cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FACILITATING CONVERSATION THROUGH SELF‐INITIATED AUGMENTATIVE COMMUNICATION TREATMENT

We examined the conversational skills of 2 adult males with severe motor and speech deficits resulting from cerebral palsy. A multiple baseline design across subjects was used to determine the effectiveness of an intervention strategy designed to teach them to use an augmentative communication system (Touch Talker) independently. The dependent measure was the number of conversation initiations relative to conversation reactions during spontaneous communication across baseline and treatment. The treatment included specific training on using the augmentative system to participate in communication. Once the intervention began, the production of conversation initiations accelerated at a rapid rate. The treatment program was effective in training the subjects to use the augmentative system to increase conversation participation. These results demonstrate that training on the operation of the device alone is not sufficient to ensure improvement in conversation performance, and that it is important to incorporate direct conversational treatment when providing instruction on the use of augmentative communication systems for severely speech-impaired individuals.
China's growing interest in Latin America and its implications

Abstract China's interest in Latin America has grown tremendously in the past few years. Chinese trade and investment in Latin America have soared since the late 1990s. This article examines goals, strategies, and prospects of China's quest for influence in Latin America and its implications. The author concludes that China has moved cautiously from a radical to a more pragmatic approach to achieve its goals in Latin America. Despite its disagreements with the United States about many issues, Beijing has adopted a low-key approach and managed to avoid any public confrontation with the United States in the Western Hemisphere. So far China is still a long way from posing a serious threat to the interests of the United States in the region.
Varieties of Fully Resolved Spectra of Vertical Shear

Abstract The Multi-Scale profiler (MSP) resolves shear between vertical wavenumbers of 0.01 cpm and the viscous cutoff of small-scale turbulence. Observations from five sites reveal varied spectral shapes and amplitudes. Spectral amplitudes measured at low latitude do not increase toward the equator, contrary to Munk, and their shapes differ from the Garrett and Munk model by having weak maxima between 0.02 and 0.05 cpm. Moreover, at wavenumbers larger than 0.1 cpm these spectra roll off more steeply, k3−1, than do spectra at midlatitude. Of two average spectra from midlatitude, one is close to the Garrett and Munk model at low wavenumbers, and at 0.1 cpm it begins to roll off as k3−1. The second midlatitude spectrum has amplitudes well above Garrett and Munk at low wavenumbers, begins a k3−1 rolloff near 0.04 cpm, and has a well-developed turbulent range near 1 cpm. The decrease in the start of the rolloff is not linearly proportional to the increase in spectral amplitude at low wavenumber, unlike the sp...
Evaluation of the sampling buckets used in the Sangamo collector, type a for heavy metals in precipitation

Abstract Sangamo precipitation sampling buckets were evaluated for collecting and storing samples for mercury, cadmium, copper, iron, lead and zinc. The evaluations were carried out in the laboratory and under environmental conditions. The material of the containers was found to have a strong tendency to adsorb and desorb mercury. The results suggest that the containers are not suitable for collecting samples for mercury in precipitation. However, the other heavy metals investigated did not show any deterioration. Similar experiments using glass containers (pyrex beakers), gave excellent recoveries for both mercury and other group of heavy metals investigated.
A Nontemporal Probabilistic Approach to Special and General Relativity

We introduce a discrete probabilistic model of motion in special and general relativity that is shown to be compatible with the standard model in the statistical limit.
Closer to Armageddon

While many fear that Iran and North Korea are edging the world towards nuclear war, a greater threat lies closer to home, warns Lawrence Krauss
The effect of vasodilator therapy on the clinical outcome of patients with primary pulmonary hypertension.

The short- and long-term hemodynamic effects of vasodilators in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension have been studied, but whether they affect survival is unknown. We measured the short-term response to nifedipine and hydralazine in 23 patients with primary pulmonary hypertension and followed their clinical course over 2 years. A favorable drug response, defined as a fall in the pulmonary vascular resistance of 20% or greater, occurred in 18 patients (78%). Half of the patients who exhibited a favorable short-term response were treated with long-term vasodilator therapy. Their clinical course was compared with that of responders who were not treated and with that of the nonresponders. Of the responders who were treated, two improved, four had no change, and three died; of the responders who were not treated, one improved, three had no change, and five died. Using stepwise Cox regression, we evaluated age, sex, functional class on entry, pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, and short-term drug response as predictors of survival and found only functional class and a favorable short-term drug response to be significant predictors (p less than .01); however, there was no difference in survival between the responders who were treated and those who were not. We conclude that the ability to respond to short-term nifedipine or hydralazine therapy predicts longer survival for patients with primary pulmonary hypertension, but placing patients with a favorable short-term response on long-term vasodilator therapy does not affect the overall outcome.
DNA Sequences Essential for Transcription of Human Phospholipid Transfer Protein Gene in HepG2 Cells

The present study was conducted to determine the essential DNA sequences required for the transcription of the human phospholipid transfer protein gene. Truncation studies revealed that DNA sequences between -230 and -159, particularly those at the upstream region, were responsible for the full promoter activity. This region was able to compete with AP-2 and GRE oligonucleotides for the binding to HepG2 cell nuclear extract as shown by gel mobility shift assay. Further analysis, using site-directed mutagenesis, indicated that DNA sequences identical to Sp1 and highly homologous to GRE and Ap-2 consensus sequences were essential for the transcription. These findings support the concept that several elements, spread over the entire functional promoter, synergistically drive the basal transcription.
Antileishmanial Effect of Allopurinol. II. Relationship of Adenine Metabolism in Leishmania Species to the Action of Allopurinol

Allopurinol was shown to be effective in vitro against Leishmania mexicana and Leishmania donovani as well as against Leishmania braziliensis The major metabolic derivative of allopurinol in humans, oxipurinol, also is antileishmanial for L. donovani. The antileishmanial effect of allopurinol and oxipurinol can be specifically reversed by adenine, and its metabolic precursors and derivatives, but by no other purines or their derivatives. It is proposed that the adenylosuccinate synthetase or the adenine phosphoribosyltransferase may be sites of action for these agents. Previous studies from this laboratory on the antileishmanial effect of allopurinol (4-hydroxypyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine) described its ability to inhibit in vitro the growth of Leishmania braziliensis [1]. We tested this compound for antileishmanial properties because of evidence that in the laboratory protozoan Crithidia fasciculata, allopurinol might interrupt the biosynthetic pathway from folic acid via biopterin to guanylic acid
Chronic stable inferior myocardial infarction: unsuspected harbinger of high-risk proximal left coronary arterial obstruction amenable to surgical revascularization.

Eighty-four patients with previous uncomplicated isolated inferior myocardial infarction underwent coronary arteriography to determine the prevalence and distribution of coronary stenoses in order to identify those patients at high risk for early death. Coronary risk factors and treadmill stress testing were evaluated as predictors of left coronary artery disease, and the clinical course was compared of patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery versus those treated medically. Of the 84 patients, 17 (20 percent) had one vessel stenosis (75 percent or more luminal narrowing), 29 (35 percent) had stenosis of two and 38 (45 percent) had stenosis of all three major coronary arteries. Fifty-three patients (63 percent) had stenosis of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery including 8 with complete and 18 with subtotal occlusion. Of the 53 patients with proximal left anterior descending arterial stenosis, 42 (79 percent) had an operable condition (no distal obstruction) as did 36 (69 percent) of 52 with circumflex arterial stenosis. Although the presence of multiple coronary risk factors, particularly with a positive stress test, was predictive of multivessel stenosis, lack of risk factors and a negative exercise test were nonspecific. Of 45 patients followed up for 18 months, 14 who underwent, coronary bypass surgery were compared with 31 medically treated patients with similar cardiac function and coronary pathoanatomy. Ten surgically treated patients (71 percent) had reduced angina compared with nine medically treated patients (29 percent) ( P P P > 0.05). Thus, serious left coronary artery disease is highly prevalent as well as operable in patients with chronic inferior myocardial infarction. The latter condition thereby provides a clinically useful and sensitive marker of high risk coronary arterial stenosis.
Balanced aggregation trees for routing correlated data in wireless sensor networks

In a sensor network, the data collected by different sensors are often correlated because they are observations of related phenomena. This property has prompted many researchers to propose data centric routing to reduce the communication cost. In this paper, we design heuristic algorithms for combined routing and source coding with explicit side information. We build a data rate model upon the observation that in many physical situations the side information that provides the most coding gain comes from a small number of nearby sensors. Based on this model, we formulate a problem to determine the optimal routes for transmitting data to the fusion center. The overall optimization is NP hard because it has minimum Steiner tree as a sub-problem. We then propose a heuristic algorithm that is inspired by balanced trees that have small total weights and reasonable distance from each sensor to the fusion center. The average performance of the algorithm is analyzed and compared to other routing methods through simulations
N-hydroxysuccinimide-hippuran ester: application for radiolabeling of macro-molecules

A method for synthesis of N-hydroxysuccinimide ester of radioactive hippuran is developed in order to label human serum albumin in a simple and efficient manner. Organ distribution in mice and rats for the labeled albumin preparation and the commercial radioiodinated serum albumin is similar. Hippuran metabolite released from the labeled preparation into the blood stream results in its rapid urinary clearance. The hippuran labeling method offers a mild and rapid protocol for radioiodine labeling of proteins and antibodies for application in diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures.
Conceptualizing Quality of Life Among Older Adults in Guardianship: Guardians and Elder Law Attorneys Talk About QOL and Spirituality

As the population ages and greater numbers of older adults enter the guardianship system, outcome measures are needed that capture the dimensions of quality of life that are relevant for this population. To explore definitions of quality of life, focus groups were conducted with elder law attorneys and guardians (N = 21). Based on prior research, participants were asked about spirituality as it pertains to quality of life. Analysis yielded seven themes. Participants identified choice as central to quality of life. Choice allowed incapacitated older adults to engage in relationships and activities that are important to them and thereby increase hope, purpose, and meaning in life.
Development of a Mesh Generation Code with a Graphical Front-End: A Case Study

Scientists and engineers are increasingly developing software to enable them to do their work. A number of characteristics differentiate the software development environment in which a scientist or engineer works from the development environment in which a more traditional business/IT software developer works. This paper describes a case study, specifically about the development of a mesh-generation code. The goal of this case study was to understand the process for developing the code and identify some lessons learned that can be of use to other similar teams. Specifically, the paper reports on lessons learned concerning: requirements evolution, programming language choice, methods of communication among teammates, and code structure.
Measurement of Surface Temperature Using a Laser-Induced Fluorescence Thermal Imaging System

This paper describes a novel, non-intrusive thermal imaging system based on the fluorescence properties of an europium-doped lanthanum oxysulfide (Eu+3:La2O2S) thermographic phosphor. In this system the phosphor coating on a test surface is excited by a pulsed Nd:YAG laser. The resulting fluorescent emission of the temperature-sensitive 512 nm transition, along with that of the relatively temperature independent 620 nm transition, is acquired using an image-intensified charged coupled device (ICCD) camera. The ratio of the 512- and 620-nm emissions, integrated over a set gating period, is then correlated with temperature. Quality data obtained from a calibration procedure have demonstrated that the present approach can be more advantageous than many existing thermal imaging techniques. The system has been specifically designed to provide two-dimensional temperature measurements with high accuracy and exceptional spatial resolution. Because of the extremely short fluorescent lifetimes of various thermographic phosphors (∼μs), applicability of the technique to fast-moving or rotating surfaces is very promising.Copyright © 1993 by ASME
Education and new hegemonic blocs: Doing policy the 'right' way

Discussions of higher education need to be placed within larger processes of socio-economic and cultural restructuring. While higher education does indeed have its own specific histories and its own relatively autonomous dynamics, the entire sphere participates in and is connected in complex ways to social transformations and to struggles over power. The author examines these larger transformations that are changing the very landscape on which higher education - and education in general - sits. He analyzes the formation of a new hegemonic bloc that is pushing education in particular rightward directions. This tense alliance includes various factions - neo-liberals, neo-conservatives, authoritarian populists, and a particular fraction of the upwardly mobile new middle class. The author critically examines the policies that are being proposed and the possibilities of counter-hegemonic action.
Psychometric properties of a modified Wolf Motor Function test for people with mild and moderate upper-extremity hemiparesis.

Abstract Whitall J, Savin DN, Harris-Love M, McCombe Waller S. Psychometric properties of a modified Wolf Motor Function Test for people with mild and moderate upper-extremity hemiparesis. Objective To test the necessity of videotaping, test-retest reliability, and item stability and validity of a modified Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) for people with mild and moderate chronic upper-extremity (UE) hemiparesis caused by stroke. Design Raters of videotape versus direct observation; test-retest reliability over 3 observations, item stability, and criterion validity with upper-extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) in the mildly and moderately impaired groups. Setting Academic research center. Participants Sixty-six subjects with chronic UE hemiparesis who participated in a large intervention study. Subjects were classified into mild and moderate groups for additional analyses. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Mean and median times of task completion, functional ability, and strength (weight to box) measures of the WMFT. FMA scores for validity assessment. Results In a subgroup of 10 subjects, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for videotape versus direct observation ranged from .96 to .99. For the whole group, test-retest reliability using ICC 2,1 ranged from .97 to .99; stability of the test showed that administration 1 differed from administrations 2 and 3 but administrations 2 and 3 did not differ; item analysis showed that 4 of 17 items changed across time, and validity, using a correlation with UE FMA, ranged from .86 to .89. Separate mild- and moderate-group analyses were similar to whole-group results. Conclusions Videotaping the modified WMFT was not necessary for accurate scoring. The modified WMFT is reliable and valid as an outcome measure for people with chronic moderate and mild UE hemiparesis and is stable, but 1 repeat testing is recommended when practical.
Immobilization of glutathione by complementary coordination binding

A simple method was proposed for the immobilization of biologically important molecules consisting of many functional fragments, by means of the selective binding of their thiol groups to the surface carboxyl groups with participation of cadmium ions. Biofunctional properties of these structures were studied by the surface plasmon resonance method, with the example of glutathione (GSH), which was immobilized onto mixing thiol monolayers containing terminal groups of the carboxyl (a) and methyl/hydroxyl (b) types (a: b, from 1: 100 to 1: 700). The maintenance of the biofunctional conformation of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) after its interaction with GSH was monitored using specific anti-GST antibodies. The CH3 matrix was shown to be capable of considerable nonspecific binding and not suitable to form the biofunctional GST layer. At the same time, the OH-based structures demonstrated the specific GST-anti-GST interaction, with stoichiometry corresponding to the bidentate binding. The above simple method of the immobilization can be used to create functional surface architectures in analytical biochemistry and chemical analysis.
Balliol 63 and Parisian Theology around 1320

The article provides a survey of the content of Balliol College 63, with special attention to the questions of Gerard of Siena. It establishes that many of the texts in the first half of the manuscript (ff. 1r-88v) are pre-edited versions written at Paris in the 1317-1321 period. To illustrate that point, Gerard of Siena's question on whether the articles of faith are the principles of theology is edited in the appendices in its pre-edited (Balliol 63) and final form as edited by Gerard in the 1320s.
Synthesis of hydroxyl[13N]amine and binding of 13NH2OH to two transaminases

NH2OH was labeled with a β+emitter (13N, t1/2 = 9 96 min.). Hydroxyl[13N]amine was synthesized from HSO and [13N]nitrite (produced via the 160(p,α)13N reaction by proton bombardment of H2O). The synthesis reactions are: Hydroxyl[13N]amine was purified by ion-exchange chromatography on Dowex-1 × 8 (AcO−) to remove unreacted 13NO and 13NO. Radiochemical yields of 50–90% were obtained in 25–30 min. The purity and specific activity of 13NH2 OH were determined by HPLC analysis and spectrophotometric assay. The binding of 13NH2 OH to pig heart glutamate-pyruvate transaminase and to pig heart glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase was measured. This work demonstrates that quantitation of the binding of hydroxylamine (an active-site directed enzyme inhibitor) labeled with a positron-emitting isotope is technically feasible.
Modifying how people smoke: instructional control and generalization.

The modification of smoking behavior usually involves the target goal of total abstinence. However, many smokers are unable or unwilling to quit completely. An alternative is to teach people to smoke in ways that minimize the associated health risks. Such an approach would involve decreasing smoking rate, switching to “safer” tobacco products, and modifying the topography of consumption. Previous research has shown that topographical components of smoking behavior such as puff frequency, puff duration, cigarette duration, and amount smoked can be reliably measured and experimentally manipulated (Frederiksen, Miller, and Peterson, Addictive Behaviors, 1977, 2, 55–61). Further, there is preliminary evidence from a single-subject experiment that topography can be changed in clinically relevant directions and that such changes can generalize to the smoker's natural environment (Frederiksen and Simon, Behavior Therapy, in press). To replicate and extend these findings, three single-subject experiments were conducted. In each experiment, verbal instructions to modify individual components of smoking topography were sequentially introduced using a multiple-baseline design across components. The components of puff frequency and puff duration were modified in three experiments. Cigarette duration was also modified in two experiments. Following the topography change phase, daily smoking rate was stabilized, using a behavioral contracting procedure (Frederiksen, Peterson, and Murphy, Addictive Behaviors, 1976, 1, 193–196). Generalization was assessed during sessions in which no instructions were given (Subjects 1 and 3) and at six monthly followups (Subjects 2 and 3). For Subjects 2 and 3, data were also available on the amount of carbon monoxide (CO) uptake associated with the consumption of a cigarette (postcigarette CO-precigarette CO). This physiological measure is important because CO and its byproducts constitute a major health risk (Russell, Lancet, 1974, 1, 254–258). Results showed that instructions were effective in modifying components of smoking topography. These changes generalized to sessions in which no instructions were given and across six months of followup. Daily smoking rate did not increase during topography change nor did smoking topography deteriorate when smoking rate was subsequently stabilized on a behavioral contract. Subjective ratings of smoking enjoyment decreased during topography change for two of three subjects but subsequently returned to baseline levels during followup. The observed topography changes were associated with a decrease in the amount of each cigarette smoked. Mean CO uptake was also reduced from baseline levels of 6.0 ppm and 8.0 ppm (Subjects 2 and 3, respectively) to followup levels of 3.3 ppm and 2.1 ppm. These results replicate and extend previous work and suggest that moderate or “controlled” smoking is an approach that deserves continued attention. The importance of assessing smoking topography and physiological variables, as well as directions for subsequent investigation, are discussed.
Design and Test of an Aspirated Counter-Rotating Fan

The design and test of a two-stage, vaneless, aspirated counter-rotating fan is presented in this paper. The fan nominal design objectives were a pressure ratio of 3:1 and adiabatic efficiency of 87%. A pressure ratio of 2.9 at 89% efficiency was measured in the tests. The configuration consists of a counter-swirl-producing inlet guide vane, followed by a high tip speed (1450 feet/sec) non-aspirated rotor, and a counter-rotating low speed (1150 feet/sec) aspirated rotor. The lower tip speed and lower solidity of the second rotor results in a blade loading above conventional limits, but enables a balance between the shock loss and viscous boundary layer loss, the latter of which can be controlled by aspiration. The aspiration slot on the second rotor suction surface extends from the hub up to 80% span, with a conventional tip clearance, and the bleed flow is discharged at the hub. The fan was tested in a short duration blowdown facility. Particular attention was given to the design of the instrumentation to obtain efficiency measurements within 0.5 percentage points. High response static pressure measurements were taken between the rotors and downstream of the fan to determine the stall behavior. Pressure ratio, mass flow, and efficiency on speedlines from 90% to 102% of the design speed are presented and discussed along with comparison to CFD predictions and design intent. The results presented here complement those presented earlier for two aspirated fan stages with tip shrouds, extending the validated design space for aspirated compressors to include designs with conventional unshrouded rotors and with inward removal of the aspirated flow.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
A Month in an Acute Palliative Care Unit Clinical Interventions and Financial Outcomes

Background: Few cancer centers have developed acute palliative care units (APCUs). The purpose of this study is to highlight clinical interventions and financial outcomes during a typical 1-month period on an APCU. Methods: We evaluated consecutive patients admitted to our APCU from February 1 to 28, 2009, regarding demographic information, sources of and reasons for admissions, resuscitation status, clinical interventions, disposition, and reimbursement data. Results: Forty-two patients were admitted during a 1-month period. Of these, 30 (71%) were referred from the inpatient palliative care consultation team. In all, 10 (24%) patients had a full code status on admission, and 8 had their status changed to do not resuscitate (DNR) prior to discharge. A total of 11 (26%) patients were discharged home with hospice care, 12 (29%) died on the APCU, and 10 (24%) were discharged home with outpatient follow-up visits. All patients received intravenous medications and the majority received intravenous antibiotics...
Currents and Temperatures as Observed in Drake Passage During 1975

Abstract Current and temperature records from 10 meters on six year-long moorings deployed during February 1975 in Drake Passage are examined and discussed in the context of hydrographic data from that area. The mean flow directions are consistent with those from geopotential anomaly charts, showing a northward flow in the central passage and eastward through-passage flow in the south and north. Directly measured vertical shear below 1000 m is remarkably uniform with depth in the central passage. Periods of high shear correspond to periods of high speed and are associated with lateral shifts in the velocity cores imbedded in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current at Drake Passage. Fluctuations in temperature and current are highly correlated in the vertical. Although meters near 2700 m separated by 80 km or more show only a few significant horizontal correlations for record-length statistics, there appear to be coherent fluctuations in the central passage during winter. Temperature and speed variability sugges...
Differential induction of interleukin-I β mRNA in the brain parenchyma of Lewis and Fischer rats after peripheral injection of lipopolysaccharides

Abstract The expression of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) mRNA was compared in the brain of inflammatory susceptible LEW/N and resistant F344/N rats at 3, 6, and 12 h after peripheral administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or saline. No differences between strains were observed in the circumventricular organs (CVOs) and choroid plexus. At 12 h after LPS administration, increased IL-1β mRNA expression was detected in the hypothalamus of LEW/N rats. In contrast, increased IL-1β mRNA expression was detected in the cerebral cortex of F344/N rats. These data show region-specific differences of IL-1β mRNA expression in the brain of these rat strains that differ in their susceptibility to inflammation.
Image Fusion for Video Surveillance in Curvelet Domain

To simulate biological activities of human visual system, we propose a curvelet-based image fusion method using unit-linking pulse coupled neural networks (ULPCNNs) model. Contrasts of detailed coefficients are inputted into the ULPCNNs to imitate the sensitivity of HVS to detailed information, and the contrasts are also employed as corresponding linking strength for the neurons. After motivated by external stimuli from images, ULPCNNs can produce series of binary pulses containing much information of global features. Then we use the average firing times of output pulses in a neighborhood as the salience measure to determine our fusion rules. Experimental results demonstrate that, our proposed method has a satisfying fusion result both on visual effects and objective evaluations.
Self-consistent analysis of high-temperature effects on strained-layer multiquantum-well InGaAsP-InP lasers

We present a comprehensive evaluation of the temperature effects on the threshold current and the slope efficiency of 1.55 /spl mu/m Fabry-Perot ridge-waveguide lasers between 20/spl deg/C and 120/spl deg/C. Experimental results are analyzed using the commercial laser simulator PICS3D. The software self-consistently combines two-dimensional carrier transport, heat flux, strained quantum-well gain computation, and optical waveguiding with a longitudinal mode solver. All relevant physical mechanisms are considered, including their dependence on temperature and local carrier density. Careful adjustment of material parameters leads to an excellent agreement between simulation and measurements at all temperatures. At lower temperatures, Auger recombination controls the threshold current and the differential internal efficiency. At high temperatures, the vertical electron leakage from the separate confinement layer mainly limits the laser performance. The increase of internal absorption is less important. However, all these carrier and photon loss enhancements with higher temperature are mainly triggered by the reduction of the optical gain due to wider Fermi spreading of electrons.
Neurologic deficits after cervical laminectomy in the prone position.

SUMMARY: New neurologic deficits are known to occur after spine surgery. We present four patients with cervical myeloradiculopathy who underwent cervical laminectomy, fusion, or both in the prone position, supported by chest rolls. Three patients were intubated and positioned while awake, whereas the fourth patient was positioned after induction. Surgeries were successfully carried out, except for transient episodes of relative hypotension intraoperatively. On recovery from anesthesia, all patients were noted to have new neurologic deficits. Immediate CT myelography or surgical reexploration was unremarkable. All patients improved gradually with administration of high-dose steroids and induction of hypertension. Use of the prone position with abdominal compression may compromise spinal cord perfusion and lead to spinal cord ischemia. The use of frames that prevent abdominal compression, as well as avoidance of perioperative arterial hypotension, is important in maintaining adequate spinal cord perfusion during and after decompressive spinal cord surgery.
Democratizing nanotech, then and now.

What progress has been made in efforts to engage the public in decisions about nanotechnology over the past five years? Chris Toumey asks various experts in the field.
Basic Computing Concepts: ABSTRACT

Basic computer concepts were presented, and these included the evolution of computers, numbering systems and data representation, stored program concepts, programming languages, operating systems, graphics, and the planning of computer applications. Films on "The Information Machine" and the "IBM 360 System" were shown. End_of_Article - Last_Page 813------------
MASSIVE QUANTUM ELECTRODYNAMICS IN THE INFINITE MOMENTUM FRAME

We extend an earlier canonical formulation of quantum electrodynamics in the infinite-momentum frame by replacing the photons with massive vector mesons. The structure of the theory remains nearly the same except that a new term appears in the infinite-momentum Hamiltonian describing the emission of helicity-zero vector mesons with an amplitude proportional to the meson mass.
Two- and three-body collision coefficients for Xe( 3 P 1 ) and Xe( 3 P 2 ) atoms and radiative lifetime of the Xe 2 (1 u ) molecule

The time dependence of the vacuum-uv emissions from xenon was studied at pressures ranging from 4 to 1000 Torr. Excitation of the atoms was provided by a low-intensity electron beam. Measurements were made at the wavelengths of the $\mathrm{Xe}(^{3}P_{1})$ resonance line, the 1500-\AA{} (first) continuum, and the 1700-\AA{} (second) continuum. Two- and three-body collision coefficients for the destruction of $\mathrm{Xe}(^{3}P_{1})$ atoms and a three-body coefficient for $\mathrm{Xe}(^{3}P_{2})$ metastables were determined. A radiative lifetime of 99 nsec for the ${1}_{u}$ molecular state was measured at the wavelength of the second continuum. The pressure dependence of the decay constants at the three wavelengths leads to the following results: The collisional deexcitation rate for the transition $\mathrm{Xe}(^{3}P_{1})$ to $\mathrm{Xe}(^{3}P_{2})$ is ${9.1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}10}^{3}$ ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$/Torr. The three-body coefficient for $\mathrm{Xe}(^{3}P_{1})$ atoms is 46 ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$/${\mathrm{Torr}}^{2}$. The three-body destruction rate of $\mathrm{Xe}(^{3}P_{2})$ metastables is 40 ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$/${\mathrm{Torr}}^{2}$. The estimated uncertainty in the results is \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}10%.
VLSI architecture and FPGA prototyping of a digital camera for image security and authentication

Two fundamental operations performed by a digital camera are image capturing and storing. The images are subsequently transmitted in various forms over appropriate media. These images are always vulnerable to various forms of copyright attacks and ownership issues. This paper introduces a digital camera with built-in copyright protection and security mechanism for images produced by it. Since the proposal of the trustworthy digital camera by Friedman [1], significant research has been done in developing algorithms for watermarking and encryption with the aim of using them in digital cameras. However, only few of these efforts are involved with the architectural development of the entire digital camera. Incorporation of encryption and watermarking together in the digital camera will assist in protecting and authenticating image files. In this paper, we present an architecture and a hardware efficient FPGA based watermark module towards the development of the complete digital camera.
Effects of Built-in Audio versus Unrelated Background Music on Performance In an Adventure Role-Playing Game

This article presents an empirical study of the role of video game audio on performance. Twenty participants played The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess on the Wii console for a 45-minute session on five consecutive days. Employing a repeated measures design, the authors exposed players to one orientation session and four sound conditions, i.e., silence, remote control sounds, remote control and screen sounds, and unrelated music played on a boom-box, in a counterbalanced order. Performance was weakest when playing without sound, increasingly stronger with audio emitted by remote control only, and by remote-and-screen respectively. Surprisingly, the highest scores were earned when playing with music that was unrelated to players' actions or events unfolding on screen. These findings point to the challenges of processing multisensory cues during the initial stages of an elaborate role-playing game, and suggest that the most effective players swiftly develop strategies incorporating task-relevant information conveyed by both sound and images.
Role of protein in exercise.

Most research confirms that the body's increased use of protein, as a "fuel" and for repair, increases with aerobic exercise, especially during high intensity and long duration activity. Protein intake higher than the United States Food and Drug Administration's Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), with additional energy and resistance training, results in optimal protein status for participants in strength training. Although many active individuals interpret this research to mean that they need to consume extra protein foods or supplements to perform optimally, most people in the United States already consume protein at a level well above the RDA. Physicians should be aware that low energy consuming individuals (e.g., women, those dieting for weight loss, the elderly) may be at risk for low protein intake, and thus protein status, if they are active.
SU-FF-T-249: Small Electron Field Cutout Output Factors Measured Using a 2D Ion Chamber Array Compared to Radiographic Film

Purpose: To compare the electron cutout output factor (COF) of small fields measured by two methods: radiographic film (Kodak X‐Omat V) and the Seven29 (PTW) 2D small volume ion chamber array. Method and Materials: The COFs for four small electron fields were measured on a Varian‐2100C accelerator with a 10 cm × 10 cm cone at 6 MeV. Radiographic film and Seven29 array ion chamber were set perpendicular to the central axis of the beam. The film and effective point of measurement for the 2D array were both set at dmax. Solid water was used for build up in both cases, and 100 cm SSD was set at the top surface of the solid water. The data were measured using 10 to 400 monitor units (MU) for Seven29 and 30 to 200 MU for the film. The open 10 cm × 10 cm insert data from film measurement was used to compute the film parameters of maximum optical density (OD) and sensitivity based on a single hit model. These parameters were used later to convert the measured cutout data from OD to dose for the COF calculation. The OD was read from a Digital Densitometer II. Results: The Seven29 ion chamber array behaved linearly as a function of MU as expected, which provided an identical COF regardless of the number of MU's used (less than 1% difference). The COF results from the Seven29 and from film measurements showed a maximum difference of 1.6%. Conclusion: The 2D ion chamber array can be used to measure the COF for a small electron fields. Using the Seven29 to measure small field COF will save measurement time compared to using film dosimetry, and in addition, this is also beneficial to filmless departments.
A Measurement Process to Characterize Natural and Engineered Low-Loss Uniaxial Dielectric Materials at Microwave Frequencies

We present a measurement method to characterize low-loss engineered materials and natural uniaxial dielectrics. Our approach employs a rectangular cavity coupled with tailored finite-element simulations to accurately determine the permittivity tensors and loss tangents of material assemblies. Although similar approaches for natural crystals have been reported, this is the first time this method is adapted to engineered metamaterials. Loss-tangent measurements with an accuracy of 4-5 significant digits can be achieved by this simple and effective measurement approach. To demonstrate the method, we characterize a layered barium titanate-alumina stack and show that low-loss engineered crystals can be achieved via a proper choice of a bonding agent.
Using certes to infer client response time at the web server

As businesses continue to grow their World Wide Web presence, it is becoming increasingly vital for them to have quantitative measures of the mean client perceived response times of their web services. We present Certes (CliEnt Response Time Estimated by the Server), an online server-based mechanism that allows web servers to estimate mean client perceived response time, as if measured at the client. Certes is based on a model of TCP that quantifies the effect that connection drops have on mean client perceived response time by using three simple server-side measurements: connection drop rate, connection accept rate and connection completion rate. The mechanism does not require modifications to HTTP servers or web pages, does not rely on probing or third party sampling, and does not require client-side modifications or scripting. Certes can be used to estimate response times for any web content, not just HTML. We have implemented Certes and compared its response time estimates with those obtained with detailed client instrumentation. Our results demonstrate that Certes provides accurate server-based estimates of mean client response times in HTTP 1.0/1.1 environments, even with rapidly changing workloads. Certes runs online in constant time with very low overhead. It can be used at websites and server farms to verify compliance with service level objectives.
The Ethnophysiology and Folk Dietetics of Pregnancy: A Case Study from South India

A series of successive pregnancies subject most rural South Indian women to dietary restrictions for a significant part of their lives (Gopalan and Naidu 1972). While folk dietary restrictions have frequently been cited in Indian health sector reports (Voluntary Health Association 1985b; United States Department of Health, Eduction and Welfare 1979) as negatively affecting the health status of pregnant women among the rural poor, little attempt has been made to understand how and to what extent. Moreover, few studies have examined in any detail the contingency between popular notions of ethnophysiology, lay health concerns, preventive and promotive health behavior, and folk dietetics.1 In this paper, we investigate these issues in southwest peninsular India. An initial topic explored is the relationship between lay ideas about appropriate baby size and food consumption behavior. Both the quantity and quality of foodstuffs deemed appropriate to consume during pregnancy are considered. Alternative patterns of food consumption associated with baby size preference and reasons for this preference are discussed in relation to folk health ideology. Concepts of ethnophysiology and pathology are highlighted in relation to specific dietary practices and folk medical behavior. Public health ramifications of the study are discussed and suggestions made toward enhancing nutrition education efforts by greater anthropological perspective.
On analytic signals with nonnegative instantaneous frequencies

In this paper, we characterize all analytic signals with band-limited amplitudes and polynomial phases. We show that a signal with band-limited amplitude and polynomial phase is analytic if and only if it has nonnegative constant instantaneous frequency, i.e., the derivative of the phase is a nonnegative constant, and the constant is greater than or equal to the minimum bandwidth of the amplitude.
Contractualismo y utilitarismo

En este articulo de 1982, Thomas Scanlon esboza una explicacion filosofica de los deberes morales reciprocos que alcanza su exposicion completa, con algunos cambios, en 1998 con el libro What We Owe To Each Other. Tal explicacion, presentada como una forma de "contractualismo", caracteriza el razonamiento y la motivacion moral como la voluntad de justificar ante otro las propias acciones segun principios que nadie podria rechazar razonablemente para regular la conducta colectiva. De esta explicacion se derivan, potencialmente, implicaciones para el discurso normativo de primer orden. El autor ofrece asimismo una reflexion meta-teorica que arroja ciertos criterios basicos para construir y evaluar teorias morales. Siguiendo esos criterios, el contractualismo aqui presentado seria preferible tanto a la concepcion utilitarista basada en la agregacion del bienestar de una pluralidad de individuos, como a las estrategias de reconstruccion de la justificacion moral en terminos de la teoria de la eleccion racional.
Confronting the Hierarchy of a Child-Focused Family: Implications for Family Counselors:

This article explores the professional counseling literature discussing clinical confrontation, especially with families, and presents a case study in which a child is the identified patient but in which the counselors seek to confront the hierarchy. An evaluation of that intervention is offered as well as suggestions for developing strengthfocused confrontations.
X-ray Probes of Magnetospheric Interactions with Jupiter's Auroral zones, the Galilean Satellites, and the Io Plasma Torus

Remote observations with the Chandra X-ray Observatory and the XMM-Newton Observatory have shown that the Jovian system is a source of x-rays with a rich and complicated structure. The planet's polar auroral zones and its disk are powerful sources of x-ray emission. Chandra observations revealed x-ray emission from the Io Plasma Torus and from the Galilean moons Io, Europa, and possibly Ganymede. The emission from these moons is certainly due to bombardment of their surfaces of highly energetic protons, oxygen and sulfur ions from the region near the Torus exciting atoms in their surfaces and leading to fluorescent x-ray emission lines. Although the x-ray emission from the Galilean moons is faint when observed fiom Earth orbit, an imaging x-ray spectrometer in orbit around these moons, operating at 200 eV and above with 150 eV energy resolution, would provide a detailed mapping (down to 40 m spatial resolution) of the elemental composition in their surfaces. Here we describe the physical processes leading to x-ray emission fiom the surfaces of Jupiter's moons and the instrumental properties, as well as energetic ion flux models or measurements, required to map the elemental composition of their surfaces. We discuss the proposed scenarios leading to possible surface compositions. For Europa, the two most extreme are (1) a patina produced by exogenic processes such as meteoroid bombardment and ion implantation, and (2) upwelling of material fiom the subsurface ocean. We also describe the characteristics of X - m , an imaging x-ray spectrometer under going a feasibility study for the JIM0 mission, with the ultimate goal of providing unprecedented x-ray studies of the elemental composition of the surfaces of Jupiter's icy moons and Io, as well as of Jupiter's auroral x-ray emission.
Transnational migration: taking stock and future directions

Increasing numbers of sending states are systematically offering social and political membership to migrants residing outside their territories. The proliferation of these dual memberships contradicts conventional notions about immigrant incorporation, their impact on sending countries, and the relationship between migration and development in both contexts. But how do ordinary individuals actually live their lives across borders? Is assimilation incompatible with transnational membership? How does economic and social development change when it takes place across borders? This article takes stock of what is known about everyday transnational practices and the institutional actors that facilitate or impede them and outlines questions for future research. In it, I define what I mean by transnational practices and describe the institutions that create and are created by these activities. I discuss the ways in which they distribute migrants’ resources and energies across borders, based primarily on studies of migration to the United States.