cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stationary Rossby Waves in Western Boundary Current Extensions

Abstract The existence of temporally growing spatially damped long waves in western boundary current extensions is suggested by various authors from both an observational and theoretical point of view. Here the nature of such waves is reconsidered based on both a local analysis of a simple analytical model and numerical experiments. The analytical calculation consists of an investigation of the possible solutions of the quasi-geostrophic equation in a barotropic ocean, when a spatially constant zonal mean flaw and Laplacian lateral dissipation are considered. A previously unexplored case of a low frequency wave that undergoes amplitude growth in time but is spatially damped is explained based on energy convergence in the downstream direction. In the numerical experiments, in addition to an investigation on the realizability of the analytical solutions, effects of a tilting western boundary on the wind-driven circulation are explored. It is found that the tilt of the western boundary has a very strong effe...
A Case of Conjunctival Autotransplantation Using Conjunctival Flap of Pterygium in Treating Corneal Ulcer Perforation

Purpose: To report a case of conjunctival autotransplantation using the conjunctival flap of the pterygium for thetreatment corneal ulcer perforation. Case summary: A 72-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because her left eye had a corneal ulcer due topine needle trauma, and she did not respond to the initial therapy in a private clinic for 1 week. We first applied topical and systemic antibiotics. However, the lesion did not subside, and necrosis progressed in the stroma at the center of the cornea. On day 6 of admission, perforation was found at the center of the cornea, and we excised the necrotic tissue and performed bilateral pedicle conjunctival flap transposition. After the operation, an ischemic change was observed, and in the fourth week perforation occured at the center of the transplanted conjunctival flap. Because we considered it difficult to perform the transplantation of a conjunctival flap in the left eye, we performed autotransplantation on the corneal perforation in the left eye using conjunctival flap obtained through a pterygium excision in the right eye. After the operation, vascular ingrowth started from the edge of the flap, and there were no symptoms of inflammation, shrinkage, or necrosis of the flap. During the follow-up observation, the flap survived well without necrosis.
A FURTHER EVALUATION OF THE ONE-STAGE LOW-ANTERIOR RESECTION.

Follow up data have been presented on 424 patients with carcinoma of the rectum or rectosigmoid, or both, who underwent one-stage low-anterior resection.
Electrical properties of amorphous lithium electrolyte thin films

The impedance of xLi2O·ySiO2·zP2O5 thin films deposited by RF-magnetron sputtering was analyzed using two models in which the frequency dependence of the bulk response was represented by: (1) a Cole-Cole dielectric function and (2) a constant phase angle element. Increases in the conductivity with Li2O concentration and with addition of SiO2 to Li2O-P2O5 compositions are attributed to an increase in Li+ mobility caused by changes in the film structure. A new amorphous oxynitride electrolyte, Li3.3PO3.9N0.17, prepared by sputtering Li3PO4 in N2, has a conductivity at 25°C of 2×10−6S/cm and is stable in conta with lithium.
Resolving a strange case of efficiency

In a recent paper in the Journal of the Operational Research Society, Tone proposes an alternative to the Farrell cost efficiency index to avoid the ‘strange case’ problem in which firms with identical inputs and outputs but with input prices differing by some factor (eg, one has input prices twice another) will have the same Farrell cost efficiency. We provide an alternative cost efficiency indicator that avoids this problem, allows for decomposition into technical and allocative efficiency, and is easily estimated using DEA type models.
Analytical Performance Modeling for Top-K Query Processing

Top-K query processing is one of the most important problems in large-scale Information Retrieval systems. Since query processing time varies for different queries, an accurate run-time performance prediction is critical for online query scheduling and load balancing, which could eventually reduce the query waiting time and improve the throughput. Previous studies estimated the query processing time based on the combination of term-level features. Unfortunately, these features were often selected arbitrarily, and the linear combination of these features might not be able to accurately capture the complexity in the query processing. In this paper, we propose a novel analytical performance modeling framework for top-K query processing. Our goal is to provide a systematic way of identifying important features for the efficiency prediction and then develop a general framework for estimating the query processing time. Specifically, we divide the query processing into three stages, identify useful features and discuss how to use them to model the query processing time for each stage. After that, we propose to fit the model using a step-by-step strategy and compute the approximated feature values based on easily obtained statistics. Experimental results on TREC collections show that the developed performance model can predict the query processing time more accurately than the state of the art efficiency predictor, in particular for the dynamic pruning methods.
Sulfate transport in rabbit ileum: characterization of the serosal border anion exchange process.

The preceding paper [30] shows that transepithelial ileal SO4 transport involves Na-dependent uptake across the ileal brush border, and Cl-dependent efflux across the serosal border. The present study examines more closely the serosal efflux process. Transepithelial mucosa (m)-to-serosa (s) ands-to-m fluxes (J ms,J sm) across rabbit ileal mucosa were determined under short-circuit conditions. SO4 was present at 0.22mm. In standard Cl, HCO3 Ringer's,J SO4 was 81.3±5.3 (1se) andJ SO4 was 2.5±0.2 nmol cm−2 hr−1 (n=20). Serosal addition of 4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyanostilbene-22′-disulfonate (SITS), 44′-diisothiocyanostilbene-22′-disulfonate (DIDS) or 1-anilino-8-naphthalene-sulfonate (ANS) inhibited SO4 transport, SITS being the most potent. Several other inhibitors of anion exchange in erythrocytes and other cells had no effect on ileal SO4 fluxes. In contrast to its effect on SO4 transport, SITS (500 μm) did not detectably alter Cl transport. Replacement of all Cl, HCO3 and PO4 with gluconate reducedJ SO4 by 70% and increasedJ SO4 by 400%. A small but significantJ net SO4 remained.J SO4 could be increased by addition to the serosal side of Cl, Br, I, NO3 or SO4. The stimulatory effect of all these anions was saturable and SITS-inhibitable. The maximalJ SO4 in the presence of Cl was considerably higher than in the presence of SO4 (73.1 and 42.2 nmol. cm−2 hr−1, respectively;p<0.001). TheK 1/2 value for Cl was 7.4mm, 10-fold higher than that for SO4 (0.7mm). Omitting HCO3 and PO4 had no measurable effects on SO4 fluxes. This study shows that (i) SO4 crosses the serosal border of rabbit ileal mucosa by anion exchange; (ii) the exchange process is inhibited by SITS, DIDS and ANS, but not by several other inhibitors of anion exchange in other systems; (iii) SO4 may exchange for Cl, Br, I, NO3 and SO4 itself, but probably not for HCO3 or PO4; (iv) kinetics of the exchange system suggest there is a greater affinity for SO4 than for Cl, although the maximal rate of exchange is higher in the presence of Cl; and, finally (v) SITS has little or no effect on net Cl transport.
High-affinity calcium indicators underestimate increases in intracellular calcium concentrations associated with excitotoxic glutamate stimulations.

Abstract We measured glutamate-stimulated increases in intracellular free Ca 2+ concentrations ([Ca 2+ ] i ) in cultured rat forebrain neurons loaded with both a high- and a low-affinity Ca 2+ indicator. In these dual-dye studies, the high-affinity indicators Fluo-3 and Fura-2 gave both qualitatively and quantitatively different results than the low-affinity indicators Mag-fura-2 and Calcium Green-5N. The glutamate-stimulated peak [Ca 2+ ] i reported using Fluo-3 and Fura-2 were less than 6 μM while the low-affinity indicators Mag-fura-2 and Calcium Green-5N indicated [Ca 2+ ] i responses were more than 12 μM. The shapes of the responses obtained with the two types of dyes were also different, and only the low-affinity indicators effectively demonstrated that [Ca 2+ ] i continues to rise during prolonged (5-min) stimulations. These dual-dye studies also revealed that kainate- and depolarization-induced [Ca 2+ ] i responses could be differentiated from glutamate responses only with the low-affinity indicators. These results suggest that Fluo-3 and Fura-2 underestimate [Ca 2+ ] i induced by excitotoxic glutamate stimuli and that these responses are greater than have previously been reported. These studies also reveal, in contrast to previous reports, that excitotoxic stimuli do indeed cause increases in [Ca 2+ ] i that are greater than those produced by non-toxic stimuli.
Persistent Fatigue in STEM CELL Transplant Survivors: A Biobehavioral Perspective

s / Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 21 (2015) S114eS126 S126 Discussion & Implications: Giving students the opportunity to experience blood and marrow transplant nursing in a controlled setting has allowed for smoother transitions into the role of RN, allowing for shorter new nurse orientation, low turnover rates and high retention rates. The opportunity of working with experienced blood and marrow transplant nurses provides new nurses with the tools and support needed to be successful in a challenging specialty. TRANSPLANT NURSING RESEARCH
Analytical Procedures for Management Accountants and Auditors

Analytical procedures entail estimating an expected value for an account and comparing the estimation to the book value. External auditors make extensive use of analytical procedures. By applying analytical procedures before the external audit is performed, the management accountant can locate and correct misstatements before they become problematic. Examines the three categories of analytical procedures and their utility to the management accountant. The three categories are: reasonableness tests, trend analysis, and ratio analysis. Explains each category and discusses the methods within each category. Also, provides examples to aid the accountant in applying the procedures.
Impact-Parameter Dependence of Multiple Lepton-pair Production from Electromagnetic Fields

In relativistic heavy-ion collisions, the strong Lorentz-contracted electromagnetic fields are capable of producing copious numbers of lepton pairs through the two-photon mechanism. Monte Carlo techniques have been developed that allow the exact calculation of production by this mechanism when a semi-classical approximation is made to the motion of the two ions. Here, we develop a hybrid Monte Carlo technique that enables us to calculate the impact parameter dependence of the two-photon mechanism for lepton-pair production, and by using this result, we obtain the probability distribution for multiple-pair production as a function of impact parameter. Computations are performed for S+Au and Pb+Pb systems at 200 A GeV and 160 A GeV, respectively. We also compare our results with the equivalent photon approximation and elucidate the differences.
Toward reliable calculations of heat and plastic flow during friction stir welding of Ti-6Al-4V alloy

Abstract Heat transfer and visco-plastic flow during friction stir welding of Ti-6Al-4V alloy have been modeled in three dimensions by numerically solving the equations of conservation of mass, momentum and energy using temperature dependent thermo-physical properties and temperature and strain-rate dependent viscosity values. The computed results showed that five important model parameters, i. e., the spatially variable friction coefficient, the spatially variable slip between the tool and the workpiece, the extent of viscous dissipation, the mechanical efficiency and the spatially variable heat transfer rate from the bottom surface of the workpiece significantly affected both the temperature fields and the computed torque on the tool. An important problem in the modeling of friction stir welding is that the values of these five parameters cannot be specified from fundamental principles and, and as a result, computed results are not always accurate. Here we show that by combining the heat transfer and pl...
The Vernonia lindheimeri complex (Compositae)

Variation within theVernonia lindheimeri complex was investigated in a biosystematic study. The results of this study with keys, descriptions, synonymies, and distribution maps are presented. Present evidence indicates thatVernonia lindheimeri var.lindheimeri andV. lindheimeri var.leucophylla should best be treated as two distinct species, the latter asV. larsenii. Vernonia guadalupensis andV. reverchonii are recognized as hybrids.
REM sleep deprivation reduces emotionality in female rats

Forty female Sprague-Dawley female rats were divided into control and REM sleep-deprived groups to measure the effects of REM deprivation on level of emotionality (i.e., frequency of defecation and urination during 15-min posttreatment open-field tests). We observed significantly lower levels of emotionality in the REM-deprived animals during both the immediate and the 21-day posttreatment tests.
A systematic review of skin substitutes for foot ulcers.

Background Bioengineered and allograft-derived skin substitutes are increasingly available and marketed for use in the healing of chronic wounds. Plastic surgeons should have evidence-based information available to guide their use of these products. The authors systematically reviewed the literature to determine the published outcomes and effectiveness of different skin substitutes for healing chronic foot ulcers. Methods A broad literature search of the MEDLINE, EBSCO, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases was undertaken. Relevant studies were selected by three independent reviewers to include randomized controlled trials or systematic reviews examining the use of skin substitutes on foot ulcers. Results were narrowed further by the application of predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies were assessed for quality and data were extracted regarding study characteristics and objective outcomes. Results Of an initial 271 search results, 15 randomized controlled trials, one prospective comparative study, and five systematic reviews were included in the systematic review. Most of the included clinical studies were of moderate to low quality by objective standards, and reported results using cell-based skin substitutes. The primary outcome examined, success rate of complete healing, was equivalent to or better than that of standard therapy for all skin substitutes examined. Conclusions A convincing body of evidence supports the effectiveness of living cell-based skin substitutes as an adjunctive therapy for increasing the rate of complete healing in chronic foot ulcers when basic tenets of wound care are also being implemented. Acellular skin substitutes also show some promise for treatment of foot wounds but require further study. Clinical question/level of evidence Therapeutic, II.
Note on guessing probabilities

Abstract A hypothesis of stationary response probabilities (SRP), or that subjects equate the unconditional probability of each response to its frequency of occurrence in the task, is shown to be equivalent to the proposal of Atkinson et al. (1965) that guessing may occur only among unlearned responses. This hypothesis is contrasted with the usual assumption of stationary guessing probabilities (SGP). It is shown that assuming SGP when SRP is true results in a biased estimate of learning which first increases and then decreases with the actual degree of learning, and is a decreasing function of list length. This can lead to improper inferences, including erroneous rejection of an all-or-none model and spurious evidence of increasing difficulty in long lists.
Effects of flue gas compositions on nitrosamine and nitramine formation in postcombustion CO2 capture systems.

Amine-based technologies are emerging as the prime contender for postcombustion CO2 capture. However, concerns have arisen over the health impacts of amine-based CO2 capture associated with the release of nitrosamines and nitramines, which are byproducts from the reactions between flue gas NOx and solvent amines. In this study, flue gas compositions were systematically varied to evaluate their effects on the formation of nitrosamines and nitramines in a lab-scale CO2 capture reactor with morpholine as a model solvent amine. The accumulation of N-nitrosomorpholine in both the absorber and washwater increased linearly with both NO and NO2 for concentrations up to ∼20 ppmv. These correlations could be extrapolated to estimate N-nitrosomorpholine accumulation at extremely low NOx levels (0.3 ppmv NO2 and 1.5 ppmv NO). NO played a particularly important role in driving N-nitrosomorpholine formation in the washwater, likely following partial oxidation to NO2 by O2. The accumulation of N-nitromorpholine in both ...
Electrochemical deposition of polyaniline–polypyrrole composite coatings on aluminum

The electrodeposition of polyaniline–polypyrrole composite coatings on aluminum was successfully performed by using cyclic voltammetry. Oxalic acid was used as the electrolyte. Electrodeposition was carried out at a scan rate of 20 mV/s by varying the number of cycles. An anodic peak current at around −0.1 V versus saturated calomel electrode (SCE) was observed in the cyclic voltammograms. This peak is due to the oxidation and adsorption of hydrogen. The cyclic voltammograms also show another anodic peak current at around 1.0 V versus SCE, which is the characteristic peak of the polyaniline–polypyrrole composite. The behavior of this peak with respect to the number of cycles is discussed in detail. A corresponding cathodic peak current at around −0.7 V versus SCE was also observed in the cyclic voltammograms. The infrared spectra of the composite coatings revealed the infrared peaks of both polypyrrole and polyaniline. The scanning electron micrographs of the coatings indicate a morphology completely different from its homopolymers. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 1970–1977, 2002
Lessons learned from implementing Clostridium difficile-focused antibiotic stewardship interventions.

Objective. To determine whether controlling the prescription of targeted antibiotics would translate to a measurable reduction in hospital-onset Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) rates.Design. A multicenter before-and-after intervention comparative study.Setting/participants. Ten medical centers in the greater New York region. Intervention group comprised of 6 facilities with early antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). The 4 facilities without ASPs made up the nonintervention group.Interventions/methods. Intervention facilities identified target antibiotics using case-control studies and implemented ASP-based strategies to control their use. Pre- and postintervention hospital-onset CDI rates and antibiotic consumption were compared for a 20-month period from June 2010 to January 2012. Antibiotic usage was compared using defined daily dose, days of therapy, and number of courses prescribed. Comparisons used bivariate and regression techniques.Results. Intervention facilities identified piperacilli...
On software standards

Abstract This paper examines the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Software Management Standard, D-4000, and the Department of Defense DOD-STD-2167A, Military Standard Defense System Software Development. The paper identifies the unique requirements of each standard, their relationships and/or their specific emphasis.
Multivariate simulation output analysis

Gives an overview of some multivariate statistical techniques that can be used in analyzing discrete-event simulation output. A general discussion of multivariate output is given, as well as methods for analyzing the output from two fundamentally different types or simulation models (terminating and steady-state). >
Brainstem projections to the major respiratory neuron populations in the medulla of the cat

Efferent and afferent connections of the dorsal and ventral respiratory groups in the medulla of the cat were mapped by axonal transport of wheat germ agglutinin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase. Injections of wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase into the dorsal respiratory group and the three principal subdivisions of the ventral respiratory group (caudal, rostral, and Botzinger Complex) revealed extensive interconnections between these regions and with a limited number of other brainstem neuron populations. Major neuron populations with efferent projections to the regions of the dorsal and ventral respiratory groups include the parabrachial nuclear complex (medial parabrachial, lateral parabrachial, and Kolliker-Fuse nuclei), subregions of the lateral paragigantocellular reticular nucleus, subregions of the lateral and magnocellular tegmental fields, inferior central and postpyramidal nuclei of the raphe, and sensory trigeminal nuclei. A previously unidentified neuron population with extensive efferent projections to the dorsal and ventral respiratory groups was found near the ventral surface of the rostral medulla; we refer to this group as the retrotrapezoid nucleus. The results suggest that the dorsal and ventral respiratory groups form an extensively interconnected neuronal system receiving convergent inputs from the same brainstem nuclear groups, consistent with the hypothesis that the dorsal and ventral groups are primarily sites for integration of sensory and premotor respiratory drive inputs. Neuron populations in the rostral ventrolateral medulla with projections to both the dorsal and ventral respiratory groups, particularly the retrotrapezoid nucleus and neighboring subregions of the lateral paragigantocellular reticular nucleus, are candidate sites for participation in respiratory rhythmogenesis or other critical functions of the brainstem respiratory control system such as intracranial chemoreception.
Peresters XIII. Solvent effects in the decomposition of t-butylperoxy α-phenylisobutyrate with special reference to the cage effect

t-Butylperoxy α-phenylisobutyrate (I) decomposes thermally by concerted formation of carbon dioxide, t-butoxy, and cumyl radicals. Radical pair return in the solvent cage therefore does not affect the observed rate of decomposition, but is readily determined by means of galvinoxyl and other scavengers. In a series of 15 solvents the rate constant varies over a 2.8 fold range, being fastest in aromatic solvents. In the same solvent series the relative rates of diffusion and combination of radicals, measured by the cage effect, change by tenfold and are largely determined by the viscosity of the solvent. In all solvents of η > 8 mP, the reciprocal of the cage effect is a linear function of (T1/2/η), as recently observed for trifluoromethyl and methyl radicals [16]. This property of the cage effect provides a test by which it can be distinguished from other processes that reduce the efficiency of free-radical production from an initiator.
Induction of cytochrome P-450 and P-448 in the outer membrane of mouse liver nuclei by phenobarbital and benzo [α-]pyrene

This investigation confirms the presence of the inducible mixed function hydroxylase enzyme system in nuclear membranes. The cytochrome P-450 spectrum and demethylase activity, markers of the enzyme system, were used to define its localization to the outer membrane envelope. Intact BALB/c mouse liver nuclei isolated and purified in Mg++ sucrose media of low ionic strength gave CO-dithionite reduced difference spectra of cytochrome P-450 and P-448. Phenobarbital induced P-450 by 40% while the carcinogenic hydrocarbon, benzo [α] pyrene, induced P-448 twofold. A corresponding increase was also observed in the microsomes of the same tissue preparations. No microsomal contamination of nuclear preparations was found. Intact nuclei stripped of their outer membrane by 0.5% Triton X-100 treatment resulted in a striking absence of the P-450 which, however, was found to be present in isolated outer nuclear membranes.
Dynamical symmetry of the magnetic vortex

Abstract The dynamics of charged point particles interacting with point vortices, as in the idealized Aharonov-Bohm experiment or in Chern-Simons physics, possesses a dynamical SO(2, 1) symmetry. Ramifications of this symmetry for the physical problem are presented. We also find an integral representation for the scattering wave function, discuss the angular momentum spectrum, and establish the absence of self-interactions in Chern-Simons electrodynamics, for which the two-body scattering state is explicitly constructed as a definite superposition of free one-body states.
Fetal endometriosis: a case report.

Objective To report a case of a large fetal pelvic mass diagnosed at 35 weeks' gestation. Design Report of a unique case of a fetal abdominal mass, emphasizing the wide range of differential diagnoses. Although rare reports of fetal ovarian cysts exist, even fewer describe endometriosis or endometriomas in infants. As of 2014 there have not been any published reports of fetal endometriosis from the United States. Setting Large tertiary community hospital. Patient(s) An 18-year-old pregnant woman diagnosed with a large fetal pelvic mass at 35 weeks' gestation. Intervention(s) Diagnosis of a fetal abdominal mass at 35 weeks with documented enlargement at 37 weeks leading to delivery, with subsequent removal of the mass on day of life 2. Main Outcome Measure(s) On day of life 2, a pediatric surgeon performed an exploratory laparotomy and left salpingo-oophorectomy. Result(s) Final pathology showed a 7.0 × 4.5 cm cyst-like structure consistent with hemorrhagic ovarian cyst wall and focal endometriosis. Conclusion(s) It can be very difficult to counsel patients regarding an abdominal mass in their unborn child. These difficulties stem from the large list of differential diagnoses and the range of prognoses they portend. As more and more of these cases appear in the literature, we are able to gain a better understanding of how each of these diagnoses present and appear on imaging, allowing us to provide a more accurate diagnosis and counseling antenatally.
Stratigraphic and Tectonic Framework of Libya: ABSTRACT

Libya is situated on the unstable Mediterranean foreland of the African shield. Marine strata of Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic ages abound in northern Libya, but continental rocks of Paleozoic and Mesozoic ages predominate in southern Libya. Several marine incursions, mainly in Silurian, Middle Devonian, Carboniferous, Late Cretaceous, and Eocene times, reached far into the country, some crossing the southern border. Compression folds are almost wholly absent; however, uplift, subsidence, block faulting, and tilting have occurred, and angular and parallel unconformities are common. The major diastrophic disturbances include the Caledonian and Hercynian, as well as disturbances during Late Cretaceous and Oligocene through Miocene or Recent times. The chief regional structures are the Gefara-Gabese basin, Hamada basin, Gargaf arch, Marzuk basin, Tibesti-Haruj uplift, Kufra basin, north Cyrenaican uplift, and Sirte basin. Several large flows and intrusions of Cenozoic basalt and phonolite are present. Sand and gravel conceal the bedrock in about a third of the country. In the Sirte basin, marine sedimentation, differential compaction, reef development, subsidence, and block faulting, beginning in Late Cretaceous time, favored the development of source and reservoir rocks. Recoverable oil has been found chiefly in limestone and sandstone of Late Cretaceous and Tertiary ages, but also is reported in some knobs of lower Paleozoic sandstone and fractured Precambrian granite. In the Hamada basin, many oil accumulations have been found in sandstone beds of several Paleozoic systems. Most or all of the oil discovered to date probably is in anticlinal structures, but accumulations may exist in other types of traps. End_of_Article - Last_Page 608------------
Synopsis of the extension of the integrated tiger series (ITS) of electron/ photon Monte Carlo codes to 100 GeV

Abstract Version 2.1 of the Integrated Tiger Series (ITS) of electron-photon Monte Carlo codes has been modified to extend their ability to model interactions up to 100 GeV. Benchmarks against experimental results conducted at 10 and 15 GeV confirm the accuracy of the extended codes.
Treatment of vascular lesions with combined dynamic precooling, postcooling thermal quenching, and ND:YAG 1,064-nm laser.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the newly developed neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) 1,064-nm laser system for nonablative laser treatment of vascular lesions in Asians. Five patients with vascular lesions in the periorbital area received serial treatments. The fluences were set between 80 and 90 J/cm 2 . The patients were followed for 6 months. Improvements were noted in all patients. Transient erythema and swelling were noted in all patients during the postoperative period. Transient purpura occurred in one patient. The Nd:YAG 1,064-nm laser system, when coupled with dynamic precooling and postcooling thermal quenching, is effective and safe in treating periorbital vascular lesions even when multiple treatments are performed. No significant adverse effects were noted in this study.
Wideband channelized receiver possibilities with 0.18-μm CMOS technology

Channelized receivers are useful in communications systems that use frequency division multiplexing, and in wideband radar and electronic warfare receivers. In present wideband communications equipment, the channelization function is done typically with discrete elements such as mixers and surface acoustic wave (SAW) bandpass filters on a single channel basis. Recently much activity has been directed to using digital techniques and devices to make smaller, cheaper receivers. Following this trend, this paper exploits the 'Timeline' 0.18 micron CMOS technology recently announced by Texas Instruments and show the bandwidths, levels of system integration, and package sizes that become possible with the Timeline technology. The design example shown is a digital channelizer for a system with 150 MHz total bandwidth including 60 channels on 2.5 MHz channel centers. A polyphase filter bank algorithm with 6x oversampling compared to the channel spacing is used. The design is suitable for a burst communication receiver. With the Timeline technology, an ASIC that implements two maximally decimated filter banks at the above bandwidths is shown. The ASIC fits onto a 20 mm by 20 mm die and consumes about 7 watts. Three such ASICs are then needed to implement the complete 6x oversampled filter bank, which will output 60 complex channels at 15 MSPS for about 20 watts.
Developing effective prevention services for the real world: a prevention service development model.

A Prevention Service Development Model (PSDM) is presented as an approach to develop prevention programs that are both effective and that are readily adopted for implementation in community settings. The model is an integration of concepts and methods from two fields, prevention research and marketing research as applied to new service development. Questions that are posed at each stage of the PSDM are described. Studies from the development of two preventive interventions are presented to illustrate research at several of the stages of the model.
The Chain Version of Comparative Advantage: An Empirical Investigation

Empirical work on the Heckscher–Ohlin (H-O) theorem has been unable to reach consensus on its consistency with the data. In this paper we test the chain version of the H-O theorem empirically for the first time by using data on capital and labor endowments and capital/labor intensities by sector combined with export/import data for the United States. According to our findings, predictions of the theory are not confirmed by the data. However, when gross investment is used as a proxy for productive capital stock and capital/labor ratios are replaced by investment/labor ratios, we find almost perfect concordance between net trade flows and endowments as predicted by theory.
Midline approaches to cerebrovascular lesions

Midline posterior circulation aneurysms lie in one of the most difficult regions to access surgically. The standard lateral and transtentorial approaches are useful, yet at times are hindered by suboptimal visualization, a long working distance, and possible need for retraction of the brain stem and lower cranial nerves. The anterior midline transclival approach is the most direct route to these aneurysms and offers optimal exposure such that proximal and distal vascular control is possible if necessary. The clivus can be reached by a transoral, transnasal, or transcervical route. The major drawback of the anterior midline transclival approach is the high incidence of complications, particularly the high incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leak and meningitis. A review of the 35 reported cases in the literature since 1966 showed 71% excellent outcomes and 24% mortality. There was a 51% incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leak and 43% meningitis (3 of the 15 cases of meningitis were fatal). There were 19 (54%) other complications, 4 (11%) of which caused deaths, 3 (9%) of which caused major permanent deficits, and 5 (14%) of which caused minor deficits. New techniques have been developed for prevention of cerebrospinal fluid leaks, and modern broad-spectrum antibiotics lessen the chance of permanent neurological sequelae from meningitis. As the complication rate improves, the anterior midline transclival approach may become even more attractive for the treatment of difficult midline posterior circulation aneurysms.
Introduction: Four Classwide Peer Tutoring Programs—Research, Recommendations for Implementation, and Future Directions

The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), signed into law on January 8, 2002 (U.S. Department of Education, 2002), addresses four basic reform principles: increased accountability for student outcomes, ...
Impact on contrast, fluoroscopy, and catheter utilization from knowing the coronary artery bypass graft anatomy before diagnostic coronary angiography.

To what extent the unavailability of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) anatomy complicates the performance of diagnostic coronary angiography has not been studied. The medical and catheterization records and coronary angiograms of 367 consecutive CABG surgery patients who underwent 394 diagnostic coronary angiographic studies from October 1, 2004, to May 31, 2007, were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' mean age was 65 ± 9 years, and 97% were men. The mean interval from CABG surgery to angiography was 8.3 ± 6.1 years. Patent left internal mammary artery grafts were found in 75%, and the mean number of patent grafts was 2.1 ± 1.0. Compared with angiograms with known CABG anatomy, angiograms with unknown CABG anatomy (26%) required significantly higher amounts of contrast (189 ± 7 vs 158 ± 4 ml), longer fluoroscopy times (14.0 ± 0.7 vs 10.6 ± 0.4 minutes), and more diagnostic catheters (3.0 ± 0.1 vs 2.5 ± 0.05) (p
An adaptive power allocation scheme for space-time block coded MIMO systems

Receive diversity yields a higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) than transmit diversity when the total transmitted power and diversity order are the same. However, if the transmitter has complete or partial knowledge of channel, the SNR gap between these two schemes can be reduced. This paper introduces an adaptive power allocation scheme for space-time block coded (STBC) multiple-antenna systems to improve system performance. For any set of channel fading coefficients, the transmit power scaling factors are controlled by a single design parameter u. The proposed adaptive power allocation scheme improves the instantaneous SNR at the receiver. Special choices of u result in some existing STBC schemes. Performance gain of the proposed scheme over the conventional equal-power scheme under the condition of perfect and imperfect feedback is studied. The maximum achievable SNR gain limit over the conventional scheme is also derived.
IL-27R deficiency delays the onset of colitis and protects from helminth-induced pathology in a model of chronic IBD.

Members of the IL-6/IL-12 cytokine family play central roles in Crohn’s disease. The present findings demonstrate that IL-27, a close relative of IL-12 and IL-23, can promote the onset of colitis in mice. We report that, compared with IL-10-deficient animals, which succumb to chronic intestinal disease at 3-6 months of age, mice lacking both IL-10 and the IL-27R (IL-27R/WSX-1) exhibit delayed pathology and prolonged survival (>1 year). Moreover, unlike highly susceptible IL-10-deficient counterparts, they were able to clear infection with Trichuris muris, a colon-dwelling nematode. In both models of intestinal inflammation, improved clinical outcome was associated with reduced inflammation and profound attenuation of Th1 responses and, consistent with these in vivo findings, we confirmed that during in vitro differentiation, IL-27 directly promotes CD4 1 T cell IFN-g production through effects on Tbet, a key Th1 transcription factor. We also found that its ability to suppress Th2 responses, which was clearly evident in helminth-infected IL-102/2IL-27R2/2 mice, was largely Tbet independent. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that, in the absence of IL-10, IL-27 can promote Th1-type and suppress Th2-type intestinal inflammation but, ultimately, is not required for the development of inflammatory bowel disease.
Beam dumps, stoppers and Faraday cups at the SLC

The features of beam dumps and stoppers necessary to absorb and dissipate SLC (Stanford Linear Collider) e/sup +or-/ beams with transverse sizes from several tens to a few hundred microns are examined. Solutions are based on electromagnetic cascade shower calculations for N=5*10/sup 10/ e/bunch and momenta ranging from 1.2 GeV/c in the damping ring transport systems to 50 GeV/c in the arc matching sections and the final focus region. >
Integrated MPPT and bidirectional battery charger for PV application using one multiphase interleaved three-port dc-dc converter

In this paper, a three-port bidirectional dc-dc converter is proposed for grid-interactive photovoltaic (PV) system application. The three-phase topology is suitable for residential power requirement. The control of battery and PV are naturally decoupled. In addition, the port interface with PV is current type which can implement maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and soft switching under wide variation of PV terminal voltage. Finally, simulation and experimental results are proposed to verify the power control in different operation modes.
The FGF23–Klotho axis: endocrine regulation of phosphate homeostasis

Appropriate levels of phosphate in the body are maintained by the coordinated regulation of the bone-derived growth factor FGF23 and the membrane-bound protein Klotho. The endocrine actions of FGF23, in association with parathyroid hormone and vitamin D, mobilize sodium-phosphate cotransporters that control renal phosphate transport in proximal tubular epithelial cells. The availability of an adequate amount of Klotho is essential for FGF23 to exert its phosphaturic effects in the kidney. In the presence of Klotho, FGF23 activates downstream signaling components that influence the homeostasis of phosphate, whereas in the absence of this membrane protein, it is unable to exert such regulatory effects, as demonstrated convincingly in animal models. Several factors, including phosphate and vitamin D, can regulate the production of both FGF23 and Klotho and influence their functions. In various acquired and genetic human diseases, dysregulation of FGF23 and Klotho is associated with vascular and skeletal anomalies owing to altered phosphate turnover. In this Review, I summarize how the endocrine effects of bone-derived FGF23, in coordination with Klotho, can regulate systemic phosphate homeostasis, and how an inadequate balance of these molecules can lead to complications that are caused by abnormal mineral ion metabolism.
Development of High-Performance Grid-Connected Wind Energy Conversion System for Optimum Utilization of Variable Speed Wind Turbines

This paper presents an improvement technique for the power quality of the electrical part of a wind generation system with a self-excited induction generator (SEIG) which aims to optimize the utilization of wind power injected into weak grids. To realize this goal, an uncontrolled rectifier-digitally controlled inverter system is proposed. The advantage of the proposed system is its simplicity due to fewer controlled switches which leads to less control complexity. It also provides full control of active and reactive power injected into the grid using a voltage source inverter (VSI) as a dynamic volt ampere reactive (VAR) compensator. A voltage oriented control (VOC) scheme is presented in order to control the energy to be injected into the grid. In an attempt to minimize the harmonics in the inverter current and voltage and to avoid poor power quality of the wind energy conversion system (WECS), an LC filter is inserted between VOC VSI and the grid. The proposed technique is implemented by a digital signal processor (DSP TMS320F240) to verify the validity of the proposed model and show its practical superiority in renewable energy applications.
Prostaglandins and other eicosanoids in insects: biological significance.

▪ Abstract Prostaglandins and other eicosanoids are oxygenated metabolites of certain polyunsaturated fatty acids. These compounds are well known for their important actions in mammalian physiology and disease. Recent work has revealed the presence and biological actions of eicosanoids in insects and many other invertebrate animals. In insects, eicosanoids mediate cellular immunity to microbial and metazoan challenge. Notably, some infectious organisms secrete factors responsible for impairing host insect immune reactions by inhibiting biosynthesis of eicosanoids. Eicosanoids also act in insect reproductive biology, in ion transport physiology, and in fever response to infection as well as in protein exocytosis in tick salivary glands. Aside from ongoing actions in homeostasis, certain eicosanoid actions occur at crucial points in insect life histories, such as during infectious challenge and important events in reproduction.
Hybrid half- and full-bridge converter with high efficiency and full soft-switching range

A novel soft-switching converter combining resonant half-bridge and phase shifted full-bridge configuration is proposed to ensure the switches in the leading-leg operating at zero-voltage switching from true zero to full load, and the switches in the lagging-leg at zero-current switching with minimum duty cycle loss and circulating conduction loss by significantly reducing leakage or series inductance. A 3.4 kW hardware prototype has been designed, fabricated and tested to verify the validity and performance of the proposed circuit. Experimental results show that the proposed topology achieves 98% maximum efficiency, compact the output inductor size and soft-switching over a wide output voltage and current range and is attractive for electrical vehicle battery charger applications.
Rappit: framework for synthesis of host-assisted scripting engines for adaptive embedded systems

Scripting is a powerful, high-level, cross-platform, dynamic, easy way of composing software modules as black boxes. Unfortunately, the high runtime overhead has prevented scripting from being widely adopted in embedded applications. This work proposes to overcome these obstacles by synthesizing light-weight, host-assisted scripting engines for embedded systems. The result is dramatically shortened development cycle due to the much higher-level abstraction, interactive access and dynamic reconfigurability, robust in-field software upgradability, and compact code size. This framework has been successfully applied to ultra low-power sensor nodes with under 10KB of program memory to high-performance platforms with fast Ethernet.
Performance in Reading From Content Area Text as an Indicator of Achievement

This study examined the relationship between basic reading literacy and student academic success, extending the work on curriculum-based measurement to examine the validity of a simple and direct measure of reading proficiency for students at the secondary level. Participants were 121 10th-grade students from a rural high school in a small midwestern community. Samples of student reading were obtained by having students read aloud from multiple English and science textbook passages. In addition, student scores on a standardized reading test were collected. The relationships between reading measures and performance on a classroom study task, grade point average, and a variety of achievement test scores were examined. To investigate differential effects related to content area and achievement levels, data were collected in English and science for low- and high-performing students. Results of correlational analyses revealed low-moderate to moderately high correlations between reading measures and scores on a...
An after-school robotics module for introducing elementary school students to engineering

Robotics is a good way to get students interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects. This paper presents a robotics module that was developed to introduce elementary school students to some aspects of Engineering - namely Electrical and Computer Engineering. The paper describes a robotics module that was developed for use at an after-school program. The description includes robotics kits used, exercises, and the State of Georgia standards that were addressed.
Differential requirements for the processing and presentation of soluble and particulate bacterial antigens by macrophages.

The requirements for antigen processing and presentation by macrophages using various forms of antigens derived from Listeria monocytogenes have been studied. Antigen presentation was monitored by T cell-macrophage binding and interleukin production using T cells from Listeria monocytogenes-infected mice and specific T cell hybridomas. Antigen processing requirements were defined by three criteria: (a) inhibition by lysosomotropic agents, NH4Cl and chloroquine; (b) kinetic relationships between antigen uptake and antigen presentation; and (c) antigen presentation by macrophages pre-fixed with glutaraldehyde. In comparing heat-killed Listeria monocytogenes (HKLM) with soluble listerial proteins (SLP), the presentation of SLP was less sensitive to lysosomotropic agents, showed faster antigen processing kinetics than with HKLM and could occur using pre-fixed macrophages. Transitions between particulate and soluble forms had dramatic influences on processing requirements. Antigens associated with HKLM could be converted to soluble forms which did not require processing by preculture with macrophages and also by physical (e.g. sonication) and chemical (sodium dodecyl sulfate) treatments in the presence of protease inhibitors. Conversely, antigen processing was required when SLP were converted to a particulate form by covalent binding to latex beads. Analysis of SLP by molecular sieve chromatography and preparative SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed that high molecular weight proteins (greater than 60 kDa) could be presented by prefixed macrophages without prior processing. We conclude that the transition from a particulate to soluble antigenic form can be a significant antigen processing event.