cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patient preferences and discharge planning transitions.

Abstract Discharge planning is an urgently needed nursing intervention. The purpose of this article is to investigate the importance of patient and family preferences and participation for discharge planning and to describe the pilot testing of an instrument to measure patient preferences for discharge planning. The results identified a lack of congruence between patients’ and caregivers’ preferences, suggesting the need to assess both patients’ and families’ preferences early and incorporate this in discharge planning that begins at admission to a hospital. The instrument, Patient Participation Preferences Assessment (PPPA), is shown to be a useful, reliable, and valid instrument that can be used in conjunction with the companion instrument, Family Preferences Assessment (FPA), to assist nurses with comprehensive discharge planning for greater effectiveness.
Experimental investigation of factors influencing design of small-signal CMOS amplifiers

Abstract Physical analysis of the factors influencing experimental design of small-signal complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) amplifiers has been performed in some details. The role of the current mirror in supplying constant current source has been elucidated. It has been shown how variable resistances resulting from MOS resistors provide significant flexibility to the circuit. CMOS amplifier design employing MOS resistors yield voltage gain almost in quantitative agreement with the theoretical results. This voltage gain increases with increasing supply voltage V SS . Further, output signal, which is out of phase of the input signal by 180°, is least distorted in the amplifier circuit.
Variations of the effective refractive index of a particulate composite

The PDF contains the communication on "Variations of the effective refractive index of a particulate composite."
Melting in the mantle: Phase relationships in natural and synthetic peridotite-H2O and peridotite-H2OCO2 systems at high pressures

To investigate the proposal that kimberlites and associated rocks originate by anatexis of mantle peridotite in a H2O- and CO2-rich environment, phase relationships of four peridotite (lherzolite) nodules and one websterite nodule were investigated to 1200°C and 30 kbar in the presence of H2O and H2OCO2 vapors with controlled oxygen fugacity. Solidus temperatures, which are a function of various parameters including bulk composition, total pressure, and aH2O, are considerably (120–200°C) lower than previous determinations. Melting of garnet lberzolite, even in the presence of a vapor of 5050 mol.% H2OCO2 (XH2OV = 0.5), begins at depths of less than 150 km beneath the continental shields. This investigation was augmented by a study of the stability of phlogopite in the system K2OMgOCaOAl2O3 SiO2H2O to 35 kbar at PeH2O ⪡ PT and ∼ PT. The reaction phlogopite + enstatitess + diopsidess lrhar2; forsterite + pyrope + liquid occurs at about 1350°C at 35 kbar. These temperatures are considerably higher than those of the vapor-saturated solidii of the peridotite nodules, reflecting the absence of Fe and Na and the very low values of aH2O. In experiments with the nodules, phlogopite appeared only when the compositions were spiked with phlogopite. Amphiboles occurred in all experiments with the nodules at pressures below 20–25 kbar. These amphiboles become enriched in pargasite component relative to tschermakite component with increasing pressure and decreasing temperature. Temperatures indicated by the compositions of orthopyroxenes coexisting with clinopyroxenes are approximately 100°C lower than those obtained from previously published pyroxene geothermometers. Liquids under conditions of XH2OV ⩾ 0.6 are rich in SiO2 and mimic andesites. For more CO2-rich compositions, liquids are usually nepheline normative and rich in CaO and Al2O3, resembling melilitite lavas, which commonly accompany kimberlites.
A Concept for a Material That Softens With Frequency

This work presents design concepts to synthesize composite materials with special dynamic properties, namely, materials that soften at high frequencies. Such dynamic properties are achieved through the use of a two-phase material that has inclusions of a viscoelastic material of negative elastic modulus in a typical matrix phase that has a positive elastic modulus. A possible realization of the negative stiffness inclusion phase is presented. A numerical homogenization technique is used to compute the average viscoelastic properties of the composite. The method and the properties of a composite material designed with it are demonstrated through an example.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Drug- and heavy metal-induced hyperpigmentation

Several categories of chemical and pharmacologic agents can cause alterations in cutaneous pigmentation, although the mechanisms differ and in several instances may be unknown. Fixed drug eruptions appear to have alteration of the basement membrane zone with incontinence of epidermal pigment as the mechanism of hyperpigmentation. Heavy metals produce increased pigmentation in part from deposition of metal particles and in part from an increase in epidermal melanin production. The antimalarials may bind to melanin. The phenothiazines and minocycline produce pigmentation from deposition of the drug. The mechanism, site, and nature of the pigment occurring with antineoplastic agents is not well understood, but the location is most likely predominantly epidermal. Clofazimine (Lamprene) alteration in pigmentation appears to result from deposition of the drug in subcutaneous fat.
The phase-integral method for radiative transfer problems with highly-peaked phase functions

Complete solutions to the radiative transfer equation, including both azimuth and depth dependence, are provided by the discrete-ordinate method of Chandrasekhar, but these solutions are often limited because of large computer requirements. This paper presents a 'phase-integral' method which greatly reduces the number of discrete ordinates needed in the solution for highly peaked phase functions. A composite quadrature method is shown to be effective in further reducing the number of discrete ordinates required for highly anisotropic phase functions. Examples are given to indicate convergence requirements and expected accuracy in the complete solution for Henyey-Greenstein and cloud-type phase functions.
U-spin predictions of the transition magnetic moments of the electromagnetic decay of the Σ * (1385) baryons

The transition magnetic moments for decuplet-to-octet baryon electromagnetic decays are calculated from the CLAS experimental results and are compared with calculations to first order in the 1/Nc expansion of quantum chromodynamics (QCD) and new U-spin predictions. Using the U-spin predictions for the Σ*0 → Σ0γ and Σ*+ → Σ+γ decays, the SU(3)-forbidden transition Σ*− → Σ−γ is obtained. In addition, the doubly strange baryon radiative decay Ξ*0 → Ξγ is predicted using U-spin.
Skeletal demineralization and fractures caused by fetal magnesium toxicity

Two surviving female infants, born from a triplet pregnancy at 30 weeks gestation, were noted to have severe osteopenia and multiple fractures diagnosed at 20 days of age. Their mother had been treated for preterm labor with intravenous magnesium sulfate from week 22 until their birth at 30 weeks gestation. At birth, the triplets exhibited craniotabes with enlarged fontanelles and sutures. All developed Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) and the two surviving infants required prolonged respiratory support. Serum calcium and phosphate levels were normal and alkaline phosphatase levels were increased. The infants were treated with supplements of calcium and phosphorous, with resultant healing of the multiple fractures without deformity. Fetal magnesium toxicity impairs bone mineralization and can lead to serious bone demineralization that may cause fractures in the newborn period that complicate recovery from respiratory disease. Early recognition and treatment may minimize complications related to osteopenia caused by fetal magnesium toxicity.
On boundedly rational user equilibrium in transportation systems

A boundedly rational user equilibrium (BRUE) is achieved in a transportation system when all users are satisfied with their current travel choices. The theoretical and behavioral background for such a state is given in this paper. The properties of a BRUE in an idealized commuting system with a single bottleneck are investigated, and conditions for the existence of a BRUE are given. More general situations with multiple bottlenecks are also addressed. In general, BRUE flows are not unique, raising methodological and practical issues in flow prediction.
Myeloperoxidase and Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 Play a Central Role in Ventricular Remodeling after Myocardial Infarction

Left ventricular (LV) remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) results in LV dilation, a major cause of congestive heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Ischemic injury and the ensuing inflammatory response participate in LV remodeling, leading to myocardial rupture and LV dilation. Myeloperoxidase (MPO), which accumulates in the infarct zone, is released from neutrophils and monocytes leading to the formation of reactive chlorinating species capable of oxidizing proteins and altering biological function. We studied acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in a chronic coronary artery ligation model in MPO null mice (MPO−/−). MPO−/− demonstrated decreased leukocyte infiltration, significant reduction in LV dilation, and marked preservation of LV function. The mechanism appears to be due to decreased oxidative inactivation of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) in the MPO−/−, leading to decreased tissue plasmin activity. MPO and PAI-1 are shown to have a critical role in the LV response immediately after MI, as demonstrated by markedly delayed myocardial rupture in the MPO−/− and accelerated rupture in the PAI-1−/−. These data offer a mechanistic link between inflammation and LV remodeling by demonstrating a heretofore unrecognized role for MPO and PAI-1 in orchestrating the myocardial response to AMI.
Effects of lysosomotropic agents on progestin secretion by rat ovarian cells.

Abstract To study the role of lysosomes in ovarian function, we examined effects of lysosomotropic drugs on progesterone secretion by suspensions of cells prepared from superovulated immature rat ovaries. 50 μM chloroquine (CQ) produced a 45% inhibition of progestin secretion by LH-treated cell suspensions. The effect of CQ was dose-dependent with 30% and 60% inhibition of the secretory response to LH being caused by CQ concentrations of 25 μM and 200 μM, respectively. CQ (50 μM) also partially blocked the steroidogenic response of ovarian cells to dibutyryl cAMP. Incubation of dispersed ovarian cells in the presence of neutral red (0.345 mM), NH 4 Cl (10 mM) or Triton WR-1339 (0.75%) also resulted in partial inhibition of progesterone secretion in response to LH. CQ (50 μM) did not alter incorporation of [4,5- 3 H]-leucine into protein, [U- 14 C]-glucose oxidation, or lactate production by the ovarian cell suspensions. Furthermore, CQ did not inhibit formation of [ 14 C]-pregnenolone and [ 14 C]-progesterone by ovarian mitochondria incubated in the presence of 5 mM succinate and [4- 14 C]-cholesterol. Many of the cells exposed to CQ developed large vacuoles during a 1 h incubation. These membrane-enclosed vacuoles contained amorphous material and membrane whorls. Although one must be cautious in assigning specific loci of action to inhibitors, our observations on the effects of several lysosomotropic drugs on progesterone secretion by LH-stimulated ovarian cells suggest that lysosomes are involved in the process of steroidogenesis.
Material parameter basis for major and minor trends in nonproportionality of scintillators

We have previously described a numerical model for carrier diffusion and nonlinear quenching in the track of an electron in a scintillator. Significant inequality of electron and hole mobilities predicts a characteristic “hump” in the light yield vs gamma energy, whereas low mobility of either or both carriers accentuates the universal roll-off due to nonlinear quenching at low gamma energy (high dE/dx). The material parameter basis of the two major trends in nonproportionality of scintillators can be related to the effective diffusion coefficient of excitations and the difference of electron and hole mobilities, respectively. Activator concentration, type of activator, and effect of transport anisotropy are associated with minor trends. The predicted trends are qualitatively consistent with empirical measures of nonproportionality including electron yield curves.
CFD Study on Laminar Flow Pressure Drop and Heat Transfer Characteristics in Toroidal and Spiral Coil System

Most pressure drop and heat transfer correlations obtained from the toroidal geometric system have been applied to the analysis of helical and spiral tube systems. While toroidal (and helical) coils have a constant radius of curvature about the coil center point (and center-line), spiral coils have a continuously varying radius of curvature, in which the varying centrifugal forces contribute to further enhance the heat transfer (at the cost of additional pressure drop) over toroidal and helical tube heat exchangers of the same length. Due to lack of published analytical, numerical and experimental data on spiral coil systems, in this paper, the laminar flow pressure drop and heat transfer characteristics of spiral coil systems are investigated with a commercially available CFD package (Fluent 6). First, an isothermal flow CFD analysis for a toroidal coil system is performed to optimally predict the local flow field and compared with the available experimental, numerical and analytical results, in which various model assumptions and operating conditions are involved. As a consequence, the heat transfer analysis with constant wall temperature boundary condition has been performed on a toroidal coil. With the verified CFD modeling schemes such as curved geometry creation, mesh/gird density control and solution model selection, the work is extended to the spiral coil system. The effects of Reynolds number and tube diameter to coil curvature ratio on the average friction factor and heat transfer characteristics are investigated for specified coil geometries utilizing water as the heat transfer medium. The general correlations for laminar flow pressure drop and heat transfer applied in a toroidal coil system are compared with the CFD results obtained from the spiral coil systems. It was found that up to 10% of the additional pressure drop and 40% of the enhanced heat transfer characteristics are obtained from the spiral coil system over the toroidal. The heat exchanger effectiveness ratio for spirals and toroids are compared for a range of Dean number. It was found that the spiral heat exchanger effectiveness ratio was between 20 to 30 percent greater than for general toroidal heat exchanger systems.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Excitotoxin lesions of the zona incerta/lateral tegmentum continuum : effects on male sexual behavior in rats

In male rats, ibotenic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid were used to destroy neuronal perikarya intrinsic to an anterior-posterior continuum including the caudal zona incerta and lateral tegmentum. Some lesions virtually eliminated male sexual behavior - an effect most closely associated with damage to the lateral hypothalamus and zona incerta. Many lesioned males who copulated to ejaculation with normally active females showed little or no mating with receptive, but relatively inactive, females. Although it is possible to identify a critical region within the subthalamus whose destruction eliminates male sexual behaviour, sexually-relevant neuronal cell bodies appear to be distributed throughout the lateral hypothalamic/incertal/tegmental continuum.
IDENTIFICATION OF YELLOW COLOR FORMED FROM REACTION OF CARBON DISULFIDE AND ALUMINA

Abstract The water-soluble yellow substance formed by the reaction of alumina and carbon disulfide first reported by Perry in 1925 is identified as sodium trithiocarbonate and/or sodium hydrogen trithiocarbonate (depending on the pH) on the basis of comparative electronic absorption spectra and chemical tests. Electronic absorption spectra of sodium tri- and tetrathiocarbonates under various conditions are reported.
Comparison of Feedstock Pretreatment Performance and Its Effect on Soluble Sugar Availability

Cellulosic feedstocks for bioenergy differ in composition and processing requirements for efficient conversion to chemicals and fuels. This study discusses and compares the processing requirements for three lignocellulosic feedstocks—soybean hulls, wheat straw, and de-starched wheat bran. They were ground with a hammer mill to investigate how differences in composition and particle size affect the hydrolysis process. Enzyme hydrolysis was conducted using cellulase from Trichoderma reesei at 50°C and pH 5. Ground fractions were also subjected to dilute sulfuric acid treatment at 125°C, 15 psi for 30 min prior to cellulase treatment. Reducing particle size of biomass resulted in segregated components of feedstock. Grinding wheat straw to particle size <132 μm resulted in measured lignin content from 20% to ≈5% and reduced hemicellulose content. Reducing lignin content increased the effectiveness of enzyme hydrolysis of wheat straw. Particles sized <132 μm exhibited the highest soluble sugar release upon hydrolysis for all three feedstocks studied. Hemicellulose digestion improved with dilute sulfuric acid treatment with residual hemicellulose content <5% in all three feedstocks after acid treatment. This enhanced the cellulase action and resulted in approximately 1.6-fold increase in sugar availability in de-starched wheat bran and ≈1.5-fold for wheat straw and soybean hulls. Higher sugar availability in wheat bran after acid-mediated enzyme treatment correlated to higher ethanol yields during yeast fermentation compared with soybean hulls and wheat straw.
NXG03-6: Design and Implementation of Split TCP in the Linux Kernel

With all its history of reliable performance, the TCP protocol is known to break down in a situation with high loss and high RTT. A known solution is "Split TCP", where one or a few proxies (helper boxes) are used to break the end-to-end TCP connection into a few (almost) independent legs. Each leg has its own feedback, congestion control, error control mechanism, etc. The main contributions of our work are the design and implementation of "Split TCP" using Netfilter Hooks in the Linux kernel, and the use of IP over IP for transport. The kernel implementation reduces overhead. The implementation used leaves TCP packets and flags intact, thus allowing use of Telnet (etc) over a Split TCP connection. The primary area of use is for Internet connections, irrespective of the user application. Connections can be split into legs having high RTT or high loss, preferably not both. The use of IP over IP allows use of many helper boxes in a connection and makes it easier to achieve transparency for the original end-hosts.
Ultrastructure of retinal vessel in retinoblastoma.

Les vaisseaux de la retine humaine dans la retinoblastoma contiennent les cellules endotheliales, les pericytes, et les membranes de la base. Quelques villosites poussent a la surface endotheliale vers le vaisseau du lumen. Les barres terminales se trouvent pres de la jonction endotheliale. Au niveau des cellules endotheliales on observe un grand nombre des replis membraneux.
Hurdles to Forest Friendly Farming: Sustainability Lessons from Southeastern Mexico

Worldwide the search is on for sustainable solutions to the competing needs for forest conservation and agricultural development. A strategy with contemporary salience arises in intensive, sedentarized agriculture that can protect forests and enhance livelihoods for forest dwellers. This paper investigates why intensive agriculture does not limit deforestation in southeastern Mexico’s Calakmul Municipality. It argues that agriculture faces challenges from a range of biophysical and socioeconomic factors in tropical regions and that this encourages expanded land use for intensive farmers.
Work in progress — Computer science perspectives on integration with human-centered design

Capstone courses in many disciplines often fall into a single paradigm: they allow students to practice the skills they should have gathered through their progress in the department curriculum in a real-world or near-real venue. However, these courses often fail the real-world test by one important factor: they are not interdisciplinary projects, which is not indicative of industry experiences. We are attempting to create an interdisciplinary environment for capstone courses, involving both design and computer science students, to more adequately prepare students for industry work. This work-in-progress paper describes our experiences and plans for bettering the interdisciplinary capstone experience. The experiences show that there is a fundamental miscommunication between students of different disciplines that hinders their ability to collaborate. By analyzing qualitative questionnaires from thirty-three computer science students, we have affirmed the existence of this rift in inter-departmental understanding. This realization has formed our basis for creating educational modules to ease the collaboration between computer science and design students.
Refinement of 3D structure of bovine lens αA-crystallin

Abstract In absence of 3D structures for α -crystallin subunits, α A and α B, we utilized a number of experimental and molecular modeling techniques to generate working 3D models of these polypeptides (Farnsworth et al., 1994. In Molecular Modeling: From Virtual Tools to Real Problems (Eds. Kumosinski, T.F. and Liebman, M.N.) ACS Symposium Series 576, Ch. 9:123–134, 1994, ACS Books, Washington DC). The refinement of the initial bovine α A model was achieved using a more accurate estimation of secondary structure by new/updated methods for analyzing the far UV-CD spectra and by neural network secondary structure predictions in combination with database searches. The spectroscopic study reveals that α -crystallin is not an all β -sheet protein but contains ∼17% α -helices, ∼33% β -structures and ∼50% turns and coils. The refinement of the α A structure results in an elongate, asymmetric amphipathic molecule. The hydrophobic N-terminal domain imparts the driving force for subunit aggregation while the more flexible, polar C-terminal domain imparts aggregate solubility. In our quaternary structure of the aggregate, the monomer is the minimal cooperative subunit. In bovine α A, the highly negatively charged C-terminal domain has three small positive areas which may participate in dimer or tetramer formation of independently expressed C-terminal domains. The electrostatic potential of positive areas is modulated and become more negative with phosphorylation and ATP binding. The refined bovine α A model was used to construct α A models for the human, chick and dogfish shark. A high degree of conservation of the three dimensional structure and the electrostatic potential was observed. Our proposed open micellar quaternary structure correlates well with experimental data accumulated over the past several decades. The structure is also predictive of the more recent data.
Sub-micron low-k1 imaging characteristics using a DUV printing tool and binary masks

In this paper, wafer level experimental results on the characteristics of a low-k1 submicron lithography processes using binary mask and deep ultraviolet (DUV) wavelength (248 nm) printing tool will be discussed. In the study, we investigated the nonlinear response of wafer resist critical dimension (CD) at different pitches to the mask CD. The CD nonlinearity is due to the combination of relatively poor optical aerial image quality at low-k1 imaging and resist processes. Operating a lithographic process at this nonlinear region presents an issue since only limited process windows are available. In addition, it requires both proximity correction for larger features on the mask and tighter mask CD control. The later requirement, in practice, is rather difficult to achieve with current mask technology. In order to avoid operating low-k1 lithography processes at CD nonlinear region, improvement of aerial image quality is obviously needed. Although aerial image quality improvement can be achieved with different advanced lithographic enhancement techniques such as phase shift masks and off- axis illumination, there are different process issues related to each of the techniques as well. With conventional illumination source and binary mask, one of the option left to enhance aerial image quality is mask biasing. Our experimental results show that by positively biasing the mask, i.e., mask chrome CD line dimension is larger than targeted resist CD, CD nonlinearity for low-k1 processes can be improved. For low- k1 processes, the isofocal bias of different feature sizes (different k1 factor) was also found to be different. A strong dependence of isofocal bias on pitch was observed. Again, mask biasing can help to shift the isofocal CD of critical dimensions to the target CD. However, in our study, we found that for certain resist, opposite mask biases are required to achieve CD linear response and zero isofocal bias. In this case, tradeoffs between mask CD control, proximity effect, and process window need to be considered.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Use and Users of a Congressman′s Network Information Services

A growing movement toward public access to the federal government via the Internet has created increased interest in establishing network communications and information services, especially among national officeholders. However, little empirical study of the use and users of such services exists to guide their efforts This paper reports results of a two‐part study of the use and users of US Representative Sam Coppersmith′s (D – Arizona 1) Gopher and distribution list services during the first quarter of 1994. The first part analyzes Gopher usage data gathered during the study period. The second part detials with a user survey distributed to fifty‐seven Gopher server guest registrants and eighty listserv subscribers just after the end of the study period. The research shows that (1) use of the Gopher subdirectory dwarfs that of the listserv, (2) services like Coppersmith′s should provide basic information, as well as unique and timely information and issue position statements, (3) assessment of such servic...
White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimm.) Herbivory in Herbaceous Plant Communities in Northeastern Illinois

ABSTRACT: Most studies of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimm.) herbivory focus on a few forb species or single sites in forest plant communities. However, managers require assessments of herbivory impacts across varying deer densities and in multiple plant communities, including wetlands and savannas where there is limited knowledge about the impacts of deer on herbaceous vegetation. During 2008 and 2009, we investigated deer herbivory impacts at six forest preserves near Chicago, Illinois. We sampled 192 browse transects in two forest, two savanna, and two wetland sites; sites were paired within each plant community type based on deer density (i.e., high vs. low). We used plant community metrics (i.e., percent non-vegetated ground cover, species diversity and evenness, and floristic quality) to quantify and compare herbivory impacts on vegetation between preserves. We observed higher grass cover (0.001 < P < 0.012), lower species diversity (0.001 < P < 0.041), and lower floristic quality (0.0...
Dynamic programming and the secretary problem

Abstract In the secretary problem one seeks to maximize the probability of hiring the best of N candidates who are interviewed in succession and must be accepted or rejected at the interview. A simple dynamic program is formulated and solved. Numerical results are given for secretary problems of small size.
Diversity and community comparison indices: assessing macroinvertebrate recovery following a gasoline spill

Abstract Diversity and community comparison indices were evaluated to determine their utility in quantifying macroinvertebrate response to a catastrophic gasoline spill into Wolf Lodge Creek, Idaho, U.S.A. The Shannon and Brillouin diversity indices, and the following community comparison indices were analyzed: (1) Jaccard's coefficient of similarity; (2) Renkonen's percentage similarity; (3) Bray-Curtis index; (4) Morisita's similarity index; (5) simplified Morisita index; (6) Canberra metric index; and (7) average χ 2 index. The Bray-Curtis and average χ 2 community comparison indices were more effective in quantifying differences in macroinvertebrate composition between gas-impacted and reference areas of Wolf Lodge Creek following the spill. In addition, these indices tracked the progressive spatial recolonization of macroinvertebrates during the 16 month recovery period. All other indices tested failed to adequately quantify macroinvertebrate community response to the gasoline spill.
A Woman Making History: Mary Ritter Beard Through Her Letters

Putting women on the record - an introduction to Mary Ritter Beard the letters the suffrage years the activist intellectual emerges the first phase of the women's archives the second phase of the women's archives alternatives to the archives toward women as force in history the postwar years.
The natural history of lymphangioleiomyomatosis: markers of severity, rate of progression and prognosis.

Abstract Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a multisystem disease of women, characterized by proliferation of abnormal smooth muscle-like cells (LAM cells) that can metastasize, leading to the formation of lung cysts, fluid-filled cystic structures in the axial lymphatics (e.g., lymphangioleiomyomas), and angiomyolipomas, benign tumors usually involving the kidneys, comprising LAM cells and adipocytes, intermixed with incompletely developed vascular structures. LAM occurs sporadically or in association with tuberous sclerosis complex, an autosomal dominant syndrome characterized by hamartoma-like tumor growths. LAM may present with progressive dyspnea, recurrent pneumothorax, chylothorax, or abdominal hemorrhage. Computed tomography scans show thin-walled cysts scattered throughout the lungs, abdominal angiomyolipomas, and lymphangioleiomyomas. Pulmonary function tests show reduced flow rates (FEV1) and diffusion capacity (DLCO). Exercise testing may reveal gas exchange abnormalities, ventilatory limitatio...
Traditionalists vs. Convergers: Textual Privilege, Boundary Work, and the Journalist—Audience Relationship in the Commenting Policies of Online News Sites

As newspapers move toward web platforms, journalists struggle with their authoritative role in society. A documentation of policy development for commenting on news articles, this research considers these reader-content areas as places of boundary work for the journalist—audience relationship in interactive news environments. This ethnographic examination demonstrated significant internal conflict among both journalists and readers. The ‘traditionalists’ — those who want to maintain a hierarchal relationship between journalists and audiences — clashed with the ‘convergers’ — those who felt users should be given more freedoms within the news site. The resulting policy privileged journalism by relegating reader input to specific, structured spaces. But for the first time, audiences participated in that policy development, asserting their own textual privilege according to a value system apart from journalistic norms. The result was a grand identity complex for the news profession characterized by interrupte...
Effect of calcium ions on the thermotropic behaviour of neutral and anionic glycosphingolipids.

Abstract In the concentration range of 10 −5 to 10 −1 M Ca 2+ modulates the thermotropic properties of several neutral and anionic glycosphingolipids (galactosylceramide, asialo-G M1 , sulfatide, G M1 , G D1a , G T1b ) and of their mixtures with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine. The transition temperature of gangliosides is not appreciably changed while the transition enthalpy increases by 20% in the presence of Ca 2+ . The more marked effect of Ca 2+ is on the thermotropic behavior of systems containing sulfatide. Increasing concentrations of Ca 2+ between 10 −5 and 10 −3 M (up to a molar ratio of Ca 2+ /sulfatide 1:2) induce a progressive increase of both the transition temperature and enthalpy. Further increases up to 10 −1 M Ca 2+ induce a new phase transition at a lower temperature. No evidence is found for induction of phase separation of pure glycosphingolipid-Ca 2+ domains in mixtures of any of the glycosphingolipids with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine. The modification of the phase behavior of anionic glycosphingolipids by Ca 2+ does not involve detectable variations of the intermolecular packing but is accompanied by marked modifications of the dipolar properties of the polar head group region.
Manufacturing System Design Considering Stochastic Product Evolution and Task Recurrence

The conventional approaches to manufacturing system design and line balancing have often focused on a single generation of products, thus leading to new design or rebalancing when new products are introduced or different models are produced in the same line. As the life cycles of product models become shorter and shorter, this new product then new system-design approach is becoming increasingly ineffective due to too frequent production interruption. Therefore, effective solutions to system-design problems should consider the evolution of products over multiple generations and models, and this paper presents such new methods. Mixed-integer programming models are developed for (1) designing manufacturing system configurations that are cost effective for product evolution involving uncertainty and (2) maximizing the recurrences of manufacturing tasks on the same machines throughout product evolution. A decomposition-based solution procedure is also developed to reduce computational complexity. These new methods can provide a stable system-design solution enabling quick product launches with less line change-over for new or different products.
A high-throughput path metric for multi-hop wireless routing

This paper presents the expected transmission count metric (ETX), which finds high-throughput paths on multi-hop wireless networks. ETX minimizes the expected total number of packet transmissions (including retransmissions) required to successfully deliver a packet to the ultimate destination. The ETX metric incorporates the effects of link loss ratios, asymmetry in the loss ratios between the two directions of each link, and interference among the successive links of a path. In contrast, the minimum hop-count metric chooses arbitrarily among the different paths of the same minimum length, regardless of the often large differences in throughput among those paths, and ignoring the possibility that a longer path might offer higher throughput.This paper describes the design and implementation of ETX as a metric for the DSDV and DSR routing protocols, as well as modifications to DSDV and DSR which allow them to use ETX. Measurements taken from a 29-node 802.11b test-bed demonstrate the poor performance of minimum hop-count, illustrate the causes of that poor performance, and confirm that ETX improves performance. For long paths the throughput improvement is often a factor of two or more, suggesting that ETX will become more useful as networks grow larger and paths become longer.
Connections in Proportional Reasoning: Levers, Arithmetic Means, Mixtures, Batting Averages, and Speeds

The lever is used to give an alternate physical representation of, and as a means to connect, situations that involve weighted averages and inverse proportionality, such as arithmetic means, mixtures, batting averages, and speeds. Geometric representations of the situations are also provided as another way to make connections.
Conversion of long-range calculations to short-range calculations in micromagnetic problems

Abstract The computation of long-range interactions in micromagnetic problems is very time-consuming, since they must be computed and summed for each pair of calculation and source points; furthermore, this calculation has to be done at each iteration of the micromagnetic calculation. A technique is presented which replaces the necessary integration by the solution of a differential equation using Dirichlet boundary conditions. A comparison of this method with the integration technique is presented.
Prediction of Target Detection Thresholds on the Basis of Physiological Considerations

This paper presents a physiological math model which predicts the liminal contrast required to detect a target as a function of target size, background brightness and exposure time. The model is based on the premise that target detection occurs when the difference in response of cells across a target/background brightness contour is greater than some threshold. This premise is supported by recent physiological and psycho-physical measurements. A logical "wiring diagram" for the retina is conceived which resembles the actual anatomy of the retina. The photo-receptor cells, bipolar cells and ganglion cells in the model are given simple mathematical response functions. The target detection requirement for a minimum threshold response difference across a contour is used to develop a mathematical expression of threshold target brightness as a function of background brightness. There are two major parameters in the expression for threshold target brightness: 1) Photo-receptor sensitivity to incident luminance, 2) The threshold response difference required for target detection. The expression for threshold target brightness fits the experimental data well. The model is expanded to explain the variation of the sensitivity and threshold parameters with target size and exposure time. The resulting model is self-consistent and closely agrees with the experimental data for background luminance levels of less than one foot lambert and exposure times less than .1 sec. The results presented in this paper indicate that a coupling of psycho-physical measurements with physiological and anatomical findings leads to both a greater understanding of the physiological processes involved and a more powerful formulation of the psycho-physical results.
Petroleum prospectivity of the Canada Basin, Arctic Ocean

Abstract Reconnaissance seismic reflection data indicate that Canada Basin is a >700,000 sq. km. remnant of the Amerasia Basin of the Arctic Ocean that lies south of the Alpha-Mendeleev Large Igneous Province, which was constructed across the northern part of the Amerasia Basin between about 127 and 89–83.5 Ma. Canada Basin was filled by Early Jurassic to Holocene detritus from the Beaufort–Mackenzie Deltaic System, which drains the northern third of interior North America, with sizable contributions from Alaska and Northwest Canada. The basin contains roughly 5 or 6 million cubic km of sediment. Three fourths or more of this volume generates low amplitude seismic reflections, interpreted to represent hemipelagic deposits, which contain lenses to extensive interbeds of moderate amplitude reflections interpreted to represent unconfined turbidite and amalgamated channel deposits. Extrapolation from Arctic Alaska and Northwest Canada suggests that three fourths of the section in Canada Basin is correlative with stratigraphic sequences in these areas that contain intervals of hydrocarbon source rocks. In addition, worldwide heat flow averages suggest that about two thirds of Canada Basin lies in the oil or gas windows. Structural, stratigraphic and combined structural and stratigraphic features of local to regional occurrence offer exploration targets in Canada Basin, and at least one of these contains bright spots. However, deep water (to almost 4000 m), remoteness from harbors and markets, and thick accumulations of seasonal to permanent sea ice (until its possible removal by global warming later this century) will require the discovery of very large deposits for commercial success in most parts of Canada Basin.
Factorizations of Hermitian block Hankel matrices

Abstract The basic results of N.I. Achiezer and M.G. Krein from the classical polynomial moment theory are concerned with certain representations of elements of a positive difinite Hankel matrix. These results are generalized to the case of an arbitrary (scalar or block) hermitian Hankel matrix and are shown to be closely related to some factorizations of block Hankel matrices, matrix polynomials, and indefinite scalar products.
Dynamic fracture rate of Charpy V-notch specimen

Abstract Considered in this work is the dynamic loading rate effect on the fracture of pre-notched beam specimens. Four different dynamic loading rates for the same total work are analyzed using a three point bent specimen as specified by ASTM E-23, generally known as the Charpy simple-beam impact test. It will be referred to herein as the Charpy V-notch (CVN) configuration. As an example, the rate at which energy is applied dynamically to initiate fracture for the HY-80 casting material is determined. It is not sufficient to characterize the dynamic fracture behavior of material in units of foot-pound. What controls dynamic fracture is the rate of energy dissipated in the material damage process. The current approach of critical dynamic stress intensity factor and/or Charpy foot-pound has no theoretical basis and can lead to unreliable predictions when used in structural applications.
Adrenal and ovarian contributions to the elevated free plasma androgen levels in hirsute women.

Hirsute women have been studied to explore the possibility that overproduction of androgens by the ovary might be more directly associated with amenorrhea than overproduction by the adrenal. Dexamethasone was administered in order to suppress ACTH secretion, and hence, ACTH-dependent androgen production by the adrenal. Human chorionic gonadotropin was administered in order to stimulate ovarian androgen production. Androgen production was evaluated by measuring indexes of free (unbound) plasma androgen levels and several intermediates in androgen metabolism. Following dexamethasone administration, the levels of free androgens were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in hirsute women with amenorrhea than in other hirsute or normal women. The failure of dexamethasone to suppress plasma free androgens to normal levels in amenorrheic, hirsute women is probably due to overproduction of androgen by the ovaries of such subjects. This conclusion was supported by the finding that gonadotropin reproduced the androgenic ...
Atomic Negative Ions

Results of Hartree-Fock calculations on the ions of ${\mathrm{Li}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, ${\mathrm{B}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, ${\mathrm{C}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, ${\mathrm{N}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, ${\mathrm{O}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, ${\mathrm{F}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, ${\mathrm{N}}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{-}}$, ${\mathrm{O}}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{-}}$ in states of the lowest electronic configuration, along with correlation and relativistic corrections, are given. These data are used to compute electron affinities for the atoms of the first row of the periodic table, and the stabilities of the excited states of the ions relative to the neutral atoms. Computed electron affinities for atoms on which experimental determinations are not available are 0.58\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05 eV for lithium, 0.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05 eV for boron, and -0.27\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.11 eV for nitrogen. Computed electron affinities for other first row atoms are in agreement with experiment with the exception of oxygen, where the computed value of 1.22\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.14 eV is significantly less than the experimental determination of 1.47 eV. For the first row atoms, no excited states of the ground-state electronic configuration are lower in energy than the neutral atom, although ${\mathrm{C}}^{\ensuremath{-}}(^{2}D)$ is only 0.08\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05 eV above.
ZD1839 (Iressa™) In Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway plays an important role in a number of processes that are key to tumor progression, including cell proliferation, angiogenesis, metastatic spread, and inhibition of apoptosis. EGFR is expressed or overexpressed in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and EGFR-mediated growth has been associated with advanced disease and poor prognosis in NSCLC patients. ZD1839 (Iressa) is an orally active, selective EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks EGFR signal transduction. In preclinical studies using NSCLC cell lines, ZD1839 has been shown to inhibit tumor cell growth. In addition, ZD1839, as monotherapy and in combination with commonly used cytotoxic agents, has produced growth delay in NSCLC human xenografts. Preliminary results from phase I trials in patients with advanced disease have shown that ZD1839 has excellent bioavailability, an acceptable tolerability profile, and promising clinical activity in patients with a variety of tumor types, particularly in NSCLC. ZD1839 is currently in phase III clinical development for the treatment of advanced NSCLC.
Rural school employees' status, awareness, and perceptions of adult vaccinations.

As key members of the school environment, it is important for school employees to be vaccinated. Employees are in direct contact with children in close quarters for long periods of time and such an environment can easily serve as an outbreak center for vaccine-preventable communicable diseases such as measles. Despite the fact that most school employees believe vaccines are safe and effective and many school employees report they are up-to-date with their vaccines, a closer examination reveals discrepancy between belief and behavior. This research study evaluates the vaccination status, awareness, and perceptions of school employees located in a large rural school district in Utah. As a vaccine advocate, the school nurse can be influential in providing adult vaccination education for school employees, thus increasing awareness of the importance of adult vaccines and knowing one’s vaccination status. Additionally, school nurses might need to meet with school district policy makers to promote vaccine mandat...
Perilymph hypertension and the indirect measurement of cochlear pressure

Perilymph hypertension has been shown to produce hearing loss in animal experiments and in at least two clinical situations: chronic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) elevation and oval window “gushers.” Idiopathic perilymph hypertension may be a factor in other otologic conditions as well. The indirect measurement of increased cochlear pressure is discussed and a plea made for otolaryngologists and audiologists to consider such measurements in inner ear disease of obscure etiology in order to validate the concept that increased cochlear pressure is associated with ear disease other than Meniere's.
Wavelet analysis and time-frequency distributions of the body surface ECG before and after angioplasty

In a pilot study, electrocardiographic (ECG) recordings of patients with left and right coronary stenosis taken before and after angioplasty were analyzed using the continuous wavelet transform. Time-frequency distributions were obtained for different leads in order to examine the dynamics of the QRS-spectrum and establish features specific of ischemia in the time-frequency domain. We found relevant changes in the mid-frequency range, reflecting the ECG's response to percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). The changes appeared in ECG leads close to ischemic zones of the myocardium. Time-frequency distributions of the ECG during the QRS may thus become another electrocardiographic indicator of ischemia, alternative to ST-level in standard ECG or body surface mapping. The paper demonstrates the ability of the continuous wavelet transform to detect short lasting events of low amplitude superimposed on large signal deflections.