cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Revising Process Metaphysics in Response to Ian Barbour's Critique

In Religion in an Age of Science, Ian Barbour concludes that the contemporary evolutionary worldview with its emphasis on the interplay of law and chance, relationality and autonomy, can be properly accounted for only by something like the process-relational metaphysics of Alfred North Whitehead. At the same time, he expresses serious reservations about certain features of Whitehead's scheme, notably, his perceived inability to account for the ongoing identity of the human self and for the fact of multilevel organization within organisms and in the world of inanimate compounds. In this article, I suggest that both of these difficulties can be resolved if one adopts a revisionist understanding of the Whiteheadian category of society according to which democratically organized societies possess an ontological unity and exercise a corporate agency proper to their own level of existence and activity. Furthermore, if one applies this revisionist understanding of societies to the Whiteheadian doctrine of God, a Trinitarian understanding of God becomes possible within the overall parameters of process-relational metaphysics. In this way, traditional belief in the doctrine of the Trinity can be reconciled with a scientifically credible worldview.
Phenotypic and functional characterization of pig lymphocyte populations

Monoclonal antibodies reactive with swine lymphoid cell subpopulation antigens and with the swine major histocompatibility complex, the SLA complex, antigens are summarized. The mAb have been used to analyze swine peripheral T cell populations, the CD4+ helper T cells and the CD8+ cytotoxic/suppressor T cells. Three unique properties of swine T cells have been described. 1) There is an unusually high (25%) number of CD4+ CD8+ dual expressor T cells. 2) The ratio of CD4+ to CD8+ T cells is lower than expected; the ratio of 0.6, which is normal for pigs, only occurs in pathological conditions in humans. 3) Resting CD8+ cells preferentially express class II SLA antigens. The significance of these unusual properties of swine T cells is currently under study.
Materials modification for novel application

Throughout history, man has used and adapted materials to suit his particular needs. In this article we present examples of some of the ingenious ways in which materials have been processed by scientists and engineers in order to create new functionality. The very recent disciplines of nanotechnology and nanofabrication are just two examples of such processing. In many cases, we can see not just utility, but also aesthetic beauty in the final product.
Urinalysis in patients on chronic hemodialysis

To determine what urinalysis findings are normal in patients maintained on chronic hemodialysis, we have studied the urine in 25 such patients. In end stage renal disease correlation with the original disease is lost, and urine characteristically contains many white blood cells and frequent white blood cell casts; microscopic hematuria is unusual even in patients whose original disease was a proliferative nephritis.
Kinetics Model for the Growth of Silicon Carbide by the Reaction of Liquid Silicon with Carbon

The kinetics and mechanism of reaction of glassy carbon with a pure silicon melt or a Si + Mo melt were investigated. The results showed that the growth of a continuous reaction-formed SiC layer followed a fourth-power rate law in the temperature range of 1430° to 1510°C. A model that could explain the fourth-power rate law was developed. In this model, an internal electric field was assumed to be set up over the reaction-formed SiC layer through a negative space charge, and then the diffusion of the carbon-ion vacancies across this layer, driven predominately by this electric field, was considered as the rate-limiting step for the SiC growth. Neither an increase in the processing temperature nor an addition of 10 wt% Mo into the silicon melt had a significant influence on the reaction kinetics. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the reaction products were β-SiC, and β-SiC + MoSi2 for the Si-C and Si-C-Mo reactions, respectively.
Twin and adoption studies in child and adolescent psychiatric disorders.

Because environmental (both social and biological) and genetic factors are inextricably intertwined in families, it has been difficult to discern the relative influence of these possible causative factors in many child pyschiatric disorders. Twin and adoption studies can be used to separate the effe
Growth-inhibitory effects of coumarin (1,2-benzopyrone) and 7-hydroxycoumarin on human malignant cell lines in vitro

Coumarin (1,2-benzopyrone) is a natural substance that has shown antitumor activity in vivo. The major human metabolite of coumarin, 7-hydroxycoumarin (7-HC), is the active form of the drug. While the exact mechanism(s) of action of coumarin is unknown, it has been shown previously that this drug possesses immunomodulatory activity in vitro and in vivo. The present investigations examined the direet (non-immunological) antitumor effects of coumarin and 7-HC in vitro. Both coumarin and 7-HC were found to be growth-inhibitory (cytostatic) for the following human malignant cell lines: A549, ACHN, Caki-2, Dakiki, HS-Sultan, H727, HCT-15, HL-60, K562, LNCaP, PC-3, Du 145 COLO-232, MCF-7 and RP-1788. The growth inhibition was dependent on dose and time and was reversible upon removal of cells from medium containing the drug. Coumarin and 7-HC inhibited [3H]thymidine, [3H]uridine and [3H]leucine incorporation. In a similar fashion, coumarin and 7-HC inhibited the intracellular production of prostate-specific antigen by LNCaP cells. Coumarin and 7-HC stimulated apoptosis in HL-60 cells but not in other cell lines tested. It is concluded that coumarin and 7-HC have direct antitumor (cytostatic) activity as well as immunomodulatory activity. Further information is needed in order to determine which activities are responsible for antitumor activity in vivo.
Preliminary performance analysis of the advanced pulse compression noise radar waveform

Noise radar systems encounter target fluctuation behavior similar to that of conventional systems. For noise radar systems, however, the fluctuations are not only dictated by target composition and geometry, but also by the non-uniform power envelope of their random transmit signals. This third dependency is of interest and serves as the basis for the preliminary analysis conducted in this manuscript. General conclusions are drawn on the implications of having a random power envelope and the impacts it could have on both the transmit and receive processes. Using an advanced pulse compression noise (APCN) radar waveform as the constituent signal, a computer simulation aids in quantifying potential losses and the impacts they might have on the detection performance of a real radar system.
Single-Stranded DNA Aptamer RT1t49 Inhibits RT Polymerase and RNase H Functions of HIV Type 1, HIV Type 2, and SIVCPZ RTs

Natural and selected resistance of HIV-1 to current anti-HIV drugs continues to pose serious problems to the development of HIV-1 antivirals. The viral reverse transcriptase (RT) is a proven therapeutic target. Single-stranded RNA and DNA (ssRNA and ssDNA) aptamers have been selected that specifically and potently inhibit RT function. In particular, the ssDNA aptamer RT1t49 was previously selected to recognize the RT from a subtype B strain of HIV-1 and binds with a reported Kd of 4 nM. In the present work, we show that RT1t49 inhibits recombinant RT cloned from diverse branches of the primate lentiviral family. Aptamer concentrations required for half-maximal inhibition of all HIV-1, HIV-2, and SIVCPZ RTs assayed were in the low-to mid-nanomolar range for both polymerase and RNase H activities. Using pre-steady-state and order-of-addition kinetic analyses, we also established that this ssDNA aptamer competes with primer–template for access to RT, and that addition of a nucleoside analog RT inhibitor (NRT...
The Relationships Among Self-Esteem, Exercise, and Self-Rated Health in Older Women

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship among self-esteem, exercise and self-rated health and selected demographic factors in older women. The sample consisted of 43 older women who had participated in an exercise class in an urban setting. Bivariate association indicated a significant positive relationship among self-esteem, exercise, and self-rated health in older women. Elderly women who exercised, were white, and perceived themselves to be healthy had higher self-esteem in general. Self-rated health, ethnicity, exercise, and ability to get around accounted for 62% of the variance in self-esteem. This finding is of considerable importance since intervention through exercise may help to increase the elderly woman's self-esteem. Further, health professionals would do well to improve the perceptions of health in this group which may help to increase their self-esteem and give them the confidence and ability to cope with future health problems.
An introduction to array logic

After a discussion of the reasons for choosing to implement logic in array form. a detailed description of the nature of array logic is given. Topics specifically discussed include general array structures and implementation, influence of decoder partitioning, design of logic arrays, output phase, "split" variables, feedback in logic arrays, and reconfiguration.
Anatomy of an episode of high sulfate concentration at Whiteface Mountain, New York

Abstract Concentrations of seven metals and sulfate in aerosols collected at Whiteface Mountain, New York, were measured continuously in 6-h intervals for 2 weeks in June 1979. Thirteen consecutive samples showed high episodic concentrations of sulfate, Fe, Al and, to a lesser extent, Zn, Pb, K, Mg and Ca. The trajectories for the period of elevated [SO 2− 4 ] passed through the midwestern United States and entered New York State from the southwest. The trajectories for the time periods of low [SO 2− 4 ] before and after the episode entered New York from the north. This relationship between high concentrations and the surface-air trajectories suggests that in this particular episode SO 2− 4 and metals may have been transported from the Midwest. As the effective travel time ( T ) of this air mass, passing through a high SO 2 -emission area, increased, [SO 2− 4 ] increased, while the metal concentrations (particularly [Fe]) decreased. These observations suggest that in this episode Fe and SO 2− 4 were transported together. Analyses of other episodes are needed before any general conclusions can be drawn. This analysis could not have been performed with 24-h sample collection periods and therefore illustrates the advantages of relatively short collection times.
Emerging capitalism in Russia and China: implications for Europe

This paper compares the evolution of capitalism in Russia and China and the implications of these transitions for Europe. The framework we utilise includes six variables developed by Lane (2006) that provide insights into the types of capitalism developing in each country. We see the role of the state as being pervasive and a major determinant of the progress toward capitalism in both countries. We conclude that the central state role, concurrent with the development of a market sector, constitutes a dualistic approach to capitalism. We provide implications for Europe of the evolving capitalism in these two transitioning economies.
The effect of temperature on gross slip fretting wear of cold-sprayed nickel coatings on Ti6Al4V interfaces

Abstract Fretting wear is an accumulation of damage that occurs at component interfaces that are subjected to high contact stresses coupled with low-amplitude oscillation. In metallic contacts, surface oxides, adhesion, and material transfer play a primary role in the initial stages of fretting wear degradation. Given these behaviors, the focus of this study was to determine the effect of temperature on inter-metallic fretting wear between Ti6Al4V (titanium, 6% aluminum, 4% vanadium) and cold-sprayed, commercially pure nickel coatings. The results presented herein show that increased temperature decreases friction through the formation of a uniform NiO layer, and by a reduction of Ni2O3 in contacts. In addition, it was found that a localized minimum friction coefficient is achieved at approximately 300 °C, above which friction increases slightly due to annealing of the cold-sprayed coatings.
Effects of surface defects on the local electric field in inhomogeneous media

Surface defects both focus the local electric field and enhance its intensity in the vicinity of the defect. Using a finite element model of an inhomogeneous dielectric film, we have examined the relationship between the defect shape and local electric field in the film and defect. We find that raised defect regions that are peaked have the largest local fields while the slope of removed regions has little effect on the field in raised defects. Both peaked and flat surface defects can lead to large enhancements of the local electric field above that predicted by effective medium approximation (EMA) methods.
Longitudinal Assessment of Food Intake, Fecal Energy Loss, and Energy Expenditure After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery in High-Fat-Fed Obese Rats

Background The efficacy of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery to produce weight loss has been well-documented, but few studies have measured the key components of energy balance, food intake, and energy expenditure longitudinally.
RNA delivery in Saccharomyces cerevisiae using electroporation.

An efficient delivery method for introducing in vitro synthesized RNA into yeast into has been developed using electroporation. Spheroplast preparation, electroporation, and subsequent expression analysis can be accomplished within a single day. The use of introduced mRNA constructs avoids any complications due to nuclear regulation and is particularly suited for cytoplasmic regulatory studies. Moreover, this technique is useful for introduicing those RNas that connot be made in vivo, Such as poly (A)−mRNAs or RNAs with base modifications. We demonstrate that the Escherichia coli GUS gene and the firefly Luc gene are both excellent reporter genes for RNA electroporation.
A language of analytical patterns for the agile enterprise

This paper introduces a language of analytical patterns for the agile enterprise. This language consists of 12 interdependent patterns on the basis of a holonic approach. Each pattern reflects a certain analysis context and covers relevant influential factors from multiple perspectives using an integral quadrant model analysis methodology at each holonic level. The pattern language provides a guided approach to understanding the complexity and interdependencies among factors from various domains that influence flexibility within an enterprise.
Microplate leukocyte adherence inhibition assay in pancreatic cancer. Effect of chemotherapy on the specific antitumor response

This study evaluated the effect of adriamycin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on the host's tumor specific immune response monitored by a microplate leukocyte adherence inhibition assay (LAI) in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Sixteen previously LAI positive patients were treated with adriamycin. The previously positive LAI responses were abrogated in 11 of the 16 patients. This effect of adriamycin on the hosts' tumor specific immune response lasted for a period of 4 weeks following therapy. Seventeen LAI reactive patients were treated with 5-FU. In contrast to the effect of adriamycin, 13 of these 17 patients remained LAI reactive following administration of 5-FU.
RELATIVE EFFICACY OF HUMAN SOCIAL INTERACTION AND FOOD AS REINFORCERS FOR DOMESTIC DOGS AND HAND-REARED WOLVES

Despite the intimate relationship dogs share with humans in Western society, we know relatively little about the variables that produce and maintain dog social behavior towards humans. One possibility is that human social interaction is itself a reinforcer for dog behavior. As an initial assessment of the variables that might maintain dog social behavior, we compared the relative efficacy of brief human social interaction to a small piece of food as a reinforcer for an arbitrary response (nose touch). We investigated this in three populations of canids: shelter dogs, owned dogs, and hand-reared wolves. Across all three canid populations, brief social interaction was a relatively ineffective reinforcer compared to food for most canids, producing lower responding and longer latencies than food.
The Soft Real-Time Agent Control Architecture

Real-time control has become increasingly important as technologies are moved from the lab into real world situations. The complexity associated with these systems increases as control and autonomy are distributed, due to such issues as temporal and ordering constraints, shared resources, and the lack of a complete and consistent world view. In this paper we describe a soft real-time architecture designed to address these requirements, motivated by challenges encountered in a real-time distributed sensor allocation environment. The system features the ability to generate schedules respecting temporal, structural and resource constraints, to merge new goals with existing ones, and to detect and handle unexpected results from activities. We will cover a suite of technologies being employed, including quantitative task representation, alternative plan selection, partial-order scheduling, schedule consolidation and execution and conflict resolution in an uncertain environment. Technologies which facilitate on-line real-time control, including meta-level accounting, schedule caching and variable time granularities are also discussed.
A fast sorting algorithm for aptamer identification using deep sequencing

In recent years, with the advent of fast sequencing technology, the genomic database is growing rapidly. Researchers in the bioinformatics field are expecting faster and more accurate tools to effectively analyze the gigantic data sets. In the context of aptamer search, the goal is to search for the over-represented DNA sequences from the randomly generated aptamer libraries. Hash functions are widely used in substring comparison, sequence alignment and clustering tools. We have developed a light-weight tool that takes advantage of the hash functions to reduce the size of genomic data and conducts η-neighbor searches on the centroid sequence. This greatly improves the efficiency of the search compared with existing tools. Furthermore, the prior calculation of hash values of η-neighbors decreases the searching overhead. In a dataset of 2.23 million sequences, the proposed algorithm accurately count the frequency of the Human α-Thrombin aptamer sequences in less than 40 seconds, whereas the current script-based method takes 2 hours and 18 minutes.
“No-Vent” Technique of Coronary Artery Bypass

Isolated coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in 100 patients without the use of a left ventricular vent. Distention of the left ventricle did not occur. There was 1 late death unrelated to this technique. Vents in the left heart are not required under most circumstances.
Approximate Maximum Entropy Joint Feature Inference Consistent with Arbitrary Lower-Order Probability Constraints: Application to Statistical Classification

We propose a new learning method for discrete space statistical classifiers. Similar to Chow and Liu (1968) and Cheeseman (1983), we cast classification/inference within the more general framework of estimating the joint probability mass function (p.m.f.) for the (feature vector, class label) pair. Cheeseman's proposal to build the maximum entropy (ME) joint p.m.f. consistent with general lower-order probability constraints is in principle powerful, allowing general dependencies between features. However, enormous learning complexity has severely limited the use of this approach. Alternative models such as Bayesian networks (BNs) require explicit determination of conditional independencies. These may be difficult to assess given limited data. Here we propose an approximate ME method, which, like previous methods, incorporates general constraints while retaining quite tractable learning. The new method restricts joint p.m.f. support during learning to a small subset of the full feature space. Classification gains are realized over dependence trees, tree-augmented naive Bayes networks, BNs trained by the Kutato algorithm, and multilayer perceptrons. Extensions to more general inference problems are indicated. We also propose a novel exact inference method when there are several missing features.
Architectures and technologies for high-speed optical data networks

Current optical networks are migrating to wavelength division multiplexing (WDM)-based fiber transport between traditional electronic multiplexers/demultiplexers, routers, and switches. Passive optical add-drop WDM networks have emerged but an optical data network that makes full use of the technologies of dynamic optical routing and switching exists only in experimental test-beds. This paper discusses architecture and technology issues for the design of high performance optical data networks with two classes of technologies, WDM and time division multiplexing (TDM). The WDM network architecture presented stresses WDM aware Internet protocol (IP), taking full advantage of optical reconfiguration, optical protection and restoration, traffic grooming to minimize electronics costs, and optical flow-switching for large transactions. Special attention is paid to the access network where innovative approaches to architecture may have a significant cost benefit. In the more distant future, ultrahigh-speed optical TDM networks, operating at single stream data rates of 100 Gb/s, may offer unique advantages over WDM networks. These advantages may include the ability to provide integrated services to high-end users, multiple quality-of-service (QoS) levels, and truly flexible bandwidth-on-demand. The paper gives an overview of an ultrahigh-speed TDM network architecture and describes recent key technology developments such as high-speed sources, switches, buffers, and rate converters.
A profile of freestanding emergency departments in the United States, 2007.

Abstract Background Freestanding Emergency Departments (FSEDs) have emerged as an alternative to traditional hospital-based emergency care. Study Objective We sought to determine the number, basic types, distribution, and characteristics of United States (US) FSEDs in 2007. Methods Combining data from the 2007 National Emergency Department Inventory-USA database, the 2007 American Hospital Association Annual Survey of Hospitals, Internet searches, and telephone calls, we established an inventory of FSEDs. We define FSEDs as emergency care facilities physically distinct from a hospital. FSEDs include “satellite” Emergency Departments (EDs), which are owned by a parent hospital, and “autonomous” EDs, which lack such an affiliation. Results We identified 80 FSEDs operating in 2007, representing 1.6% of all US EDs; 73 (91%) in 20 states were satellite EDs, and seven (9%) in three states were autonomous EDs. Most FSEDs (92%; 95% confidence interval 83–97%) were located in urban areas, which is considerably higher than the proportion for hospital-based EDs (58%). The median distance from a satellite ED to a parent hospital ED was 10.6 miles. In 2007, FSED annual visit volumes ranged from 700 to 56,545 visits. The 2007 median visit volume was 18,769 (interquartile range 11,106–23,504; n = 52). This value did not vary by geographic region and is almost identical to the 2007 median visit volume for hospital-based EDs (18,776 visits). Conclusions FSEDs represent
Quantitative Analysis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Antibody Reactivity by Western Immunoblots: Evaluation of Relative Antibody Levels in Seropositive Individuals and Mothers

A quantitative analysis of antibody responses to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) proteins using Western immunoblots and 125I-labeled protein A is reproducible and can be validated. The antibody levels obtained by Western immunoblots were compared with stoichiometric p24 radioimmunoassay over a wide range of antibody (correlation coefficient, .94; P less than .001). Antibody levels to gp160 and gp120 were validated using purified antigens. Analysis of antibody levels from 31 seropositive individuals revealed a statistically significant correlation between antibody levels to p24 and the other viral proteins except gp120. Anti-gag p24 antibody was strongly correlated with antibodies to other env products, specifically gp41 and gp160. Using the validated assay, HIV-1-infected mothers of infants were found to have highly variable levels of antibody to all viral proteins. Mothers of infected infants did not differ significantly from mothers of uninfected infants in antibody pattern or levels to any viral protein including gp120.
Defining surgical critical care as an integrated specialty

Abstract Purpose Among general surgeons, resistance to incorporating critical care specialists into the mainstream of surgical critical care is well documented. Loss of control, fragmentation of care, added cost, and the abdication of expertise are frequently cited as objections to this approach. In 1992, we began to explore the feasibility of developing a fully integrated, multidisciplinary surgical critical care program, structured to avoid these pitfalls. The conversion from a traditional nonintegrated surgical model was completed in 1993. This report summarizes the structural changes and results of this effort. Methods The Surgical Critical Care Service was converted from a combined trauma/critical care service into a multidisciplinary section of the Department of Surgery, composed of 12 full-time faculty (7 surgeons, 5 nonsurgeons). All (surgeons and nonsurgeons) are active full-time members of the department with a director (nonsurgeon) and a residency program director (surgeon) who report to the chairman of the department. Patient care is both vertically (surgical team) and horizontally (intensive-care-unit team) integrated with a surgical/critical care resident functioning as the key crossover member of both teams. Educational programs are organized and administered by the residency program director with faculty choice based on ability rather than training background. A work group composed of the chairman, key section directors (anesthesiology, critical care, trauma, burns, and cardiac surgery), and the assistant vice president of nursing meet monthly to provide global direction and resolve differences of opinion. Results Tension between general surgeons and critical care specialists has been eliminated. Objective performance parameters have significantly improved since the conversion. Resident evaluations and American Board of Surgery In-Service Training Examination (ABSITE) performance remained constant or improved after conversion. Conclusion The development of a multidisciplinary critical care program based in the Department of Surgery relieves professional tensions, improves the quality of care, and enhances educational and research opportunities for both critical care and general surgery residents.
Adaptive functioning and its correlates after intestine and liver transplantation

In this cross-sectional study, we compared levels of adaptive functioning and examined potential correlates of adaptive functioning in 18 pediatric intestine (ITX) and 22 liver (LTX) recipients transplanted between June 2003 and March 2009. Family caregivers completed the ABAS-II scale and provided socio-demographic information regarding recipients' age at transplantation, gender, ethnicity, time since transplantation, and caregivers' role, ethnicity, education, and family income. Overall adaptive functioning and all three adaptive functioning subdomain scores were significantly lower in ITX patients compared with LTX patients (p ≤ 0.04) and compared with the general population normative mean (p ≤ 0.003). Significant correlates of adaptive functioning after abdominal transplant included type of transplant procedure (r = -0.4, p = 0.02), gender (r = 0.4, p = 0.01), and educational level of caregiver (r = 0.5, p = 0.003) and together explained 45% of the variance in overall adaptive functioning. Findings provide new information regarding everyday functioning outcomes of ITX patients, add to existing data regarding non-medical outcomes for LTX patients, and highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and intervention following transplantation to enhance outcomes.
Wild-Type Neural Progenitors Divide and Differentiate Normally in an Amyloid-Rich Environment

Adult neurogenesis is modulated by a balance of extrinsic signals and intrinsic responses that maintain production of new granule cells in the hippocampus. Disorders that disrupt the proliferative niche can impair this process, and alterations in adult neurogenesis have been described in human autopsy tissue and transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. Because exogenous application of aggregated Aβ peptide is neurotoxic in vitro and extracellular Aβ deposits are the main pathological feature recapitulated by mouse models, cell-extrinsic effects of Aβ accumulation were thought to underlie the breakdown of hippocampal neurogenesis observed in Alzheimer's models. We tested this hypothesis using a bigenic mouse in which transgenic expression of APP was restricted to mature projection neurons. These mice allowed us to examine how wild-type neural progenitor cells responded to high levels of Aβ released from neighboring granule neurons. We find that the proliferation, determination, and survival of hippocampal adult-born granule neurons are unaffected in the APP bigenic mice, despite abundant amyloid pathology and robust neuroinflammation. Our findings suggest that Aβ accumulation is insufficient to impair adult hippocampal neurogenesis, and that factors other than amyloid pathology may account for the neurogenic deficits observed in transgenic models with more widespread APP expression.
Smoking‐related cotinine levels and host responses in chronic periodontitis

Background and Objective Smoking has been reported to increase the risk of periodontal disease by disrupting the balance of immune responses and tissue repair processes; however, this risk varies among smokers. Cotinine levels in saliva are routinely used to measure the level of smoking, and reflect the quantity of nicotine, and other smoking-related xenobiotics that challenge host systems. This study delineated characteristics of inflammatory mediators in saliva and serum antibody responses to both periodontal pathogens and commensal bacteria in smokers as they related to cotinine levels. Materials and Methods This case–control study (n = 279) examined salivary inflammatory mediator responses [interleukin (IL)-1s, IL-10, prostaglandin E2, myeloperoxidase and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1], and serum IgG antibody responses to three periodontal pathogens (Aggregatibacter actinomyce-temcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola) and five commensal oral microorganisms (Veillonella parvula, Streptococcus sanguis, Prevotella loescheii, Actinomyces naeslundii, Capnocytophaga ochracea). Results The patients were stratified into health (n = 30), gingivitis (n = 55) and periodontitis (n = 184); cotinine levels correlated with reported smoking habits in health, less so with gingivitis, and were not correlated in periodontitis. Of the inflammatory mediators/acute phase proteins, only IL-1s levels were positively associated (p < 0.001) with the pack years and cotinine levels. As might be predicted, patients with periodontitis smoked more (p < 0.001) and had higher levels of cotinine. IL-1s and antibody to A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis and T. denticola were significantly higher in the patients with periodontitis than either patients with gingivitis or who were healthy. Conclusions Generally, antibody to the pathogens and commensals was lower with decreased cotinine levels. Smoking exacerbated differences in both inflammatory mediators and three antibody in periodontal disease compared to healthy subjects.
Projections of the pontine nuclei to the cochlear nucleus in rats.

In the cochlear nucleus, there is a magnocellular core of neurons whose axons form the ascending auditory pathways. Surrounding this core is a thin shell of microneurons called the granule cell domain (GCD). The GCD receives auditory and nonauditory inputs and projects in turn to the dorsal cochlear nucleus, thus appearing to serve as a central locus for integrating polysensory information and descending feedback. Nevertheless, the source of many of these inputs and the nature of the synaptic connections are relatively unknown. We used the retrograde tracer Fast Blue to demonstrate that a major projection arises from the contralateral pontine nuclei (PN) to the GCD. The projecting cells are more densely located in the ventral and rostral parts of the PN. They also are clustered into a lateral and a medial group. Injections of anterograde tracers into the PN labeled mossy fibers in the contralateral GCD. The terminals are confined to those parts of the GCD immediately surrounding the ventral cochlear nucleus. There is no PN projection to the dorsal cochlear nucleus. These endings have the form of bouton and mossy fiber endings as revealed by light and electron microscopy. The PN represent a key station between the cerebral and cerebellar cortices, so the pontocochlear nucleus projection emerges as a significant source of highly processed information that is introduced into the early stages of the auditory pathway. The cerebropontocerebellar pathway may impart coordination and timing cues to the motor system. In an analogous way, perhaps the cerebropontocochlear nucleus projection endows the auditory system with a timing mechanism for extracting temporal information. J. Comp. Neurol. 436:
Abdominal and vaginal radical hysterectomy among U.S. women aged 65 years and older.

Unlike most European and Asian countries, radical vaginal hysterectomy (RVH) is not performed often in the United States, especially among older women. To examine the changes in RVH over the years, trends in hospital stay, hospital charges, and patient survival, we studied women aged 65 years and older undergoing RVH and compared them with patients receiving radical abdominal hysterectomy (RAH). During the study period there were a total of 288 RVH surgeries compared with 4,835 RAH surgeries. There were no significant changes in the number or proportion of RVH patients over 8 years ( p =.50, trend test). On the average, RVH patients were significantly older and had shorter hospital stays. Among patients without cancer, there were no significant differences in the age, race, or survival of patients having either RVH or RAH. Similar results were obtained for patients with cancer.
Dynamic feedback linearization of the induction motor

Dynamic state feedback is used to achieve feedback linearization of the induction motor. It is shown that the sixth-order nonlinear dynamical model of the induction motor consisting of rotor speed, two stator currents, two rotor fluxes and an integrator in the feedback controller can be made equivalent to two third-order decoupled linear systems by nonlinear state feedback through the stator input voltages. It is further shown that a nonsingular dynamic feedback linearizing transformation exists as long as the (electromagnetic) torque put out by the motor is nonzero. >
Influence of Inverter Loads on the Airgap Flux of Aerospace Homopolar Alternators

In this paper the effects of the time harmonics on the output voltage are investigated. Instead of a complete analysis, the waveshape of the line current is considered as recorded on an oscilloscope when the alternator supplies an inverter. The minimum airgap induction occurs when the magnetomotive forces of the fifth and seventh time harmonic oppose the field excitation. The reduction in the amplitude of the fundamental of the airgap induction caused by the time harmonics was found to be of the order of fifteen to twenty percent for a typical cyclo-inverter load.
Nonpartisan Electoral Systems in American Cities

At regular intervals in the United States political parties conduct campaigns, the purpose of which is to elect their chosen candidates to public office. Each party seeks political power, guided in this pursuit by a complex set of election laws which spell out in detail the rights and duties of the parties. The electoral process is the mechanism by which power is maintained within a party or transferred to a competing party. The legitimate right of one party to take power from another when the people so elect is enforced. The ideal image of the American political system in action reflects two parties struggling to maximize the interests of their constituents in the hope of maximizing votes in the next election. Out of this struggle the rights of the people are preserved.
Performance Evaluations of Pavement Working Platforms Constructed with Large-Sized Unconventional Aggregates

With recent focus on sustainable construction practices and the ever-increasing transportation cost and scarcity of natural resources, use of unconventional aggregate materials, such as primary crusher run and concrete demolition waste, have become viable for the construction of pavement working platforms over very weak and often wet subgrade soils. To this end, a research study was undertaken at the Illinois Center for Transportation to evaluate the adequacy and field performances of such large-sized aggregate materials and validate new material specifications. A state-of-the-art image analysis technique was utilized to characterize the size and morphological properties, e.g. shape, texture and angularity of two large-sized aggregates, referred to herein as primary crusher run and crushed concrete. For the field evaluation, full-scale test sections were constructed with these large-sized aggregate materials over a very weak engineered subgrade and subjected to accelerated pavement testing. Construction quality control was achieved through in-place density and modulus measurements on conventional aggregate capping surface layers using nuclear gauge, lightweight deflectometer and soil stiffness gauge type devices. Periodic rut measurements were carried out on the pavement surface throughout the accelerated loading process using an Accelerated Transportation Loading Assembly (ATLAS). Contributions of the underlying pavement layers to the total rut accumulation was evaluated through innovative applications of ground penetrating radar (GPR), a light weight penetrometer device, known as the French Panda, as well as a geoendoscopy probe. Layer intermixing and material migration at the aggregate subgrade and subgrade interface was found to improve the layer stiffness and pavement performance results significantly.
Computer simulation of radio frequency heating of model fruit immersed in water

Abstract This study investigated the effect of different factors on temperature distribution within a spherical object in a parallel plate radio frequency (RF) heating system. A finite element-computer simulation program – FEMLAB was used to solve the electromagnetic and Navier–Stoke equations for developing a model to study the effect of dielectric properties of a model fruit and its surrounding medium. The model fruit was prepared from 1% gellan gel for experimental validation of the simulation results. The results showed that spherically-shaped samples surrounded with air between RF electrodes and placed in the proximity of electrodes would not heat uniformly. Immersing the model fruit in water helped to reduce uneven heating within the model fruit, but created a new problem because the model fruits were found to heat unevenly at different horizontal positions. Horizontal and vertical model fruit positions with respect to electrodes significantly influenced the heating patterns inside the model fruit. The study suggested that movement and rotation of the spherical object is the only plausible solution for improving heating uniformity. The developed computer model can be further used for prediction of the heating pattern of fresh fruit as influenced by dielectric properties, size, shape, and surrounding media to design thermal treatments of specific commodities.
Electron delocalization in a rigid cofacial naphthalene-1,8:4,5-bis(dicarboximide) dimer.

Investigating through-space electronic communication between discrete cofacially oriented aromatic π-systems is fundamental to understanding assemblies as diverse as double-stranded DNA, organic photovoltaics and thin-film transistors. A detailed understanding of the electronic interactions involved rests on making the appropriate molecular compounds with rigid covalent scaffolds and π-π distances in the range of ca. 3.5 A. Reported herein is an enantiomeric pair of doubly-bridged naphthalene-1,8:4,5-bis(dicarboximide) (NDI) cyclophanes and the characterization of four of their electronic states, namely 1) the ground state, 2) the exciton coupled singlet excited state, 3) the radical anion with strong through-space interactions between the redox-active NDI molecules, and 4) the diamagnetic diradical dianion using UV/Vis/NIR, EPR and ENDOR spectroscopies in addition to X-ray crystallography. Despite the unfavorable Coulombic repulsion, the singlet diradical dianion dimer of NDI shows a more pronounced intramolecular π-π stacking interaction when compared with its neutral analog.
Resistencia, identidad, y autonomía: La transformación de espacios en las comunidades Zapatistas

El articulo examina la identidad colectiva que se va forjando en la vida cotidiana de las comunidades autonomas zapatistas en Chiapas. Se desarrollan tres argumentos: 1. La persistencia del movimiento zapatista, a 20 anos de su aparicion publica, se debe en gran parte a la construccion de una nueva subjetividad que se manifiesta como una identidad colectiva entre los participantes. 2. Esa identidad se caracteriza mas por un proceso de construccion, en las practicas de relaciones sociales y formas de hacer politica en los territorios autonomos, que por un perfil fijo. 3. La autonomia zapatista es un ejemplo de «contrapoder», que puede ser relevante para otros movimientos sociales antisistemicos de America Latina.
Creativity Through Technology In The English Classroom

First generation in college, low family income, and weak writing scores: This describes the students I teach at a historically black institute, Bethune Cookman College, in Daytona Beach, FL. These students dislike writing and hate grammar. Yet through technology, these students can be more motivated to write. With the use of a digital movie camera, students write and produce short films about stories they have written. A research paper becomes more interesting when students can add PowerPoint or film a background for their presentations. Even the digital photo camera becomes a source of interest as students make photographs of the people they are writing about for a biography assignment. Lessons become more meaningful when a projector with computer allows students to interact or watch examples of grammar or writing skills. So the basic grammar and composition class can be enhanced by the use of basic technology. Beyond the basic composition on the computer which is now the standard, students can use these other aspects of technology which encourage creativity, engagement, and motivation. Even for the professor, technology can inspire creativity. After having students help me videotape elderly people who talked about their lives here at the college and who knew the founder Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, I spent the summer transposing these interviews and then researched and wrote a book called The Life and Legacy of Mary McLeod Bethune. Thanks to technology, I am now an author. Thus technology inspires students and teachers alike to aspire to higher levels of writing.
Subcritical limits for special fissile actinides

Critical masses and subcritical mass limits in oxide-water mixtures were calculated for actinide nuclides other than 233U, 235U, and 239Pu that have an odd number of neutrons in the nucleus; Sn tra...
The Critical Role of Leadership for Education Transformation with Successful Technology Implementation

The attention governments around the world pay to education illustrates a powerful key to unlocking socioeconomic opportunity and building a foundation for a successful future, provided it offers equal access for quality education for all, anytime, anywhere, just in time, and it prepares future generations with qualified teachers and a learning environment to succeed in the knowledge economy, thus contributing to national competitiveness and global citizenship. Access and Quality Education for All is a major challenge for governments worldwide and requires strong leadership at the national (government), regional, school, and classroom level, embedded in a system wide approach of education transformation, enhanced by utilizing public private partnerships. The Intel Education Transformation Model is a proven model implemented around the globe. Grounded in research, this model provides a holistic framework that encompasses seven essential, interdependent vectors: Leadership, Policy, Teacher Professional Learning, Curriculum and Assessment, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Sustainable Resourcing, and Research and Evaluation. The model reflects evidence-based best practices that have emerged from Intel’s collaborations with governments and school systems in more than 100 countries desiring to advance their education systems and improve student learning with effective use of new technology. Using this model, stakeholders can address the practicalities of resource allocation, motivation, and learning progress. A meta-analysis of multiple evaluation reports and studies describe Intel’s process of applying a strategic professional development seminar for school leaders and discuss the systemic factors associated with understanding classroom level change. A synthesis of these studies illustrate the effectiveness and impact of the Intel Teach Leadership Forums in informing and supporting school leaders, as well as the role of school leaders in the successful implementation of Intel Teach and Learning courses in their school and the implementation of the training strategies following the course. Results from deployment research and Leadership Forum participant survey and interview data provide evidence of immediate outcomes and longer term impact of professional development courses for leaders, such as increased support through funding, time release, priority status, interest, and involvement. In addition, findings from these studies highlight the impact that leadership has in facilitating whole school change toward effective technology use across the curriculum.
Stability of a Binary Colloidal Suspension and its effect on Colloidal Processing

The stability of a colloidal suspension plays an important role in colloidal processing of materials. The stability of the colloidal fluid phase is especially vital in achieving high green densities. By colloidal fluid phase, we refer to a phase in which colloidal particles are well separated and free to move about by Brownian motion, By controlling parameters such as pH, salt concentration, and surfactants, one can achieve high packing (green) densities in the repulsive regime where the suspension is well dispersed as a colloidal fluid, and low green densities in the attractive regime where the suspensions are flocculated [1,2]. While there is increasing interest in using bimodal suspensions to improve green densities, neither the stability of a binary suspension as a colloidal fluid nor the stability effects on the green densities have been studied in depth as yet. Traditionally, the effect of using bimodal-particle-size distribution has only been considered in terms of geometrical packing developed by Furnas and others [3,4]. This model is a simple packing concept and is used and useful for hard sphere-like repulsive interparticle interactions. With the advances in powder technology, smaller and smaller particles are available for ceramic processing. Thus, the traditional consideration of geometrial packing for the green densities of bimodal suspensions may not be enough. The interaction between particles must be taken into account.