cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
H.E.S.S. observations of gamma-ray bursts in 2003-2007

Very-high-energy (VHE; >~100 GeV) gamma-rays are expected from gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) in some scenarios. Exploring this photon energy regime is necessary for understanding the energetics and properties of GRBs. GRBs have been one of the prime targets for the H.E.S.S. experiment, which makes use of four Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes (IACTs) to detect VHE gamma-rays. Dedicated observations of 32 GRB positions were made in the years 2003-2007 and a search for VHE gamma-ray counterparts of these GRBs was made. Depending on the visibility and observing conditions, the observations mostly start minutes to hours after the burst and typically last two hours. Results from observations of 22 GRB positions are presented and evidence of a VHE signal was found neither in observations of any individual GRBs, nor from stacking data from subsets of GRBs with higher expected VHE flux according to a model-independent ranking scheme. Upper limits for the VHE gamma-ray flux from the GRB positions were derived. For those GRBs with measured redshifts, differential upper limits at the energy threshold after correcting for absorption due to extra-galactic background light are also presented.
Systems considerations for Intermodal Maritime Security operations

Abstract The Maritime Security System can be defined by its interdisciplinary nature and many interrelated systems. A professional in the Maritime Security System must be adept at capturing and understanding the complexity of the total system so that quality decisions might be achieved when considering acquisition of new security systems, or improvement of older existing systems. Enhancements to the security system can include innovation and design of new products, processes, people, technologies, infrastructure, or policy. This chapter will outline concepts and principles in Systems Theory and Systems Thinking which will likely be helpful to the Maritime Security professional, and help that individual identify basic approaches to designing and implementing system improvements.
The Classic Gold Standard: 1870–1914

Debates on issues about the economy, growth, inequality, fiscal responsibility, and financial crises frequently reduce to debates about money. Moreover, debates about money often reduce to the soundness of money, meaning the ability of a unit of currency to retain its value. Eventually, discussions about soundness touch on the classic era of the gold standard. The aims of this note are to (1) describe the mechanism of the international monetary system known as the gold standard during the time that it had the greatest influence on the global economy; (2) place the gold standard in context with other systems that preceded and followed it; and (3) dispel some enduring misconceptions. Excerpt UVA-F-1921 Nov. 7, 2019 The Classic Gold Standard: 1870–1914 Debates on issues about the economy, growth, inequality, fiscal responsibility, and financial crises frequently reduce to debates about money. Moreover, debates about money often reduce to the soundness of money, meaning the ability of a unit of currency to retain its value. Eventually, discussions about soundness touch on the classic era of the gold standard. The aims of this note are to (1) describe the mechanism of the international monetary system known as the gold standard during the time that it had the greatest influence on the global economy; (2) place the gold standard in context with other systems that preceded and followed it; and (3) dispel some enduring misconceptions. The Gold Standard in History The classic gold standard era commenced in the 1870s and ended with the suspension of the gold standard at the outbreak of World War I in 1914. Before this era, the major trading nations of the world relied on silver and gold coins as the basic money stock, supplemented by banknotes that were claims on silver and gold. The monetary standard of silver and gold was called "bimetallism". Its chief advantage was that the two metals combined seemed to afford a sufficient supply of money with which to finance the growth of the developed economies. Its chief disadvantage was that it forced the major nations to declare a rate of exchange between the two metals (such as setting 16 ounces of silver equal in value to one ounce of gold), which created an arbitrage opportunity for speculators whenever the market prices of gold and silver diverged from the statutory exchange rate. . . .
Delayed anaphylaxis due to gadolinium- A rare clinical scenario

Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a sudden in onset, diffuse inflammatory form of lung injury which may be associated with a variety of etiologies such as pneumonia, sepsis, aspiration, and severe trauma. Prompt recognition and treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome is critical to reduce the associated high mortality. Severe lung injury presenting as acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to gadolinium contrast media (gadobutrol) is rarely reported. We describe an interesting case of a 47-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with acute respiratory failure after gadolinium administration. She was diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome, was admitted to the intensive care unit due to requiring mechanical ventilation. Her condition improved with epinephrine and steroids and she was successfully extubated and discharged from the hospital in one week.
Determination of variable region sequences from hybridoma immunoglobulins that target Mycobacterium tuberculosis virulence factors

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infects one-quarter of the world's population. Mtb and HIV coinfections enhance the comorbidity of tuberculosis (TB) and AIDS, accounting for one-third of all AIDS-associated mortalities. Humoral antibody to Mtb correlates with TB susceptibility, and engineering of Mtb antibodies may lead to new diagnostics and therapeutics. The characterization and validation of functional immunoglobulin (Ig) variable chain (IgV) sequences provide a necessary first step towards developing therapeutic antibodies against pathogens. The virulence-associated Mtb antigens SodA (Superoxide Dismutase), KatG (Catalase), PhoS1/PstS1 (regulatory factor), and GroES (heat shock protein) are potential therapeutic targets but lacked IgV sequence characterization. Putative IgV sequences were identified from the mRNA of hybridomas targeting these antigens and isotype-switched into a common immunoglobulin fragment crystallizable region (Fc region) backbone, subclass IgG2aκ. Antibodies were validated by demonstrating recombinant Ig assembly and secretion, followed by the determination of antigen-binding specificity using ELISA and immunoblot assay.
Energy Efficient Cryogenics on Earth and in Space

The Cryogenics Test Laboratory, NASA Kennedy Space Center, works to provide practical solutions to low-temperature problems while focusing on long-term technology targets for energy-efficient cryogenics on Earth and in space.
Finite-length synthesis filters for non-uniformly time-interleaved analog-to-digital converter

A fundamental problem with an actual implementation of a time-interleaved analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is the sample-time mismatches among the demultiplexing channels. This problem is expected to worsen with continued scaling of transistor sizes and the need for faster ADC's. Based on the filter bank framework, an approach for designing a finite-length synthesis filter that interpolates in the least-squares sense to obtain uniform samples is presented. Our results suggest that although digital interpolation can be very effective in improving the ADC resolution, achieving arbitrarily high resolution may require synthesis filters that are very complex.
Extending resilient objets efficiently

Resilient objects are instances of distributed abstract data types that are tolerant to failures. Due to the distributed nature of resilient objects and the replication of data, potential for a high degree of concurrency exists within them. This paper introduces a new concurrency control algorithm, which achieves higher concurrency than conventional methods like two-phase locking. Objects are specified in a high level language, and the algorithm uses the specification to take advantage of the structure of resilient objects and to exploit semantic information about operations. This information is given in a high level specification language.
Experimental analysis of multi-mode fast Fourier transforms on the PASM parallel processing system

A detailed study is presented of parallel fast Fourier transform programs executing on the prototype of the PASM parallel processing system. Detailed execution time measurements using specialized timing hardware were made for complete fast Fourier transforms (FFTs) and for SIMD, MIMD, and hybrid SIMD/MIMD implementations. The component measurements isolated the effects of floating-point operations, interconnection network transfer operations, and program control overhead. Using these detailed measurements, an expression for projecting the execution time for an M-point FFT executing on M/2 PASM processing elements is derived. This expression is then used to obtain an accurate extrapolation of the execution time and speedup of the MIMD, SIMD, and hybrid programs to a full 1024-processor PASM system. Overall, the experimental results demonstrate the value of the multimode capability of PASM and the stability of PASM for computationally intensive algorithms such as the FFT. >
Climate-water quality relationships in Texas reservoirs

Water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and concentrations of salts in surface water bodies can be affected by the natural environment and local human activities such as surface and ground water withdrawals, land use and energy extraction, and variability and long-term trends in atmospheric conditions including temperature and precipitation. Here, we quantify the relationship between 121 indicators of mean and extreme temperature and precipitation and 24 water quality parameters in 57 Texas reservoirs using observational data records covering the period 1960 to 2010. Over time scales ranging from 1 week to 2 years, we find that water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, specific conductance, chloride, sulfate, and phosphorus all show consistent correlations with atmospheric predictors, including high and low temperature extremes, dry days, heavy precipitation events, and mean temperature and precipitation. Based on these relationships combined with regional climate projections, we expect climate change to increase water temperatures, decrease dissolved oxygen levels, decrease pH, increase specific conductance, and increase levels of sulfate and chloride in Texas reservoirs. Over decadal time scales, this may affect aquatic ecosystems in the reservoirs, including altering the risk of conditions conducive to algae occurrence, as well as affecting the quality of water available for human consumption and recreation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Review of “Race, culture and identities in second language education: exploring critically engaged practice”

From the outset, editors Ryuko Kubota and Angel Lin eagerly present Race, Culture and Identities not only for informational purposes but as a direct challenge aiming to counter the ‘relative silenc...
A rare cause of claudication treated with IVC reconstruction: A case report.

Introduction Inferior vena cava (IVC) agenesis is one of rare entities of IVC anomalies which presents in young patients with unprovoked deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or unexplained bilateral lower venous insufficiency. We are presenting a case of IVC agenesis which was treated with IVC reconstruction.
The Competencies Used by Effective Managers to Build Teams: An Empirical Study

Despite the abundance of research on teams and their benefits to organizations, little attention has been paid to management’s role in building effective teams. This study investigated the relation...
Laparoscopic examination of the ovarian activity in alpacas

Abstract Ovarian follicular activity was determined in alpacas using the laparoscopy technique. Adult (> 3 years old) and young (11–18 months) females were observed during the breeding season (Feb.–Mar.) and the nonbreeding season (Aug.–Sep.) for a period of 36 days. Twenty adults and twenty young alpacas were divided into four groups of five each. Laparoscopic examination was done at 3, 5, 7 or 9-day intervals. Sexual receptivity was correlated to the number, position and size of antral follicles determined by laparoscopy. A three-way factorial design was used to detect differences between age, season and interval of observation. Chi-square analysis was used to observe differences in follicle growth between the left and right ovaries. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in follicular activity with respect to age, season or interval of observation. Follicular growth took an average of 4 days (range 3–5 days) to reach ovulatory size (8–12 mm), which lasted an average of 4 days (range 2–8 days), with follicles subsequently undergoing atresia during a period of 4 days. In 85% of the cases, follicular growth alternated between the two ovaries, whereas in 15% the ovaries did not alternate in follicular activity. Females with follicles ⩾ 6 mm adopted the copulatory position when tested by vasectomized males. Spontaneous ovulation was observed in 3.5% of the total number of large antral follicles recorded. Cystic follicles (>12mm) were detected in adult females only. Numerous follicles (⩽ 4 mm) in one or both ovaries were observed on 13 occasions for a period of 2 weeks which was followed by resumption of activity by one of the ovaries. Significant follicle activity was present in both the breeding and nonbreeding seasons, with females being sexually receptive during both time frames.
Effects of sodium pentobarbital on the components of electroretinogram in the isolated rat retina.

Photovoltages, the fast P3(t) component of electroretinogram (ERG), were registered between two microelectrodes across the rod outer segments. The P2(t) component, obtained by subtracting the ERGs measured before the application of 50 microM APB from those measured after the application of 50 microM APB, was used as an indicator of depolarizing bipolar cell activity. Measurements of the scotopic threshold response (STR) and the oscillatory potentials (OPs) were used as indicators of third order neuron activity. The slow P3*(t) component, obtained by subtracting the photovoltages from the transretinal recording in the APB-treated retina was used as an indicator of Muller cell activity. The components of the ERG obtained in normal superfusate medium were compared with those obtained in the presence of 100 microM sodium pentobarbital. We found that sodium pentobarbital slowed the kinetics of the P2(t) component and increased its latency. The fast P3(t) component was not affected by pentobarbital. The slow P3*(t) component was slightly reduced in the presence of pentobarbital. The minor components of the ERG, the STR and the OPs, were strongly suppressed by pentobarbital. These results suggest that in rat retina pentobarbital does not affect photoreceptors, but it does affect bipolar cells and Muller cells, and it suppresses activity of third order neurons.
Robustness of preallocated preferential defense with assumed attack size and perfect attacking and defending weapons

Abstract : The problem is to protect a set of t targets by n perfect interceptors against an attack by m perfect weapons. If the defender solves for an optimal preallocated preferential defense and associated game value assuming m1 attackers, and the attacker knows the assumption of the defender and utilized m2 attackers, he may be able to achieve significantly more damage than the defender assumed that there would be m2 attackers. The paper treats the robustness of preallocated preferential defense to assumptions about the size of the attack and presents results of an alternative approach.
Wavelength Calibrations in Infrared. III. ν 2 of HCN at 14 Microns

The rotational structure of the ν2 band of the HCN molecule at 14 μ has been measured using neon lines in the visible as wave-number markers and the 1–0 vibration rotation band lines of the CO molecule as secondary standards. There is good agreement between these measurements and the values calculated by Rank et al. from their observations of a number of near infrared vibration rotation bands of the HCN molecule. Some of the details of our experiences in the determination of frequencies of infrared lines have been given with a view to assist in a complete appreciation of the problems involved and the approach pursued in the solution of these problems.
Simulation of linear compartment models with application to nuclear medicine kinetic modeling.

Several techniques are evaluated for solving the linear ordinary differential equations arising from compartment models. The methods involve approximating the matrix exponential of the state matrix (i.e. the transition matrix). The computational efficiencies of these techniques, together with that of a general purpose differential equation solver, are compared for several models arising from radiopharmacokinetic studies. The matrix exponential calculations are performed using both Ward's Pade approximation method and an eigenvalue-eigenvector decomposition (QR factorization) of the matrix A. These two algorithms have been incorporated as simulation options into the programs of the ADAPT package. ADAPT consists of a set of high-level programs for simulation, parameter estimation and experiment design, developed primarily for basic and clinical research modeling and data analysis applications involving pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic processes. The advantages and disadvantages of these simulation strategies for solving linear kinetic models within a parameter estimation setting are illustrated and discussed.
THERMODYNAMICS, MOLECULES AND THE GIBBS CONFERENCE

Molecular concepts have been gradually incorporated into chemical thermodynamics. This is done by applying standard thermodynamics manipulations to systems which are restricted by the assumption of a specific molecular model or mechanism. Here we trace the development of this procedure and its applications from Avogadro's hypothesis to modern work on site-directed mutagenesis.
Quantum well engineering for modulator and nonlinear optics applications

Recently, there is a great deal of interest in applications of intersubband transitions of quantum wells for optoelectronics. In this paper, we will focus on the application of the first order and second order susceptibilities. The use of the global to local transition in asymmetric quantum wells is shown to give rise a high Stark shift of intersubband absorption. A transfer matrix method for calculation of electronic states is used. Using AlGaAs/GaAs quantum wells, intersubband modulators based on this principle have been demonstrated. Both amplitude and phase modulators are possible. For nonlinear optics applications, we will describe another transfer matrix method for analysis of nonlinear optical processes. With these techniques, optimal designs of desired optical properties for quantum wells with arbitrary composition profiles can be performed and the required phase matching condition can be conveniently obtained.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Computed tomographic osteoabsorptiometry of the elbow joint in clinically normal dogs.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate subchondral bone density patterns in elbow joints of clinically normal dogs by use of computed tomographic (CT) osteoabsorptiometry. SAMPLE POPULATION 20 cadaver forelimbs from 10 clinically normal dogs. PROCEDURE Each elbow joint was imaged in parasagittal and transverse planes of 1.5-mm thickness. Slice data were converted to dipotassium phosphate equivalent density (PPED) values. Sagittal, parasagittal, and transverse medial coronoid process topographic maps were constructed. Defined zones were created for each of the 3 CT planes, and confluence and peak PPED values were determined. RESULTS The lowest PPED value was 340 mg/ml (articular and subchondral confluence), and the highest was 1780 mg/ml (peak subchondral density). Detectable effects of joint laterality were not found in the confluence or peak PPED measurements or in the peak-to-confluence PPED ratio for all 3 CT planes. Significant differences were found among zones in all 3 planes for confluence and peak PPED measurements and between sagittal and transverse planes for peak-to-confluence PPED ratios. Subjectively, the pattern of density distribution among dogs was fairly consistent for the sagittal and parasagittal slices. Three specific patterns of density distribution were apparent on the transverse topographic maps of the medial coronoid process that corresponded to conformational differences. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The use of CT osteoabsorptiometry provides a repeatable technique that can be used to noninvasively examine bone density and the effects of stress acting on joints in vivo. Variability in density values for any of the CT planes was not identified among clinically normal dogs.
A comparison between students in problem-based and traditional curricula at the same medical school: preparing for the NBME Part I.

Summary. Eighteen of 22 students in a problem-based curriculum and 62 of 79 students in a traditional curriculum at the same medical school completed a survey 10 weeks after completing Part I of the National Boards. The survey asked students to report the average time they had spent each week during the first 2 years of medical school preparing for the Part I examination. Students were also asked to rate the usefulness of a variety of learning resources. The purpose of the survey was to compare the preparation activities of students in the two curricula. The results of the survey revealed that students in the problem-based curriculum tended to study many more hours for Part I than did students in the traditional curriculum, especially during their second year. The results also found problem-based curriculum students tended to rate textbooks and the PreTest Series as more valuable than did their peers in the traditional curriculum. The effects of the format and goals of the two curricula on the students' preparation activities are explored.
A Role for Lsm1p in Response to Ultraviolet-Radiation Damage in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract Spicakova, T., McCann, K. and Brown, J. M. A Role for Lsm1p in Response to Ultraviolet-Radiation Damage in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Radiat. Res. 170, 411–421 (2008). A genome-wide screen in Saccharomyces cerevisiae identified LSM1 as a new gene affecting sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Lsm1p is a member of a cytoplasmic complex composed of Lsm1p–7p that interacts with the yeast mRNA degradation machinery. To investigate the potential role of Lsm1p in response to UV radiation, we constructed double mutant strains in which LSM1 was deleted in combination with a representative gene from each of three known yeast DNA repair pathways. Our results show that lsm1Δ increases the UV-radiation sensitivity of the rad1Δ and rad51Δ mutants, but not the rad18Δ mutant, placing LSM1 within the post-replication repair/damage tolerance pathway (PRR). When combined with other deletions affecting PRR, lsm1Δ increases the UV-radiation sensitivity of the rev3Δ, rad30Δ and pol30-K164R mutants but not rad5Δ....
The effect of representation and knowledge on goal-directed exploration with reinforcement-learning algorithms

We analyze the complexity of on-line reinforcement-learning algorithms applied to goal-directed exploration tasks. Previous work had concluded that, even in deterministic state spaces, initially uninformed reinforcement learning was at least exponential for such problems, or that it was of polynomial worst-case time-complexity only if the learning methods were augmented. We prove that, to the contrary, the algorithms are tractable with only a simple change in the reward structure (“penalizing the agent for action executions”) or in the initialization of the values that they maintain. In particular, we provide tight complexity bounds for both Watkins’ Q-learning and Heger’s Q-hat-learning and show how their complexity depends on properties of the state spaces. We also demonstrate how one can decrease the complexity even further by either learning action models or utilizing prior knowledge of the topology of the state spaces. Our results provide guidance for empirical reinforcement-learning researchers on how to distinguish hard reinforcement-learning problems from easy ones and how to represent them in a way that allows them to be solved efficiently.
Effect of chemical sympathectomy on scintigraphic gastric and small bowel transit in the rat

Our aims were to measure gastric and small bowel transit of radiolabeled chow or liquids in rats and to assess the effect of pharmacologically induced chronic sympathectomy of at least 5 weeks duration. Three series of experiments were performed. In series I, four rats in each group underwent i.p. chloral hydrate anesthesia, tracheostomy with intubation and mechanical ventilation: they received by gavage 1.0 g rat chow dissolved in 1.5 ml saline labeled with 1.0 mCi 99mTc-DTPA In series II, four rats in each group were anesthetized with only i.p. chloral hydrate and received 1.5 ml labeled saline. Rats were placed on a gamma camera for dynamic acquisition of 1-min images for 7 h in series I, and 4 h in series II. Activity was quantitated in stomach and cecum; gastric emptying was analyzed by the power exponential model. In series III, four rats in each group were studied for 1 h on gamma camera and sacrificed after 5 h. At the end of each study, the stomach, small bowel, cecum and colon were removed and radioactivity counted in each organ in a dose calibrator. Quantitation of radioactivity by gamma camera was highly accurate: labeled chow in the stomach at 7 h was identical by external camera and counting of the excised organ (linear regression slope = 1.01, r = 0.97, P less than 0.0001). Similar precision was observed with labeled liquids (slope = 0.93, r = 0.93, P = 0.001). Chow emptied slower than liquid in both groups (P = 0.048). Ileocecal movement of isotope occurred by bolus transfers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Multivariable predictors of postoperative cardiac adverse events after general and vascular surgery: results from the patient safety in surgery study.

Background Cardiac adverse events (CAEs) are relatively infrequent, but highly lethal, after noncardiac operations. The value of available risk scoring systems is uncertain and these systems can be outdated. We used the Patient Safety in Surgery Study database to develop and test a model to predict patient risk for CAEs after general and vascular surgical operations. Study Design As part of the Patient Safety in Surgery Study, following the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program's protocol, multiple demographic, preoperative, perioperative, and outcomes variables were measured during a 3-year period. Data from 128 Veterans Affairs medical center hospitals and from 14 academic medical centers on 183,069 patients were used in a logistic regression analysis to model multivariable predictors of serious CAEs (cardiac arrest or acute myocardial infarction within 30 days of operation). Results CAEs occurred in 2,362 patients (1.29%) and of these, 59.44% expired. Multivariable stepwise logistic regression identified 20 independent predictors of CAEs, which excluded most cardiac-specific risk factors. The most important multivariable predictors of CAE were American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification, work relative value units of the most complex procedure, age, and type of operation. A risk prediction scoring system using the logistic regression odds ratios proved to be a useful prediction tool when tested using a random sample from the database. Conclusions CAEs after noncardiac operations are relatively infrequent but highly lethal. Operation type and urgency and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status assessment are important independent predictors of cardiac morbidity, but angina, recent MI, and earlier cardiac operation are not. A prediction scoring system based on the Patient Safety in Surgery Study multivariable odds ratios is likely to be predictive of future events in a similar population requiring noncardiac procedures. This risk model can also serve as a tool to measure quality and effectiveness of care by providers who perform noncardiac operations.
Copyright: Its Adequacy in Technological Societies

What the United States does about the data explosion is likely to be copied on a global basis. America is the archetype of the coming technological society; we have all the advantages of being first, but others may avoid our mistakes. Let us hope that our errors are few
Membrane, action, and oscillatory potentials in simulated protocells.

Electrical membrane potentials, oscillations, and action potentials are observed in proteinoid microspheres impaled with (3 M KCl) microelectrodes. Although effects are of greater magnitude when the vesicles contain glycerol and natural or synthetic lecithin, the results in the purely synthetic thermal protein structures are substantial, attaining 20 mV amplitude in some cases. The results add the property of electrical potential to the other known properties of proteinoid microspheres, in their role as models for protocells.
Comparative Analysis of Medical Web Search Using Generalized vs. Niche Technologies

One increasingly popular solution to the problem of information overload is the niche search engine, designed as a customized knowledge management tool to meet the needs of information seekers with similar interests. By limiting web crawling to a specific subject area, the niche engine is able to crawl deeper and more discreetly than commercial counterparts. This exploratory technology assessment study sought to examine differences in information search and retrieval patterns between commercial and niche search engines in areas of debated or uncertain healthcarer treatment. Findings suggest that while information found within the niche search is generally more trustworthy, niche searches leave out many reliable sources which are retrievable through commercial search engines. Also, consumer-friendly (non-technical) resources were found to be more prevalent using commercial search engines, suggesting greater relevance for the layperson within this domain.
Optimal reserve requirements, deposit taxation, and the demand for money☆

Abstract We study welfare and equivalence relationships between two schemes for financing a recurrent real expenditure: reserve-requirement-augmented seigniorage (RRS) and seigniorage deposit tax combinations (SD). The model we employ includes overlapping generations, fiat currency, and a risky physical asset. Its implications depend critically on whether it is specified so as to be ‘diversifying’ - so that fiat currency has value when the expenditure is financed via optimal taxation of asset returns. If the specification is diversifying, RRS is broadly equivalent to SD, and an interior reserve ratio can be part of an optimal financing scheme. If it is not, the best RRS scheme involves an extreme reserve ratio, produces a hyperinflation, and is Pareto-dominated by a pure deposit tax scheme.
User Experience Grading Via Kano Categories

A consistent challenge in product development is determining whether a product meets its usability requirements. In particular, accurate, meaningful usability information is hard to obtain before product release. This paper describes a method to classify use cases, features, and requirements into Kano model categories and then grade each based on how well is has been implemented from a usability perspective. Using this method during product development can provide early, regular data on the status of product usability, help to determine where resources are spent, and perform competitive analysis based on product features and usages. This method was tested on a single case study, and in particular for the requirements of the user interface for a discrete video card.
Hyphenated Techniques for Analysis of Complex Organic Mixtures

Advances in computer technology as well as analytical instrumentation have made practical analytical systems combining various separation methods and multiple spectrometric detectors. Systems consi...
Optical measurements of ripples using a scanning-laser slope gauge: Part II--data analysis and interpretation from a laboratory wave tank

A description of a new scanning laser slope gauge is given and the preliminary results obtained from laboratory wave tank measurements are presented. The device relies on the measurements of two components of surface slope to compute spatial and temporal lags used to estimate the full three-dimensional spectrum. The device is capable of resolving frequencies in the range between zero and 63 Hertz, and wavelengths in the range between 0.63 and 20 centimeters. The technique makes use of a two-dimensional laser scanner which samples the perimeter of a 10 centimeter square (an unfilled aperture.) The laboratory results show mechanically generated waves propagating on both distilled water and a one micro-molar solution of Triton-X100R in distilled water. Results indicate the device is well suited to measure the full three dimensional spectra of capillary-gravity waves and is capable of providing ground-truth measurements for the verification of remotely sensed ocean surface features.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Haiman's revised open‐mindedness scale: A comparative study of response patterns

(1967). Haiman's revised open‐mindedness scale: A comparative study of response patterns. Speech Monographs: Vol. 34, No. 3, pp. 389-391.
The Influence of Shc Proteins and Aging on Whole Body Energy Expenditure and Substrate Utilization in Mice

While it has been proposed that Shc family of adaptor proteins may influence aging by regulating insulin signaling and energy metabolism, the overall impact of Shc proteins on whole body energy metabolism has yet to be elucidated. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the influence of Shc proteins and aging on whole body energy metabolism in a mouse model under ambient conditions (22°C) and acute cold exposure (12°C for 24 hours). Using indirect respiration calorimetry, we investigated the impact of Shc proteins and aging on EE and substrate utilization (RQ) in p66 Shc−/− (ShcKO) and wild-type (WT) mice. Calorimetry measurements were completed in 3, 15, and 27 mo mice at 22°C and 12°C. At both temperatures and when analyzed across all age groups, ShcKO mice demonstrated lower 24 h total EE values than that of WT mice when EE data was expressed as either kJ per mouse, or adjusted by body weight or crude organ mass (ORGAN) (P≤0.01 for all). The ShcKO mice also had higher (P<0.05) fed state RQ values than WT animals at 22°C, consistent with an increase in glucose utilization. However, Shc proteins did not influence age-related changes in energy expenditure or RQ. Age had a significant impact on EE at 22°C, regardless of how EE data was expressed (P<0.05), demonstrating a pattern of increase in EE from age 3 to 15 mo, followed by a decrease in EE at 27 mo. These results indicate a decline in whole body EE with advanced age in mice, independent of changes in body weight (BW) or fat free mass (FFM). The results of this study indicate that both Shc proteins and aging should be considered as factors that influence energy expenditure in mice.
G Protein βγ Subunits Inhibit Nongenomic Progesterone-induced Signaling and Maturation in Xenopus laevis Oocytes EVIDENCE FOR A RELEASE OF INHIBITION MECHANISM FOR CELL CYCLE PROGRESSION

Progesterone-induced maturation ofXenopus oocytes is a well known example of nongenomic signaling by steroids; however, little is known about the early signaling events involved in this process. Previous work has suggested that G proteins and G protein-coupled receptors may be involved in progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation as well as in other nongenomic steroid-induced signaling events. To investigate the role of G proteins in nongenomic signaling by progesterone, the effects of modulating Gα and Gβγ levels in Xenopus oocytes on progesterone-induced signaling and maturation were examined. Our results demonstrate that Gβγ subunits, rather than Gα, are the principal mediators of progesterone action in this system. We show that overexpression of Gβγ inhibits both progesterone-induced maturation and activation of the MAPK pathway, whereas sequestration of endogenous Gβγ subunits enhances progesterone-mediated signaling and maturation. These data are consistent with a model whereby endogenous free Xenopus Gβγ subunits constitutively inhibit oocyte maturation. Progesterone may induce maturation by antagonizing this inhibition and therefore allowing cell cycle progression to occur. These studies offer new insight into the early signaling events mediated by progesterone and may be useful in characterizing and identifying the membrane progesterone receptor in oocytes.
Evaluation of indirect blood pressure monitoring in awake and anesthetized red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis): effects of cuff size, cuff placement, and monitoring equipment.

Abstract Objective To compare Doppler and oscillometric methods of indirect arterial blood pressure (IBP) with direct arterial measurements in anesthetized and awake red-tailed hawks. Study design Prospective, randomized, blinded study. Animals Six, sex unknown, adult red-tailed hawks. Methods Birds were anesthetized and IBP measurements were obtained by oscillometry (IBP-O) and Doppler (IBP-D) on the pectoral and pelvic limbs using three cuffs of different width based on limb circumference: cuff 1 (20–30% of circumference), cuff 2 (30–40%), and cuff 3 (40–50%). Direct arterial pressure measurements were obtained from the contralateral superficial ulnar artery. Indirect blood pressure measurements were compared to direct systolic arterial pressure (SAP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) during normotension and induced states of hypotension and hypertension. Measurements were also obtained in awake, restrained birds. Three-way anova , linear regression and Bland–Altman analyses were used to evaluate the IBP-D data. Results are reported as mean bias (95% confidence intervals). Results The IBP-O monitor reported errors during 54% of the measurements. Indirect blood pressure Doppler measurements were most accurate with cuff 3 and were comparable to MAP with a bias of 2 (−9, 13 mmHg). However, this cuff consistently underestimated SAP with a bias of 33 (19, 48 mmHg). Variability in the readings within and among birds was high. There was no significant difference between sites of cuff placement. Awake birds had SAP, MAP and diastolic arterial pressure that were 56, 43, and 38 mmHg higher than anesthetized birds. Conclusions and clinical relevance Indirect blood pressure (oscillometric) measurements were unreliable in red-tailed hawks. Indirect blood pressure (Doppler) measurements were closer to MAP measurements than SAP measurements. There was slightly better agreement with the use of cuff 3 on either the pectoral or pelvic limbs. Awake, restrained birds have significantly higher arterial pressures than those under sevoflurane anesthesia.
Neoliberal Failures and Everyday Resistance in the Twenty-first Century

Marc Francis and Nick Francis, Black Gold, San Francisco: California Newsreel, 2006. 78 minutes, color. Not rated Vicky Funari and Sergio De La Torre, Maquilapolis: City of Factories, San Francisco...
A Method for Determining the Heat Transfer Properties of Foam-Fins

Metallic and graphitic open-cell foams are being used or proposed as extended surfaces (fins) in heat sinks for electronic cooling and compact heat exchangers for aircraft applications. Three parameters must be known to calculate the heat transfer performance of a foam-fin: the product h m A c * as a function of flow-rate (the convective conductance per unit volume), the product k s A k * (the effective conductive conductance as a fin), and R bond (the effective thermal resistance between the foam and the surface to which it is attached). This paper describes a new test method, which, in conjunction with an older well established type of test, allows all three parameters to be measured using one specimen.
Pars plana vitrectomy in the management of retinal detachments associated with degenerative retinoschisis.

Abstract Pars plana vitrectomy and gas-fluid exchange were used to successfully reattach eyes of 12 patients who had symptomatic retinoschisis retinal detachments (RDs) associated with large or posterior outer-layer holes. Visual acuity improved postoperatively in seven (58%) eyes, was unchanged in two (17%) eyes, and decreased in three (25%) eyes. Loss of vision was secondary to a mild posterior subcapsular cataract in one eye and to epiretinal membranes in the other two. In two other eyes, cataracts developed that subsequently required an extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) and posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC 10L) implantation with 20/20 visual acuity in both eyes after cataract surgery. All eyes with a macula-involved RD stabilized or improved in visual acuity. Surgical indications, techniques, and results in the management of these retinoschisis RDs are discussed.
THE DISPLACEMENT OF STAGES 4 AND REM SLEEP WITHIN A FULL NIGHT OF SLEEP

Stage 4 typically occurs dominantly in the first third of a normal night of sleep and REM sleep occurs dominantly in the last third of the night. In this experiment conditions were imposed to prevent these stages from occurring at their usual peak periods. Stage 4 sleep was permitted to occur only during the last two hours of sleep and REM was permitted to occur only during the first two hours of sleep. The results show that each stage can be partially displaced to the peak period of the other, but that stage 4 sleep is elicited more readily late in the sleep period than is REM early during the night.
Widening the lens on standardized patient assessment: what the encounter can reveal about the development of clinical competence

The standardized patient (SP) examination is used in a majority of medical schools to test clinical skills. This examination usually yields both numerical ratings of clinical skill and narrative comments by patients or observers, yet most empirical studies of SP assessment focus on the numerical ratings only. This quantitative focus can lead to a narrow conceptualization of the nature and development of clinical competence. The authors suggest that in addition to utilizing SP numerical ratings, medical educators also use the rich qualitative material produced in the SP examination (e.g., patient comments, videotapes of the examination) to explore students' development of clinical competence, which involves the purposive integration of basic science, technical skill, empathy, communication, professional role, and personal history.
Cytomegalovirus enteritis among hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.

Abstract Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a cause of enteritis associated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), but the natural history is rarely studied and hence poorly understood. CMV infection at this end-organ site is notably less frequent than is pneumonitis. To evaluate the spectrum of CMV enteritis after HSCT, we reviewed the database spanning 11.5 years of 2240 University of Minnesota transplantation patients for cases of gastrointestinal CMV. We identified 46 case-patients. The incidence of CMV enteritis at 2 years following HSCT averaged 2% over the 11.5-year study interval. The median time to diagnosis of CMV enteritis after HSCT was 91 days (range, 17-527 days). The methods used in diagnosis included histopathology (58%) and virology (61%). Viremia was detected in two thirds of patients with CMV prior to the diagnosis of enteritis. Most treatment regimens included ganciclovir. The overall survival rate was 35% at 2 years following the onset of enteritis. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2001;7(12):674-9.
Male parenting of New Guinea froglets

Male parental care is exceptionally rare in nature, although one of the most fascinating aspects of New Guinea's biodiversity is the evolution of male care in the frog family Microhylidae1. Here I report a new mode of parental care: transport of froglets by the male parent, which was recently discovered in two species of microhylid frogs from the mountains of Papua New Guinea. As the offspring jump off at different points, they may benefit from reduced competition for food, lower predation pressure and fewer opportunities for inbreeding between froglets, which may explain why this unusual form of parental care evolved.
Profiling hazardous waste generation for management planning

Abstract Results of a survey of the hazardous wastes generated by the industrial sector of the United States' economy are presented. Although data availability A method is also presented for building the results of waste generation surveys into hazardous waste management models. This requires the creation of a
Examining Personal Control Beliefs as a Mediating Variable in the Health-Damaging Behavior of Substance Use: An Alternative Approach

Substance use continues to be a concern for researchers and health professionals alike. One of the most extensive areas of research on health-related behaviors such as smoking and drug use has been on personal control beliefs. Since many health actions (both facilitative and deleterious) depend on voluntary behaviors, and many health-related prevention and intervention programs are predicted on an assumption of controllability, this is an important area to consider. This article is a review of some of the literature and presents an alternative approach that entails using area-specific and domain-specific methods to examine the role that control beliefs play in the health-damaging behavior of substance use.
Self-Respect and Rawlsian Justice

Rawls suggests that the preservation of self-respect is at the core of any theory of justice. It is precisely his conception of self-respect, however, that creates serious problems in his theory as a whole. It not only opens him up to charges of inconsistency, but it underscores his failure to deliver on the promise of equality. Rawls's problematic conception of self-respect forces him to advocate a morally repugnant invisibility argument, proving that he is not the egalitarian he is usually taken to be, and suggesting instead that he is merely a defender of a bourgeois, inegalitarian class order.
Colorimetric determination of traces of tin with dithiol

Abstract Procedures are given for the determination of traces of tin with dithiol (4-methyl-1,2-dimer-captobenzene) by visual color comparison and absorptiometric measurement, with special reference to silicate rocks, meteorites, and sulfides. The sensitivity is 1 p.p.m. Sn with 0.5 g of sample. Tin is separated by distillation of the bromide. Provision is made for the presence of selenium.
Comparison of the mechanisms of two distinct aldolases from Escherichia coli grown on gluconeogenic substrates.

Abstract Escherichia coli grown on gluconeogenic compounds as carbon sources produced two chemically and physically distinct types of fructose-1,6-biphosphate aldolases ( d -fructose-1,6-bisphosphate d -glyceraldehyde-3-phosphatelyase, EC 4.1.2.13), while these bacteria produced only a single enzyme when grown on glucose or fructose. We have investigated this enzyme in several strains of Escherichia coli (Crookes, K-12, and B) grown on glucose, fructose lactate, pyruvate, alanine and glycerol by comparing chemical properties and mechanisms of action. Comparison of these mechanisms was accomplished by following the fate of 18 O in the keto position of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate during the aldolase catalyzed cleavage reaction. The results show that the two enzymes have different mechanisms of action and are consistent with a Schiff-base mechanism for the one which was induced by gluconeogenic substrates and metal-chelate mechanism for the constitutive enzyme.