cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The F(4) gauged supergravity in six dimensions

Abstract Gauged N = 4 supergravity theories with Yang-Mills symmetry SU(2) are constructed in six dimensions. There are four distinct theories, determined by the values of the SU(2) coupling constant g and a mass parameter m for the two-index tensor field contained in the theories. One of the theories has a scalar potential with two extrema; one extremum leads to a ground state exhibiting the full anti-de Sitter supersymmetry F(4), while the other breaks the supersymmetry completely. In this theory, and also in two of the remaining three theories, the two-index tensor “eats” an abelian vector and becomes massive, acquiring a cubic self-coupling in the process. The last theory, in which the tensor field remains massless, coincides with one previously obtained by dimensional reduction from seven dimensions. We obtain a variety of compactifications for all the theories, many supersymmetric and many to four dimensions. Finally, we comment on the geometrical structure of the theories, and compare them to ten-dimensional supergravities.
Elementary Contractions of Gorenstein Threefolds

In this paper, we show that a generalization of the classification theorem of Mori in [113] can be easily obtained from the contraction theorem of [5]. A fine analysis is made of the contractions of extremal rays on projective threefolds with normal, Gorenstein, Q-factorial terminal singularities (so that X is in fact factorial). A solution of the minimal model problem for threefolds has recently been completed by Mori in [,ll]. We will first establish notation, and give some preliminary results. All of the definitions used in this paper can be found in [7]. Let X be a normal, Gorenstein, projective threefold with Q-factorial terminal singularities. Suppose that X is defined over an algebraically closed field k of characteristic zero. Let R be an extremal ray of X. It follows from arguments in [-5] or [7] that there is a morphism f : X ~ Y onto a normal variety Y such that f is given by the linear system induced by a cartier divisor H, and such that: 1) f.tP x = (9 r. 2) For an arbitrary curve C on X, d imf (C)=0 holds if and only if [,C] eR. 3) The pair (f, Y) is uniquely determined by conditions 1) and 2) up to isomorphism. 4) S* 0 ,Pic(Y) "C,Pic(X) i sexact for I C I E R .
Progressive morphometric and cognitive changes in vascular dementia

Evidence for progressive cognitive decline in vascular dementia (VaD) is mixed, with some studies showing little or no decline over time. One possible explanation for these inconsistent findings is the heterogeneity of pathology encompassed by the VaD diagnosis. It is possible that subtypes of VaD (i.e. those resulting from different lesion distributions) show different patterns of cognitive decline. In the present study, a heterogeneous VaD group demonstrated cognitive decline from baseline to 12-month follow-up. Although this decline was coincident to morphometric changes (i.e. increased subcortical hyperintensities (SH), decreased whole brain volume (WBV)), no relationship emerged between cognitive decline and morphometric changes. Preliminary examination of VaD subtypes revealed patients with subcortical infarct or SH-only exhibited greater decline than VaD patients with cortical lesions. Further research is needed to determine whether this observed decline is attributable to differential lesion distribution or statistical artifact.
SLE: challenges and candidates in human disease.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by immunological hyperactivity and multi-system organ damage. A complex genetic trait involving multiple genes, with both genetic heterogeneity and a threshold effect for disease expression, SLE involves abnormalities of both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Recognition of an ‘interferon signature' in SLE leukocytes, of the role of B cells in promoting disease activity, and of FCGR3A alleles as a biomarker of end organ damage, provide important insights into disease pathogenesis. Nonetheless, coordinated studies in humans and model systems hold promise for an even more rapid advance in understanding pathways of disease development and strategies for intervention. More effective markers of disease risk, disease activity, severity of organ damage and outcomes would facilitate earlier diagnosis and guide appropriately targeted treatment.
EFFECTS OF BITEMPORAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION ON THE DURATION OF SUXAMETHONIUM APNOEA IN MAN

Psychiatric patients who required electroconvulsive therapy (e.c.t.) for treatment were anaesthetized with intravenous sodium thiopentone together with suxamethonium for muscle relaxation. After e.c.t. those patients who exhibited muscle twitching associated with e.c.t. had a briefer period of apnoea than those who did not. A second electrical stimulus (subconvulsive) at this stage decreased the period of apnoea.
Manufacture, optical performance, and laser damage characteristics of diffractive optics for the National Ignition Facility

We have fabricated demonstration diffractive optic plates at full scale for the NIF laser. These include an off-axis focusing beam sampling grating, a color separation grating, and a kinoform phase plate for spatial beam smoothing. Fabrication methods and optical performance of these DOPs are discussed. IT was discovered that the sol-gel antireflective coating normally applied to high-power transmissive optics partially planarizes the diffractive structures, particularly on the color separation grating used for color management at target, to the extent that optical performance and laser damage threshold are negatively impacted. The effect of sol-gel coatings on grating performance, the feasibility of placing all diffractive structures on a single surface, and future work in this area are discussed.
Mechanical interruption of postinfarction ventricular tachycardia as a guide for catheter ablation

Background Mechanical trauma has been described as a helpful guide for ablation of atrial tachycardias and accessory pathways. In postinfarction ventricular tachycardia (VT), the reentrant circuit is partly endocardial and therefore may be susceptible to catheter trauma. Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and significance of VT termination resulting from catheter trauma. Methods A consecutive series of 39 patients (mean age 68 ± 7 years, ejection fraction 0.25 ± 0.02) underwent left ventricular mapping for postinfarction VT. Mapping was performed during 62 hemodynamically tolerated VTs (mean cycle length 451 ± 88 ms). Only hemodynamically tolerated VTs that did not terminate spontaneously and VTs that were reproducibly inducible were included in the study. VT termination was considered mechanical only if it was not caused by a premature depolarization. Results In 13 of 62 VTs (21%) in 8 of 39 patients (21%), either VT terminated during catheter placement at a particular site (n = 7) or a previously reproducibly inducible VT became no longer inducible with the mapping catheter located at a particular site (n = 6). The stimulus-QRS interval was significantly shorter at sites where mechanical trauma affected the reentrant circuit compared with sites having concealed entrainment (102 ± 56 ms vs 253 ± 134 ms, P = .003). At the site that was susceptible to mechanical trauma, the pace map was identical or highly similar in 13 of 13 VTs. After radiofrequency ablation at these sites, the targeted VTs were no longer inducible. No patient had recurrence of the targeted VT during a mean follow-up of 15 ± 11 months. Conclusions Catheter contact at a critical endocardial site can interrupt postinfarction VT or prevent its induction. Radiofrequency ablation at sites of mechanical termination of VT has a high probability of success.
Proteins Synthesized before and after Fertilization in Sea Urchin Eggs

Acrylamide-gel patterns of proteins made before and during the first 30 minutes after fertilization were the same. The patterns of gels containing proteins from eggs whose rate of protein synthesis was stimulated reversibly by prior anaerobiosis or removal of carbon dioxide were also the same as that of the mature unfertilized egg. Changes were detected in the pattern of proteins synthesized in gastrulas as compared to proteins made in unfertilized eggs or zygotes.
In vivo effects of chromium.

Abstract The production of reactive oxygen species on addition of hexavalent chromium (potassium dichromate, K2Cr2O7) to lung cells in culture was studied using flow cytometer analysis. A Coulter Epics Profile II flow cytometer was used to detect the formation of reactive oxygen species after K2Cr2O7 was added to A549 cells grown to confluence. The cells were loaded with the dye, 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate, after which cellular esterases removed the acetate groups and the dye was trapped intracellularly. Reactive oxygen species oxidized the dye, with resultant fluorescence. Increased doses of Cr(VI) caused increasing fluorescence (10-fold higher than background at 200 microM). Addition of Cr(III) compounds, as the picolinate or chloride, caused no increased fluorescence. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopic studies indicated that three (as yet unidentified) spectral "signals" of the free radical type were formed on addition of 20, 50, 100, and 200 microM Cr(VI) to the A549 cells in suspension. Two other EPR "signals" with the characteristics of Cr(V) entities were seen at field values lower than the standard free radical value. Liver microsomes from male Sprague-Dawley rats treated intraperitoneally with K2Cr2O7 (130 mumole/kg every 48 hr for six treatments) had decreased activity of cytochromes P4503A1 and/or 3A2, and 2C11. Hepatic microsomes from treated female Sprague-Dawley rats, in contrast, had increased activities of these isozymes. Lung microsomes from male Sprague-Dawley rats had increased activity of P4502C11.
Neurodynamics of cognition and consciousness

Human cognition performs a granulation of the seemingly homogeneous temporal sequences of perceptual experiences into meaningful and comprehendible chunks of fuzzy concepts and complex behavioral schemas, which are accessed during future action selection and decisions. In this work a dynamical Theory-of-Mind (ToM) is presented to interpret experimental findings. In our approach meaningful knowledge is continuously created, processed, and dissipated in the form of sequences of oscillatory patterns of neural activity described through spatio-temporal phase transitions. The proposed approach has been implemented in computational and robotic environments.
Disability After Deployment Injury: Are Women and Men Service Members Different?

Background Civilian trauma literature suggests sexual dimorphism in outcomes after trauma. Because women represent an increasing demographic among veterans, the question remains if war trauma outcomes, like civilian trauma outcomes, differ between genders.
EZH2 blockade by RNA interference inhibits growth of ovarian cancer by facilitating re-expression of p21waf1/cip1 and by inhibiting mutant p53

The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) methyltransferase is a transcriptional repressor. EZH2 is abnormally elevated in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). We demonstrated that EZH2 knockdown inhibited cell growth, activated apoptosis, and enhanced chemosensitivity. Further, silencing of EZH2 resulted in re-expression of p21(waf1/cip1) and down-regulation of mutant p53. Finally, EZH2 knockdown contributed to attenuated EOC growth in SCID mice.
Lymphoblastic lymphoma of childhood and the LSA2-L2 protocol: the 30-year experience at Memorial-Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

BACKGROUND Until the 1970s, diffuse lymphoblastic lymphoma (DLBL) was considered incurable. With intensive multidrug regimens, the majority of patients can now be cured. In the current study, the authors present what to their knowledge is the longest follow-up presented to date (median, 20 years for survivors) of the largest group of DLBL patients treated with a single protocol at a single institution. METHODS Between 1971–1990, a total of 95 consecutive patients (age < 21 years) with DLBL were treated with the LSA2-L2 protocol at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). Patients with Stage I-II disease were treated for 2 years. In 1980, the protocol was modified and patients with Stage III and IV disease were treated for 3 years. In addition, before the modification, patients with Stage IV disease received a cumulative dose of 15,600 mg/m2 of cyclophosphamide for 3 years; after 1980, these patients received the same dosage as the other patients (i.e., 8400 mg/m2 for 2 years). Radiation therapy initially was administered to all patients with bulky disease in the primary tumor site. Until 1977, the dose of radiation was 20–55 grays (Gy); from 1977 to 1989, the dose was 20 Gy. After the fifth year of completion of treatment, all patients were evaluated comprehensively every 2 years. RESULTS The overall survival (OS) of the patients was 79% with a median follow-up of 20 years. The overall event-free survival (EFS) was 75% (71 of 95 patients). Seventeen patients developed a disease recurrence and 15 died of disease. The OS and EFS rates for patients with Stages I-II disease (n = 8) were 87% and 87%, respectively, and the OS and EFS rates for patients with Stage III disease (n = 41) were 90% and 85%, respectively. The OS and EFS for patients with Stage IVA disease (with bone marrow [BM] involvement of 25%) (n = 27) were 74% and 70%. Of the 29 patients with Stage IV disease who were treated with the original protocol, 7 died of disease (1 of 8 patients with Stage IVA disease and 6 of 21 patients with Stage IVB disease). Of the 17 patients with Stage IV disease who were treated with the modified protocol, 3 died of disease (2 of 11 patients with Stage IVA disease and 1of 6 patients with Stage IVB disease). Six patients developed secondary malignancies, four of whom died. CONCLUSIONS Long-term EFS can be achieved in the majority of patients with widely disseminated pediatric DLBL. Chemotherapy alone appears to be sufficient prophylaxis against disease recurrence in the central nervous system. No disease-related or treatment-related deaths were reported to occur > 4.5 years after diagnosis in the current study. Cancer 2003;98:1283–91. © 2003 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.11615
NCI3 as a source of NCI(a) for an NCI(a)-I laser

NCI3 is a more stable source of NCI(a) than HN3. The use of NCI3 as a source of NCI(a1Δ) for use in an iodine transfer laser has been modeled. The model suggests that gain can be obtained on the spin orbit transition of the iodine atom at 1.315´m in a purely chemical system. New quenching rates of NCI(a) by H2 and HCI show these species are not a serious problem in scaling the NCI3 system to high energy densities. The measurements of NCI(a) in our flow tube system are obscured at early times by CI2(B-X) radiation from the CI atom induced decomposition of NCI3. We have measured the contribution of this emission and find that the profile more closely matches the profile predicted by the kinetics code. We have measured the yield of CI atoms produced by a microwave discharge of 5% CI2 in He and find a dissociation fraction of about 25% in agreement with previous studies by Manke and Setser. The yield was measured by titrating the CI atoms with HI and observing the HCI(v=1) radiation. In studies of the production of NCI3, we have found that the yield of NCI3 is independent of the gas side mass transfer conditions. Our current reactor produces an NCI3 yield of about 20% relative to CI2. Since the production of higher flows of NCI3 is important for a laser experiment, we present some ideas for scaling NCI3 to higher flow rates. The use of NCI3 as a source of NCI(a1Δ) for use in an iodine transfer laser has been modeled. The model suggests that gain can be obtained on the spin orbit transition of the iodine atom at 1.315´m in a purely chemical system. The experimental data obtained to this point supports the model predictions.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effect of Environment on Crack Growth Behavior in Austenitic Stainless Steels under Creep and Fatigue Conditions

Crack growth behavior at high temperatures under cyclic, static, and combined loads was studied in annealed and 20 pct cold-worked Type 316 and 20 pct cold-worked Type 304 austenitic stainless steels in air and vacuum. Under cyclic load, crack growth rates in annealed Type 316 steel are slightly lower in vacuum than in air, but this difference decreases with increase in crack growth rate. Most importantly, the effect of temperature on crack growth is present even in vacuum and arises mostly from the variation of elastic modulus with temperature. In the cold-worked Type 316 steel, the pronounced hold-time effects on fatigue crack growth in air reported in the literature persists even in vacuum. This implies that at high crack growth rates these hold-time effects arise mostly from creep-fatigue interaction rather than environment fatigue interaction. Environment has a negligible effect also on crack growth under static load. Thus, time dependent crack growth in these steels is due to creep processes. Crack growth behavior in annealed and cold-worked materials are compared and reasons for the enhanced time dependent crack growth in cold-worked material are discussed in detail.
Random arithmetic-geometric means and random pi: observations and conjectures

Abstract Two random versions of the arithmetic-geometric mean of Gauss, Lagrange and Legendre are defined. Almost sure convergence and nondegeneracy are proved. These random arithmetic-geometric means in turn define two random versions of π. Based on numerical simulations, inequalities and equalities are conjectured. A special case is proved. Further proofs are invited.
Mechanical computation of root mean square values

Varying values of electric current with time are practically the ever-present condition in applications of electricity. There are two main divisions: First, varying loads, producing such data as are given, for example, by the current record of a curve-drawing ammeter; the time is recorded in hours, minutes or seconds. Second, the condition of varying currents in the alternating-current waves themselves or in electrical transient phenomena, as given by a photographic record of an oscillograph (a galvanometer capable of recording instantaneous values of current). The time is here recorded in thousandths of a second. In both cases the energy is proportional neither to the instantaneous nor average value of the current, but to the square of the instantaneous current, as expressed in the familiar equation (i2 R). The process of squaring successive instantaneous values, averaging the square, and extracting the square root, is quite tedious and laborious. After reviewing some prominent labor-saving methods the writer points out that the root-mean-square (R M S) value can be quickly calculated mechanically by a device, invented some sixty-five years ago and widely used for other purposes. Fig. 3 shows the picture of this device, called Amsler's Mechanical Integrator.
Sorption and desorption by ideal two-compartment systems: unusual behavior and data interpretation problems

Abstract This paper examines the current practices of fitting curves to sorption, desorption, and equilibrium data obtained from laboratory experiments. Systems of equations incorporating Freundlich isotherms and first-order kinetics for two different idealized sorbents, one “fast” and one “slow,” were solved numerically to produce “data”. Two-compartment curves were then fit to the data by nonlinear regression, and the parameters computed by the regression are compared with the original parameters used to produce the data. The results show that a sorbent with fast kinetics will not steadily accumulate sorbate until it reaches the equilibrium value but will overshoot equilibrium, accumulating an excess of sorbate. This overshoot will cause the sorption rates for both sorbents and the distribution between the fast and slow sorbents to be estimated incorrectly. The system may appear to be at equilibrium by external measures, but sorbate will slowly be redistributing from the fast to the slow sorbent. An isotherm constructed from data acquired during this process will have an incorrect coefficient and exponent. Consequently, the meaning of the results obtained by curve fitting may often be questionable and may say little about the phenomena occurring within the sorbate–sorbent–liquid system. Possible physical explanations for the effects observed are offered.
An ODE model for the HER2/3-AKT signaling pathway in cancers that overexpress HER2

Targeted drug therapies have proven very useful as cancer treatments, but some still demonstrate very little antitumor activity in certain cancers. A class of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) that are unexpectedly inefficient in some cancers are those that target the human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family. This paper proposes a mathematical model of the HER signaling pathway for the study and treatment of cancers that overexpress. The goals of this paper are threefold. The first is to introduce an ODE model that agrees with the existing data over large time intervals, and the second is to use this model to understand the effects of applying certain drugs to such cancers. We finally use this model to determine a “steering-based” treatment scheme for cancers that overexpress HER2.
Forecasting with vector ARMA and state space methods

Abstract The theory and practice of modeling with vector arma and state space methods are reviewed. Currently available computer software packages for these techniques are discussed and compared. Further, the model identification and estimation procedures employed by these packages are illustrated in detail using a data set consisting of monthly observations of ‘90-day treasury bill rates’ and ‘changes in money supply’. In addition, the usefulness of the vector arma and state space methods are tested empirically by evaluating the out-of-sample one-step-ahead forecasting performance of the univariate and bivariate models of treasury bill rates obtained from each method/package.
Sex-role identity and self-esteem in female graduate nursing students

This study investigated masculinity and femininity characteristics and levels of self-esteem of 96 female graduate nursing students between the ages of 20 and 50. The instruments used were incorporated into a questionnaire which was mailed to each student. Self-esteem was measured by a version of Coopersmith's Self-Esteem Inventory which Good and Good modified to adapt to adult standards. To measure femininity and masculinity, a shortened version of the Bem Sex Role Inventory was used: Subjects rated themselves along a 7-point Likert scale for 10 masculine and 10 feminine traits. The categorical method of scoring by Spence, Helmreich, and Stapp was employed. The students were fairly evenly distributed across the following four categories: low masculine-low feminine; low masculine-high feminine; high masculine-low feminine; and high masculinehigh feminine. The students in the high masculine-low feminine and the high masculine-high feminine categories were found to have a statistically higher mean self-esteem than the students in the low masculine-low feminine and low masculne-high feminine categories. Implications were mentioned regarding the development of a high degree of both masculine and feminine characteristics in nurses.
Geometric properties of 2-dimensional Brownian paths

Let A be the set of all points of the plane ℂ, visited by 2-dimensional Brownian motion before time 1. With probability 1, all points of A are “twist points” except a set of harmonic measure zero. “Twist points” may be continuously approached in ℂ\A only along a special spiral. Although negligible in the sense of harmonic measure, various classes of “cone points” are dense in A, with probability 1. “Cone points” may be approached in ℂ\A within suitable wedges.
Race and Inclusion in Volunteerism: Using Communication Theory to Improve Volunteer Retention

Maintaining relationships with racially diverse audiences can challenge nonprofit organizations. Through a survey of 634 volunteers, this study examined the role of inclusion in predicting relationship quality and future volunteerism for participants of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, including African Americans, Asians, Caucasians, and Hispanic/Latinos. Results suggest a positive relationship between level of inclusion, relationship quality, and future volunteer intention. However, inclusion was varied among groups indicating that communication and inclusive behaviors are experienced differently for diverse audiences.
New insights into mechanisms of oxyradical and neutrophil mediated lung injury.

Summary. Acute lung injury in rats developing after systemic complement activation or deposition of IgG immune complexes is complement-dependent and oxygen radical-mediated. Recent findings have shown that a soluble complement receptor (sCR1) is capable of attenuating injury. Additional studies have also demonstrated requirements for the cytokines, TNF~, and for L-arginine derived products in lung injury that follows deposition of IgG immune complexes.
Currents in the compressible and incompressible regions of the two-dimensional electron gas

We derive a general expression for the low-temperature equilibrium orbital current distribution in a two-dimensional electron gas, subjected to a perpendicular magnetic field and in a confining potential that varies slowly on the scale of the magnetic length l. The analysis is valid within a self-consistent one-electron description, such as the Hartree or standard Kohn-Sham equations. Our expression, which correctly describes the current distribution on scales larger than l, has two components: One is an ``edge current,'' which is proportional to the local density gradient, and the other is a ``bulk current,'' which is proportional to the gradient of the confining potential. The direction of these currents generally displays a striking alternating pattern. In a compressible region at the edge of the nth Landau level, the edge current is simply j=-e${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathit{c}}$${\mathit{l}}^{2}$(n+1/2)\ensuremath{\nabla}\ensuremath{\rho}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${\mathbf{e}}_{\mathit{z}}$, where ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathit{c}}$ is the cyclotron frequency and \ensuremath{\rho} is the electron sheet density. The bulk component, a Hall current, dominates in the incompressible regions. In the ideal case of perfect compressibility and incompressibility, only one type of current contributes to a given region, and the integrated orbital currents in these regions are universal, independent of the widths, positions, and geometry of the regions. The integrated orbital current in the nth edge channel is (n+1/2)e${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathit{c}}$/2\ensuremath{\pi}, whereas in an incompressible strip with integral filling factor \ensuremath{\nu} it is \ensuremath{\nu}e${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathit{c}}$/2\ensuremath{\pi} with the opposite sign.
Performance of pseudo-orthogonal codes in temporal, spatial, and spectral code division multiple access systems

Systematic relationships among codes code weights and code length have been developed for pseudo orthogonal codes. Special emphasis has been placed on identifying minimum code lengths applicable to code division multiple access systems for given codes and weights. These derived relationships are applied to temporal spatial and spectral CDMA systems to estimate their link budgets complexity and performance in various communication applications. The construction and benefits of a new class of hybrid pseudo orthogonal codes is discussed.
Tracheostomy: Epidemiology, Indications, Timing, Technique, and Outcomes

Tracheostomy is a common procedure performed in critically ill patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure and for airway issues. The ideal timing (early vs late) and techniques (percutaneous dilatational, other new percutaneous techniques, open surgical) for tracheostomy have been topics of considerable debate. In this review, we address general issues regarding tracheostomy (epidemiology, indications, and outcomes) and specifically review the literature regarding appropriate timing of tracheostomy tube placement. Based on evidence from 2 recent large randomized trials, it is reasonable to wait at least 10 d to be certain that a patient has an ongoing need for mechanical ventilation before consideration of tracheostomy. Percutaneous tracheostomy with flexible bronchoscopy guidance is recommended, and optimal percutaneous techniques, indications, and contraindications and results in high-risk patients (coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia, obesity) are reviewed. Additional issues related to tracheostomy diagnosis-related groups, charges, and procedural costs are reviewed. New advances regarding tracheostomy include the use of real-time ultrasound guidance for percutaneous tracheostomy in high-risk patients. New tracheostomy tubes (tapered with low-profile cuffs that fit better on the tapered dilators, longer percutaneous tracheostomy tubes) are discussed for optimal use with percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy. Two new percutaneous techniques, a balloon inflation technique (Dolphin) and the PercuTwist procedure, are reviewed. The efficacy of tracheostomy teams and tracheostomy hospital services with standardized protocols for tracheostomy insertion and care has been associated with improved outcomes. Finally, the UK National Tracheostomy Safety Project developed standardized resources for education of both health care providers and patients, including emergency algorithms for tracheostomy incidents, and serves as an excellent educational resource in this important area.
Electron microprobe study of a ‘mysterite’-bearing inclusion from the Krymka LL-chondrite

The black inclusion from the Krymka LL3 chondrite previously found to contain 'mysterite' by Lewis et al. (1979) belongs to a hitherto unknown class of carbonaceous chondrites. Its olivine and pyroxene compositions, Fo 97-99 and En 96, respectively, are characteristic of carbonaceous chondrites and its plagioclase composition. An 100 is characteristic of C3's. It contains a peculiar group of Co-, Cr-rich metal grains whose compositions are similar, but not identical, to those in C2 chondrites. Its weight ratios of total Fe/SiO2 and SiO2/MgO are 0.74 and 1.43, respectively, and its atomic ratio of Si/Al is 10.7, exactly the same as in carbonaceous chondrites. Its bulk chemical composition is very close to that of the Murchison C2 chondrite. The association of mysterite with a special type of carbonaceous chondrite material suggests that mysterite formed by low-temperature condensation in a different region of the nebula from other carbonaceous chondrites.
A p-norm Flow Optimization Problem in Dense Wireless Sensor Networks

In a network with a high density of wireless nodes, we model flow of information by a continuous vector field known as the information flow vector field. We use a mathematical model that translates a communication network composed of a large but finite number of sensors into a continuum of nodes on which information flow is formulated by a vector field. The magnitude of this vector field is the intensity of the communication activity, and its orientation is the direction in which the traffic is forwarded. The information flow vector field satisfies a set of Neumann boundary conditions and a partial differential equation (PDE) involving the divergence of information, but the divergence constraint and Neumann boundary conditions do not specify the information flow vector field uniquely, and leave us freedom to optimize certain measures within their feasible set. Therefore, we introduce a p-norm flow optimization problem in which we minimize the p-norm of information flow vector field over the area of the network. This problem is a convex optimization problem, and we use sequential quadratic programming (SQP) to solve it. SQP is known for numerical stability and fast convergence to the optimal solution in convex optimization problems. By using standard SQP on p-norm flow optimization, we prove that the solution of each iteration of SQP is uniquely specified by an elliptic PDE with generalized Neumann boundary conditions. The p-norm flow optimization shows interesting properties for different values of p. For example, if p is close to one, the information routes resemble the geometric shortest paths of the sources and sinks, and for p = 2, the information flow shows an analogy to electrostatics. For infinitely large values of p, the problem minimizes the maximum magnitude of the information vector field over the network, and hence it achieves maximum load balancing.
Engineered Barriers in the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant

The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) is a deep geological repository being developed by the Department of Energy as a research and disposal facility in the bedded salt deposit of New Mexico. WIPP is essentially an underground salt mine at 2150 feet (655 meters) below the surface and operates on multiple barrier mechanism. Engineered barriers provide an additional protective measure to prevent the movement of fluid towards the accessible environment. Four types of engineered barriers are used in the WIPP disposal system. This paper presents an analysis of the effectiveness of the engineered barriers in various repository environments.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
17β-Estradiol protects against NMDA-induced excitotoxicity by direct inhibition of NMDA receptors

Several lines of evidence suggest that 17β-estradiol (βE2) has neuroprotective properties. The risk and severity of dementia are decreased in women who have received estrogen therapy, and βE2 protects neurons in vitro against death from a variety of stressors. Neuroprotection by βE2 has been suggested to be due to free radical scavenging. We demonstrate an additional neuroprotective mechanism whereby βE2 protects against NMDA-induced neuronal death by directly inhibiting the NMDA receptor.
Single-ISA heterogeneous multi-core architectures: the potential for processor power reduction

This paper proposes and evaluates single-ISA heterogeneous multi-core architectures as a mechanism to reduce processor power dissipation. Our design incorporates heterogeneous cores representing different points in the power/performance design space; during an application's execution, system software dynamically chooses the most appropriate core to meet specific performance and power requirements. Our evaluation of this architecture shows significant energy benefits. For an objective function that optimizes for energy efficiency with a tight performance threshold, for 14 SPEC benchmarks, our results indicate a 39% average energy reduction while only sacrificing 3% in performance. An objective function that optimizes for energy-delay with looser performance bounds achieves, on average, nearly a factor of three improvements in energy-delay product while sacrificing only 22% in performance. Energy savings are substantially more than chip-wide voltage/frequency scaling.
Conservative and Right-Wing Movements

In recent years, the right has become a powerful force in many parts of the world. This review focuses primarily on the United States, with comparisons to rightist movements elsewhere. Our focus is movements, not political parties or intellectual trends. The article begins with terms and definitions and distinguishes conservative from right-wing movements. We then review changing theoretical orientations and the major findings on ideologies and characteristics of these movements. We also survey contextual factors that influence rightist mobilization and strategies used by rightist movements. We pay particular attention to New Right and New Christian Right conservative movements and to right-wing skinhead and white supremacist movements. A final section examines methodological and ethical concerns that arise in studies of the right. The conclusion recommends directions for future research.
Improved specular highlights with adaptive shading

Gouraud shading and Phong shading are widely used interpolation methods to render a polygon mesh of a curved surface. When an illumination equation has a specular reflection term Phong shading produces more realistic results than Gouraud shading. The specular highlights produced by Phong shading give visual information about surface geometry and properties. But it is not implemented in most graphics workstations and software renderers due to its computational expense. This paper introduces an adaptive shading method that produces Phong-shaded quality images for a small increase in rendering time using Gouraud shading systems. Higher quality images can be obtained from existing graphics hardware or software through a simple modification of the application or library.
Bringing It All Back Home How Outside Stressors Shape Families' Everyday Lives

Families are dynamic systems that are permeable to influences from the outside world, such as daily stressors at work and at school. Our research uses naturalistic methods to investigate how family interactions change in response to such experiences and how other family members contribute to that process. We argue that the short-term effects of daily stressors on family dynamics can have cumulative, long-term implications for family health and functioning. Naturalistic studies that incorporate daily diary, observational, and physiological measures can offer new insights into families' everyday stress responding and coping processes.
Effect of Voltage and Exposure Time on Fish Response to Electrosedation

Abstract Chemical sedatives requiring withdrawal (period of time where fish are held posttreatment to allow for tissue drug residues to dissipate) may be impractical for field use. As a result, fisheries professionals are beginning to investigate alternative methods that allow fish to be released immediately after treatment. To address the safety and efficacy of electrosedation as an “immediate-release” sedative approach, induction, recovery times, and blood chemistry of juvenile (211 ± 4 g, 26.1 ± 0.1 cm total length [mean ± SE]) hybrid striped bass (female Morone chrysops × male M. saxatilis) were evaluated after sedation by exposure to 100, 150, or 200 V of pulsed direct current (30 Hz and 25% duty cycle) for 4 or 8 s. All fish were sedated to stage IV sedation within 0.3 min, regardless of voltage strength or exposure time. Recovery times varied significantly by the electrosedation treatment used, but all fish recovered within 2 min postinduction. Changes in blood chemistry were consistent with an acu...
Determination of Atomic and Molecular Excited-state Lifetimes Using an Optoelectronic Cross-correlation Method

A new optoelectronic cross-correlation technique has been used to measure excited-state lifetimes of several organic fluorophores in solution and of sodium atoms in both air-acetylene and methane-air flames. Capable of time resolution in the picosecond range, the new method was validated by the excellent agreement between measured and literature values for fluorescence lifetimes of the organic species. Lifetime values for Na atoms in flames are among the most precise ever reported and agree closely with values calculated from the known flame gas composition, temperature, and the quenching cross-sections of the two dominant quenching species in the flame, N2 and CO2. From the Na excited-state lifetimes (0.72 ± 0.07 ns for air-acetylene and 0.48 ± 0.08 ns for methane-air flames), quantum efficiencies for atomic fluorescence were calculated.
Pelleted Beet Pulp Substituted for High-Moisture Corn: 2. Effects on Digestion and Ruminal Digestion Kinetics in Lactating Dairy Cows

Abstract The effects of increasing concentrations of dried, pelleted beet pulp substituted for high-moisture corn on digestion and ruminal digestion kinetics were evaluated using eight ruminally and duodenally cannulated multiparous Holstein cows in a duplicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 21-d periods. Cows were 79 ± 17 (mean ± SD) d in milk at the beginning of the experiment. Experimental diets with 40% forage (corn silage and alfalfa silage) and 60% concentrate contained 0, 6.1, 12.1, or 24.3% beet pulp substituted for high-moisture corn on a dry matter basis. Diet concentrations of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and starch were 24.3 and 34.6% (0% beet pulp), 26.2 and 30.5% (6% beet pulp), 28.0 and 26.5% (12% beet pulp), and 31.6 and 18.4% (24% beet pulp), respectively. Ruminal dry matter pool decreased and NDF turnover rate increased as dietary beet pulp content increased. Potentially digestible NDF was digested more extensively and at a faster rate in the rumen with increasing beet pulp, resulting in increased total tract NDF digestibility. Passage rates of potentially digestible NDF and of indigestible NDF were not affected by treatment. True ruminal digestibility of starch decreased with increasing beet pulp substitution. This was caused by a linear increase in starch passage rate, possibly because of increasing ruminal fill, and a linear decrease in digestion rate of starch in the rumen, possibly because of reduced amylolytic enzyme activity for lower-starch diets. Although true ruminal starch digestibility decreased when more beet pulp was fed, whole tract starch digestibility was not affected because of compensatory digestion of starch in the intestines. Due to more thorough digestion of fiber in diets containing more beet pulp, whole-tract digestibility of organic matter increased linearly, and intake of digestible organic matter was not affected. Partially replacing high-moisture corn with beet pulp in low-forage diets increased fiber digestibility without reducing whole-tract starch digestibility.
Effect of thiamin deficiency and controlled inanition on ovarian function.

EXPERIMENTAL studies have shown that a diet deficient in the vitamin B complex or thiamin (vitamin Bi) will interfere with ovarian function and produce anestrous (Evans and Bishop, 1923; Parkes, 1928; Shin, 1933; and others). However it is not clear from these studies if the resulting anestrous was due to a deficiency of vitamin B complex, or due to a thiamin deficiency per se, or an effect of the concomitant inanition. In more recent studies Coward and Morgan (1941) observed that rats fed a thiamin-free diet had two or three normal cycles and then entered into anestrous. Again the effect may have been due to the thiamin deficiency per se or the resultant inanition. Others have reported that partial or acute starvation will result in ovarian atrophy or loss of estrus in rats, which they attributed to insufficient pituitary gonadotropin secretion (Mulinos et al, .1939; Mulinos and Pomerantz, 1940; Werner, 1939).
Molecular Pathogenesis, Epidemiology, and Clinical Manifestations of Respiratory Infections Due to Bordetella pertussis and Other Bordetella Subspecies

Bordetella respiratory infections are common in people (B. pertussis) and in animals (B. bronchiseptica). During the last two decades, much has been learned about the virulence determinants, pathogenesis, and immunity of Bordetella. Clinically, the full spectrum of disease due to B. pertussis infection is now understood, and infections in adolescents and adults are recognized as the reservoir for cyclic outbreaks of disease. DTaP vaccines, which are less reactogenic than DTP vaccines, are now in general use in many developed countries, and it is expected that the expansion of their use to adolescents and adults will have a significant impact on reducing pertussis and perhaps decrease the circulation of B. pertussis. Future studies should seek to determine the cause of the unique cough which is associated with Bordetella respiratory infections. It is also hoped that data gathered from molecular Bordetella research will lead to a new generation of DTaP vaccines which provide greater efficacy than is provided by today's vaccines.
Increased O2·− Production and Upregulation of ETB Receptors by Sympathetic Neurons in DOCA-Salt Hypertensive Rats

Superoxide anion (O2*-) production is elevated in the vasculature of hypertensive animals but it is not known if O2*- production is also elevated in the sympathetic nervous system. We measured O2*- levels in prevertebral sympathetic ganglia of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats using the dihydroethidine (DHE) fluorescence method. O2*- was elevated in ganglia from DOCA-salt rats compared with normotensive sham rats. Treatment of ganglia with endothelin (ET)-1 (3x10(-8) mol/L) resulted in a 200% increase in fluorescence intensity in neurons, which was attenuated by the ET(B) receptor antagonist BQ788 (10(-7) mol/L). ET-1 also increased the O2*- induced fluorescence in dissociated sympathetic neurons and PC-12 cells via activation of ET(B) receptors, but not ET(A) receptors. To evaluate whether elevated ET-1 levels in the ganglia might contribute to the elevated O2*- found in ganglia we measured the amount of ET-1 using an ELISA assay. ET-1 levels in sham rat celiac ganglia were 695.6+/-40.9 picogram per gram; they were not different than ET-1 levels in ganglia from DOCA-salt rats. We then compared ET(B) receptor levels in ganglia from sham and DOCA-salt animals. ET(B) receptor mRNA levels were 32% higher and ET(B) receptor protein levels were 20% higher in celiac ganglia from DOCA-salt rats than from sham rats separately. In conclusion, O2*- is elevated in prevertebral sympathetic ganglia in DOCA-salt hypertension, and ET-1 is a potent stimulus for the elevation of O2*- levels in sympathetic ganglia, an effect that may be mediated by the upregulation of ET(B) receptors.
Absence of ABCA1 mutations in individuals with low serum HDL-cholesterol.

Over the last quarter century, a decreased concentration of serum HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) has emerged as one of the major risk factors for coronary artery disease (1)(2). The antiatherogenic role of HDL-C has been proposed to be a result of its role in reverse cholesterol transport—removal of excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver for reuse or excretion as bile acids (3). An important discovery was made recently with regard to the first step in reverse cholesterol transport: the efflux of the intracellular cholesterol and its subsequent uptake by nascent HDL particles is now thought to be catalyzed by an enzyme that is a member of the ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABC) family, known as the ABCA1 enzyme. Deleterious mutations, when present in both alleles in the ABCA1 gene, have been found to be the cause of Tangier disease (TD), which is characterized by an almost complete absence of serum HDL-C (<70 mg/L) (4)(5)(6). The carrier state of deleterious mutations in the ABCA1 gene has also been …
Sketch of a basic theory for a formal language for business communication

Progress has been substantial in research on developing a general-purpose formal language for business communication (FLBC). Key distinctions have been made, important concepts identified, impressive prototypes implemented. The purpose of this paper is to present in a succinct way the basic elements of a complete (logical) theory for an FLBC. These elements include: speech act theory, event semantics, extensive use of thematic roles, and representation in first-order logic.
EFFECT OF ENZYMATIC HYDROLYSIS ON SOME FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF WHEY PROTEIN

A study was undertaken to further elucidate the functional properties of whey protein with respect to foaming and emulsifying capacities and to observe the effect of enzymatic hydrolysis on these properties. Emulsion capacity decreased as proteolysis continued suggesting there is an optimum mean molecular size of the proteins involved which is lower than that of casein. Heat treatment of the reconstituted protein concentrate was necessary for foam stability; specific volume and foam stability increased directly with temperature of heating. Re effect of pH on whippability, data indicate that the greater the net charge the greater the tendency to foam. A limited amount of hydrolysis appears desirable to increase foaming but greatly decreases foam stability.