatal folliculogenesis using global and conditional knockout (cKO) mice for gremlin. Grem1(-/-) mice die within 48 h after birth, and ovaries collected from neonatal Grem1(-/-) mice demonstrated reduced oocyte numbers and delayed primordial follicle development. Transplanting Grem1(-/-) neonatal ovaries showed that folliculogenesis proceeded to large antral follicle stage, but Grem1(-/-) ovaries contained corpora lutea-like structures not found in control-transplanted ovaries. However, Grem1 cKO mice had comparable fertility to control mice. These data suggest that gremlin plays a previously uncharacterized role in the regulation of oocyte numbers and the timing of primordial follicle development, but either it is not required for later folliculogenesis or its loss is possibly compensated by other BMP antagonists.
Invited Commentary: Measuring Social Disparities in Health—What Was the Question Again?

Monitoring social disparities in health is not a straightforward project. Defining what constitutes a disparity is challenging, and multiple measures have been proposed to track changes in disparity over time. In this issue, Harper et al. (Am J Epidemiol 2008;167:889-899) present seven health disparity measures and apply them to US lung cancer incidence rates (1992-2004). They find that different summary measures provide different answers to the question "Has disparity increased or decreased?" Their findings leave us uncertain how to use and interpret these measures to track changes in social disparities in health. In this invited commentary, the author proposes that increased attention to the scale at which disparities are measured, the interpretations attached to the various measures used, and the way in which these measures are assembled on the basis of conceptual models would benefit the field. Specifically, attention to these three areas would increase the capacity to communicate research findings to the public and policy-making consumers of disparity-related research.
Regulation of VEGF and VEGF receptor expression in the rodent mammary gland during pregnancy, lactation, and involution

Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) are endothelial cell-specific mitogens with potent angiogenic and vascular permeability-inducing properties. VEGF, VEGF-C, and VEGFRs -1, -2, and -3 were found to be expressed in post-pubertal (virgin) rodent mammary glands. VEGF was increased during pregnancy (5-fold) and lactation (15-19-fold). VEGF-C was moderately increased during pregnancy and lactation (2- and 3-fold respectively). VEGF levels were reduced by approximately 75% in cleared mouse mammary glands devoid of epithelial components, demonstrating that although the epithelial component is the major source of VEGF, approximately 25% is derived from stroma. This was confirmed by the findings (a) that VEGF transcripts were expressed predominantly in ductal and alveolar epithelial cells, and (b) that VEGF protein was localized to ductal epithelial cells as well as to the stromal compartment including vascular structures. VEGF was detected in human milk. Finally, transcripts for VEGFRs -2 and -3 were increased 2-3-fold during pregnancy, VEGFRs -1, -2 and -3 were increased 2-4-fold during lactation, and VEGFRs -2 and -3 were decreased by 20-50% during involution. These results point to a causal role for the VEGF ligand-receptor pairs in pregnancy-associated angiogenesis in the mammary gland, and suggest that they may also regulate vascular permeability during lactation.
Uniqueness of MSOE estimates in IIR adaptive filtering; a search for necessary conditions

In adaptive IIR (infinite impulse response) filtering, gradient search techniques minimize the mean-square output error (MSOE). The uniqueness of the minimum MSOE estimate for exactly matching adaptive filters is a necessary condition for global convergence of these algorithms. Although the existence of stable degenerated solutions is sufficient for the existence of local minima, it is shown by an example not to be a necessary condition, this uniqueness is also guaranteed if T. Soderstrom's (1985) condition, n/sub b/-n/sub e/+1>or=0, is met when the input is white. It is proved that n/sub b/-n/sub c/+2>or=0 is a weaker sufficient condition for exactly matching models. In fact, this serves as the weakest sufficient condition. >
Diaspora and drug trafficking in West Africa: A case study of Ghana

This article interrogates the emergence of drug trafficking in contemporary Ghana and West Africa within the context of a global political economy, situated within a deeper historical perspective. It examines the earlier trafficking of cannabis along the coast of West Africa in the colonial period, and the later transnational networks that have emerged to promote international drug trafficking (cocaine and heroin). The article probes how the African diaspora and international travel service these emerging drug networks in Ghana, West Africa, Europe and the Americas. It suggests that the concept of an 'ideological diaspora' could shed light on a shared global popular culture, which constitutes a counter culture and rationalizes criminal activities. IN A RECENT, IMPORTANT ARTICLE ON WEST AFRICAN CRIMINAL NETWORKS in southern Africa, Mark Shaw highlighted the need for academic research despite the difficulty in researching crime - to provide a fuller understanding of African criminal networks, 'not least to provide an independent and strategic overview of developments and the identification of trends'.' Much of the existing literature on the trafficking of illicit narcotic drugs (cannabis, heroin, and cocaine) has been from a policy perspective, funded
Guest Editors' Introduction: Tackling Key Problems in NoCs

This special issue highlights recent innovations in network on a chip (NoC) design. The four articles fall into two main thrusts: the first three focus on design methodology challenges in NoCs; the final article demonstrates a practical case study implementation of an NoC.
Short bowel syndrome in neonatal intensive care unit and enteral feeding

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is the most common cause of intestinal failure in infants, occurring after surgical resection, congenital defects, or disease of the bowel. In neonates and young infants, necrotizing enterocolitis, gastroschisis, intestinal atresia, and intestinal malrotation/ volvulus are the leading causes of SBS. In this chapter, the clinical features, dietary management, complications, and prognostic factors in SBS are reviewed. List of Abbreviations CLABSI Central line-associated blood stream infection CCK Cholecystokinin CLDILT Combined living donor intestine/ liver transplant DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid DPP4 Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 EGF Epidermal growth factor GLP-2 Glucagon-like-peptide-2 IGF 1 Insulin like growth factor 1 IFALD Intestinal failure-associated liver disease LGG Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG LDIT Living donor intestinal transplantation LCT Long-chain triglyceride LILT Longitudinal intestinal lengthening and tapering MCT Medium-chain triglyceride NICHD National Institute of Child Health and Development NEC Necrotizing enterocolitis PN Parenteral nutrition PYY Peptide YY PEG Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy rGH Recombinant growth hormone STEP Serial transverse enteroplasty SBS Short bowel syndrome SCFA Short-chain fatty acids SGLT-1 Sodium/glucose cotransporter 1 SIBO Spontaneous intestinal bacterial overgrowth UDCA Ursodeoxycholic acid Introduction Intestinal failure is defined as significant reduction in the functional gut mass below a critical threshold necessary to maintain hydration, electrolyte balance, and growth (Goulet and Ruemmele 2006). Intestinal failure in children occurs due to heterogeneous conditions such as surgical resection of bowel, congenital anomalies, mucosal intestinal disorders, and motility disorders. Short bowel syndrome (SBS), a leading cause of intestinal failure in children, results from extensive surgical resection of bowel, necessitating prolonged dependence on parenteral nutrition (PN). Various strategies to improve enteral nutrition are very important in successful weaning these patients from PN. Goals of such strategies include enhancing intestinal adaptation, improving intestinal transit times, achieving growth and development, and preventing IFALD and CLABSI. Most children with SBS can be successfully weaned from PN and achieve their nutritional goals and growth and development.
Reoperation Following Mitral Valve Repair

The management of mitral valve regurgitation (MR) has evolved significantly over the past 2 decades. During that time, there has been a change in the pathology and, consequently, the pathophysiology of patients referred for operative treatment. In current practice in the Western world, consequent to the decline in the frequency of postinflammatory valvopathy, most patients presenting for mitral valve (MV) surgery have degenerative valve disease. Two factors have been influential in broadening the indications for performing MV repair. First, patients are identified earlier and followed more regularly to prevent the deleterious consequences of chronic persistent MR on left ventricular (LV) size and function. Second, the outcome of surgical management has improved, and the long-term durability of primary and reoperative valve repair has been clearly established.