cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of walking speed and placement position interactions in determining the accuracy of various newer pedometers

Older types of pedometers had varied levels of accuracy, which ranged from 0% to 45%. In addition, to obtain accurate results, it was also necessary to position them in a certain way. By contrast, newer models can be placed anywhere on the body; however, their accuracy is unknown when they are placed at different body sites. We determined the accuracy of various newer pedometers under controlled laboratory and free walking conditions. A total of 40 participants, who varied widely in age and body mass index, were recruited for the study. The numbers of steps recorded using five different pedometers placed at the waist, the chest, in a pocket, and on an armband were compared against those counted with a hand tally counter. With the exception of one, all the pedometers were accurate at moderate walking speeds, irrespective of their placement on the body. However, the accuracy tended to decrease at slower and faster walking speeds, especially when the pedometers were worn in the pockets or kept in the purse (p < 0.05). In conclusion, most pedometers examined were accurate when they were placed at the waist, chest, and armband irrespective of the walking speed or terrain. However, some pedometers had reduced accuracy when they were kept in a pocket or placed in a purse, especially at a slower and faster walking speeds.
Architecture of a metasearch engine that supports user information needs

When a query is submitted to a metasearch engine, decisions are made with respect to the underlying search engines to be used, what modifications will be made to the query, and how to score the results. These decisions are typically made by considering only the user's keyword query, neglecting the larger information need. Users with specific needs, such as “research papers” or “homepages,” are not able to express these needs in a way that affects the decisions made by the metasearch engine. In this paper, we describe a metasearch engine architecture that considers the user's information need for each decision. Users with different needs, but the same keyword query, may search different sub-search engines, have different modifications made to their query, and have results ordered differently. Our architecture combines several powerful approaches together in a single general purpose metasearch engine.
The Master Settlement Agreement and Its Impact on Tobacco Use 10 Years Later: Lessons for Physicians About Health Policy Making

The issue of tobacco industry responsibility for population health problems and compensation for their treatment has been growing since the 1960s. In 1999, the state attorneys general collectively launched the largest class action lawsuit in US history and sued the tobacco industry to recover the costs of caring for smokers. In what became known as the Master Settlement Agreement (MSA), states were rewarded billions of dollars and won concessions regarding how cigarettes could be advertised and targeted to minors. Ten years after this settlement, much is known about how MSA monies were distributed and how states have used the money. There is some understanding about how much of the money went toward offsetting the health-care costs attributable to smoking and whether resources were allocated to efforts to reduce smoking in a particular state. However, there are few data on what effect, if any, the MSA had on tobacco control locally and nationally. This commentary explores these issues, as well as how the tobacco industry has evolved to offset the losses incurred by the settlement. Finally, an analysis of the complexities of current tobacco policy making is provided so that physicians and other health-care advocacy groups can more completely understand the present-day political dynamics and be more effective in shaping tobacco control policy in the future.
A critical review of the state-of-the-art of the MPD thrustor.

MPD plasma accelerator for spacecraft propulsion system, performance data and proposed acceleration mechanisms
The excretion of selenium in bile and urine of steers: the influence of form and amount of Se salt

1. The excretion of 75Se and stable Se in bile and urine was measured in four steers during 6 h after intravenous injections of 75Se as either selenite or selenate containing either 5 or 5000 microgram carrier Se. 2. When 5000 microgram Se were given, the rate of urinary excretion and plasma clearance of 75SE was similar for both salts. Approximately 23% was excreted in urine and plasma clearance was triexponential, the mean half-life (t 1/2) of the successive components, alpha, beta, and gamma, being 2.3, 15-2 and 465 min respectively. The amount of 75Se excreted in bile was small; 1.94% of the 75SeO3(2-) and 0.86% of the 75SeO4(2-) dose. 3. When 5 microgram Se were given the plasma clearance of 75Se was initially biexponential but the entry of 75Se-labelled protein from the liver caused an increase in plasma radioactivity after 30-40 min. The effect was most marked after 5 microgram 75SeO3(2-) when plasma 75Se radioactivity returned to 69% of the activity present at 2 min. Values for t 1/2 of the two components of clearance for 75SEO4(2-) were respectively alpha 2.6 and 2.5 min, and beta 15.9 and 36.6 min. Similar amounts of 75Se appeared in bile (0.2% of the dose) after injection of either salt but much less 75Se was excreted in urine after 75SeO3(2-) (6%) than after 75SeO4(2-) (17%). 4. At low dosage rates (5 microgram) Se is more readily incorporated into tissues from SeO3(2-) than from SeO4(2-).
Iterative volume of interest image reconstruction in helical cone beam X-Ray CT using a stored system matrix approach

We present an efficient scheme for the forward and backward projector implementation for helical cone-beam x-ray CT reconstruction using a pre-calculated and stored system matrix approach. Because of the symmetry of a helical source trajectory, it is sufficient to calculate and store the system matrix entries for one image slice only and for all source positions illuminating it. The system matrix entries for other image slices are copies of those stored values. In implementing an iterative image reconstruction method, the internal 3D image volume can be based on a non-Cartesian grid so that no system matrix interpolation is needed for the repeated forward and backward projection calculation. Using the proposed scheme, the memory requirement for the reconstruction of a full field-of-view of clinical scanners is manageable on current computing platforms. The same storage principle can be generalized and applied to iterative volume-of-interest image reconstruction for helical cone-beam CT. We demonstrate by both computer simulations and clinical patient data the speed and image quality of VOI image reconstruction using the proposed stored system matrix approach. We believe the proposed method may contribute to bringing iterative reconstruction to the clinical practice.
The N2–N2 potential energy surface

Abstract Extensive ab initio calculations of the N 2 –N 2 interaction energy have been performed to define its anisotropic behavior with respect to molecular orientation. Additional calibration calculations with larger basis sets have been used to improve the theoretical energies at small separation distances and have been combined with experimental data for the second virial coefficient (including the results of the more recent second acoustic measurements) to determine a realistic rigid-rotor potential energy surface for the van der Waals region.
Recent advances in laser absorption and shock tube methods for studies of combustion chemistry

Abstract Recent advances in laser absorption and shock tube methodologies for studies of combustion chemistry are reviewed. First the principles of shock tube operation are discussed, and then an overview of shock tube diagnostic methods and experiments is covered. Recent shock tube developments include the use of driver inserts to counteract the small pressure gradient seen in conventional reflected shock wave experiments and the use of a constrained-reaction-volume strategy to enable the implementation of near-constant-pressure gasdynamic test conditions during energetic processes. Recent laser absorption developments include the use of a CO2 laser absorption sensor to accurately monitor temperature during shock wave experiments, the use of multi-wavelength laser absorption strategies to simultaneously monitor multiple species time-histories, and the used of isotopic labeling strategies to identify individual reaction sites during the measurement of elementary reaction rate constants. The improved ability to accurately constrain the test conditions in shock tube experiments, combined with non-intrusive, species-sensitive and quantitative laser absorption diagnostics, is enabling experimenters to provide a new generation of high-quality experimental kinetics targets for combustion chemistry model validation and refinement. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of newly emerging laser-diagnostic techniques and a summary of future research directions.
Sensitivity analysis of the build decision for carbon capture and sequestration projects

Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) is a technology that could allow for continued use of fossil fuels in a carbon‐constrained world, smoothing the transition to non‐fossil energy sources. Our objective is to assess the commercial viability of CCS given pervasive future uncertainties, particularly uncertainties about future natural gas and CO2 prices. Using data from the Integrated Environmental Control Model (IECM), we develop an interactive Excel‐based spreadsheet tool to compare levelized‐average costs of four different new‐construction 500 MW power plants: natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) with CCS, NCGG without CCS, supercritical coal with CCS, and supercritical coal without CCS. With low natural gas prices, the NGCC without the sequestration option is the dominant technology. Overall, CCS projects for either natural gas or coal projects are unlikely to be the lowest‐cost option for CO2 prices less than $50 per ton. Finally, we examine several potential policy levers that could affect the deployment of CCS. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Using standard spectra to develop and test gamma-ray analysis software

Abstract Several international standards groups have proposed a general set of gamma-ray spectra for evaluating analysis software. The use of such spectra is discussed, and typical results are presented from testing of a commercial software package with these well-defined spectral data.
Intelligent architecture through a supervised learning approach in wireless multimedia sensor networks

Future multimedia applications in wireless multimedia sensor networks impose stringent and diverse Quality of Service (QoS) requirements, which demands a cross-layer architecture. However, the cross-layer optimization for multimedia delivery is not easy to be implemented in resource limited Wireless Multimedia Networks, as QoS requirements may be qualitative, or even fuzzy. In practice, QoS requirements can be defined as a set of constraints indicated by parameters including lifetime, latency, accuracy, energy efficiency, reliability, robustness and scalability. There are interactions among these parameters across layers. Previous cross-layer approaches usually search exhaustively for all possible strategies and use all assumed parameters without considering importance. The computational burden makes them difficult to apply in real practice. Thus, it is critical to identify these interactions and determine a single optimized cross-layer control strategy, where the overall system performance is not independently determined by all parameters at each individual layer, but is determined by significant parameters and their interactions of equivalent layers. In this paper, a supervised learning approach is incorporated into cross-layer architecture to reduce the number of optimized cross-layer parameters based on their significance. Our study shows that the proposed intelligent architecture can significantly reduce the associated complexity (e.g. control, information exchange and computation overheads).
Using quantum dots to visualize clathrin associations.

Our current understanding of clathrin-mediated endocytosis proposes that the process is initiated at a specialized anatomical structure called a coated pit. Electron microscopy has been required for elucidation of the morphology of coated pits and the vesicles produced therein, and the presence of a bristle coat has been taken as suggestive of clathrin surrounding these vesicles. More recently, immunocytochemical methods have confirmed that endocytic vesicles are surrounded by clathrin and its adaptor proteins, but there is a need to identify precisely and to follow the fate of the cellular organelles seen by fluorescence microscopy. We used quantum immune-electron microscopy to localize clathrin in a human adrenal cortical cell line (SW-13). Clathrin was shown to associate with a variety of vesicle types including the classic clathrin-coated vesicles and pits used in receptor internalization, pentilaminar annular gap junction vesicles, and multivesicular bodies. The images obtained with quantum dot techn...
What is done, what is needed and what is realistic to expect from medical informatics standards

Medical informatic experts have made considerable progress in the development of standards for orders and clinical results (CEN, HL7, ASTM), EKG tracings (CEN), diagnostic images (DICOM), claims processing (X12 and EDIFAC) and in vocabulary and codes (SNOMED, Read Codes, the MED, LOINC). Considerable work still remains to be carried out. Abstract models of health care information have to be created, to cover the necessary domain, and yet be simple enough to assimilate, implement, and manage. This requires a high degree of abstraction. Enormous amounts to develop standardized vocabulary are still required to complement such a model, and to define the subsets that apply to given contexts.
Spontaneous reiterations of DNA sequences near the ends of adenovirus type 3 genomes

Repeated passage of adenovirus type 3 in HeLa cells has led to a novel stock of variant genomes. Most of the DNA molecules in this stock are characterized by deletions and substitutions of DNA sequences near the left end of the adenovirus type 3 genome map, as reported earlier (C.C. Robinson and C. Tibbetts (1984) Virology 137, 276-286). In this report the characterization of the variant genomes is extended and reveals elongated DNA molecules bearing tandem repetitions of viral DNA sequences near the left and right ends of the viral DNA. Evidence is also presented supporting the cellular DNA origin of short insert sequences found in substitution variants. The elongated variants are of interest because of their novel repeated DNA structures. The locations of these aberrant sequences raise questions about their potential impact on viral gene expression.
Autoradiographic localization of 3H-ORG 2058, a synthetic progestin, in the mammary glands of the baboon.

The uptake and retention of a radiolabeled synthetic progestin ORG 2058 by the mammary glands were examined in the baboon. Four estrogen-primed baboons were injected intravenously with 2.5µg/kg body weight of3H-ORG 2058. One animal received an additional injection of 2.5 mg/kg body weight of unlabeled progesterone. One hour after the injections, the animals were killed and the mammary glands were removed and processed for autoradiography. Only 13.4% of the alveolar secretory cells studied demonstrated nuclear uptake and retention of the radiolabeled steroid, while 60% of the alveoli demonstrated at least 1 labeled cell per cross-section. The fibroblasts in the interlobular connective tissue and most of the cells lining the interlobular ducts were labeled; however, no cells in the intralobular connective tissue were labeled. These observations seem to indicate that all alveolar secretory cells do not contain progesterone receptors in the normal mammary gland.
QUANTITATIVE STUDIES ON ANTIBODY PURIFICATION : III. THE REACTION OF DISSOCIATED ANTIBODY WITH SPECIFIC POLYSACCHARIDE, AND THE EFFECT OF FORMALDEHYDE.

1. Tested quantitatively, antibody recovered by dissociation of specific precipitates from antipneumococcus sera reacts with homologous polysaccharide almost as does the antibody in the original sera. 2. The dissociation methods employed appear to yield a portion of all of the anticarbohydrates of differing reactivities in the sera, rather than a fraction of low or high reactivity. 3. The reversible inactivation of purified pneumococcus anticarbohydrate by formaldehyde is confirmed, and the failure of data on the formaldehyde-antibody reaction to permit a choice between alternative theories of specific precipitation is shown.
Evaluating Preschool Children's Sensitivity to Developmental Differences in Their Peers

Two studies were conducted using an adaptation of Harter and Pike's (1984) Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance for Young Children. The scale was used to explore preschool children's sensitivity to disabilities in their peers. In the first study, children between 3.5 years and 5.5 years of age used this measure to rate their older and younger classmates' cognitive, language, and physical competence, and peer acceptance. Construct validity and test-retest reliability were psychometrically acceptable. In a second study, this measure was used to explore the ways in which preschool children without disabilities think about the skills of their classmates with disabilities. As a group, children with disabilities were viewed as less competent on developmental tasks than their classmates without disabilities. However, different patterns of competence ratings emerged for children with different disabilities. Although additional research is required to validate the utility of this measure, ...
Time Series Models for Forecasting Construction Costs Using Time Series Indexes

Construction often involves considerable time gaps between cost estimation and on-site operations. In addition, many operations are performed over a considerable period of time. Accordingly, estimating construction costs must consider the trend of costs in the market, where construction costs normally change over time. Insight into the trend of construction costs in the market, therefore, is beneficial, even critical, to the effective cost management of construction projects. In an effort to support such insight development, two time series models were built by analyzing time series index data and comparing them with existing methods in the present study. The developed time series models accurately predict construction cost indexes. In particular, the models respond sensitively and swiftly to a quick, large change of costs, which allows for accurate forecasting over the short- and long-term periods. Overall, the models are effective for understanding the trend of construction costs.
Facilitation of quantal release induced by a D1-like receptor on bovine chromaffin cells.

Dopaminergic receptors are found on bovine adrenal chromaffin cells and have been implicated in the facilitation of an inward calcium current [Artalejo et al., (1990) Nature 348, 239−242] that could enhance release. However, previous studies using incubations of long duration (minutes) with dopaminergic receptor antagonists have found instead an inhibition of catecholamine release. In this work we used brief (subsecond) chemical depolarizing stimuli to reexamine the role of dopaminergic receptors on exocytosis from bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. Responses to consecutive depolarizing stimuli were compared using amperometry to monitor vesicular release events and intracellular fura-2 to examine Ca2+ dynamics within individual cells. Restoration of intracellular Ca2+ levels to their initial values following exposure to 60 mM K+ was found to be prolonged unless the exposure was brief (0.5 s) and the cells were maintained at 37 °C. However, with these optimum conditions, a second stimulation evoked more exoc...
Acute exposure to methyl or ethyl alcohol alters auditory function in the rat

Abstract Effects of alcohol on audition were studied in the rat by examining the modification of acoustic startle reflexes by pure tone pulses and by gaps in white noise. Systematic inhibition of the startle reflex by variation in pulse intensity provides an objective measure of loudness perception, while variation in gap duration assesses temporal acuity. Groups of rats ( n = 8) received four injections of 0.0, 0.25, 1.00, and 2.00 g/kg of either methyl or ethyl alcohol in increasing order at 1-hr intervals. One-half hour after the administration of each dose, loudness perception or temporal acuity was measured. Blood alcohol levels (m m ) for the two alcohols obtained in control animals were equivalent following the final dose. Alcohol produced a dose-dependent reduction in baseline startle amplitude that was greater during exposure to ethanol than during methanol. Loudness functions associated with pulse intensity were not diminished by alcohol; however, inhibition produced by a gap in noise was reduced following the highest dose of either alcohol. These data are consistent both with behavioral studies that have suggested that alcohol does not affect loudness perception, and with electrophysiological experiments which indicate that alcohol disrupts temporal relationships along the primary auditory pathway.
Classification and management of hereditary retinal angiomas

Two distinct types of retinal angiomas are currently recognized. Capillary hemangiomas occur most characteristically as part of the von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. The retinal capillary hemangiomas typically appear as globular red-orange tumors with dilated and tortuous afferent arterioles and efferent venules. Cavernous hemangiomas typically appear as grape-like clusters of dilated vascular sacs without pronounced alteration in the adjacent arterioles and venules. The spectrum of clinical features of these two types of hemangiomatosis and current approaches to management of patients with these disorders is reviewed.
CMAQ validation of optical parameters and PM2.5 based on lidar and sky radiometers: a sensitivity study of optical parameters to hygroscopic aerosols

With the dramatically climate changing we are facing today atmospheric monitoring is of major importance. Several atmospheric monitoring instruments are used for measuring atmospheric composition, optical coefficients, PM2.5, aerosol optical depth, size distribution, PBL height and many other parameters. However an inexpensive method of determining these parameters is by use of models and one model that depicts the aerosol dynamics in the atmosphere is the Community Multi-scale Air Quality (CMAQ) model. Our paper is focused on converting CMAQ retrieval outputs into optical coefficients that can then be comparing the lidar, AERONET and TEOM measurements performed at City College of the City University of New York . Differences between the full approach and parameterized methods such as the MALM formula used in AIR-NOW are observed and comparisons with AERONET show the full modeling is in general superior to the MALM formula.
Hierarchical underwater acoustic sensor networks

We propose a hierarchical underwater acoustic sensor network architecture in which the sensors and the collector stations operate in distinct layers. The hierarchical architecture is motivated by the property of the acoustic underwater transmission medium that for each transmission distance there exists an operating frequency for which the narrowband signal-to-noise ratio is maximized. The sensors and collector stations are consequently allocated different operating frequencies. We assume a uniform distribution of both sensors and collector stations over the finite area of the sensing field. The node-to-node channel is modeled using frequency dependent path loss and Ricean fading. We adopt a communication theoretic approach and study the interdependence of the sustainable number of hops through the network, end-to-end frame error probability, power and bandwidth allocation. The analysis is performed under the assumption that there is interference from other nodes within the same layer of the hierarchy. We present numerical examples that illustrate the network performance and demonstrate that there are preferred operating frequencies which ensure network operation without any cross-interference between the collector network and the sensor network.
Interface shape in Czochralski grown crystals: Effect of conduction and radiation

A sequential modular computational scheme has been proposed for the calculation of temperature profiles in the melt and crystal including the melt-crystal interface shape and the crystal pulling rate for a fixed crystal radius. The heat transfer in the melt is assumed to occur by conduction only. The shape of melt-gas meniscus, described by Laplace-Young equation, is incorporated in the model and its effects on interface shape and pulling rate are examined. Further, the model incorporates the detailed radiation interaction among the various surfaces in the puller using the Gebhart enclosure theory which accounts for both direct and reflected radiation. The effects of various process parameters on the interface shape and the pulling rate have been investigated. The results of this study indicate that the shape of the melt-gas meniscus has a significant effect on the pulling rate and the interface shape in conformity with earlier studies. Further, it is shown that a simple radiation model (Stefan's model) is inadequate to model the radiation heat exchange in the Czochralski puller apparatus and the detailed Gebhart analysis is necessary for accurate calculation of both the temperature profile in the crystal as well as the interface shape.
Dynamics of gaseous semivolatile organic compounds in a terrestrial ecosystem : Effects of diurnal and seasonal climate variations

The dynamics of gas-phase semivolatile organic compounds (SOCs) were examined in a forested bog in northern Minnesota. A strong diurnal variation in the gas-phase concentration was observed for over 100 compounds including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and other organochlorines. This diurnal variation, whereby afternoon concentrations exceeded early morning levels by factors of 2–10, is a likely result of volatilization and deposition of SOCs to and from local plant surfaces. The variation cannot be explained by air turbulence, wind direction, photoreactivity, or plant stomatal activity. Gas-phase SOC concentrations ([SOCg]) are strongly correlated with both local temperature and relative humidity. The correlation between [SOCg] and temperature was examined separately from the correlation between [SOCg] and relative humidity (RH). Only during the winter sampling period, when snow covered the forest surface, was relative humidity not a significant predictor of [SOCg]. For sampling periods when relative humidity was significant, the following relationship was found: In [SOCg] = a + mT + c RH, where T is the ambient temperature (K) at ∼1 m, a, m, and c are constants that vary with compound and season. This study suggests that surface adsorption processes dominate atmospheric SOC cycling, rather than absorptive or stomatal partitioning processes.
An Analysis of Social Factors Influencing the Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards

This paper examines the decision of 120 countries to permit or not to permit the use of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for listed companies incorporated within their borders. An empirical model is developed considering variables related to culture, political systems and economic systems of the countries. Least squares regression was used to examine which variables significantly influence the decision to allow the use of IFRS. The results from this regression indicate that literacy rates and net import activity positively influence the decision to allow IFRS. Less economically developed countries were also shown to be more likely to allow IFRS. A model using these three variables was used to predict whether countries would allow IFRS. The model was able to statistically improve on the prediction that all countries would use IFRS.
THE NEED FOR A LOADING DOSE OF GENTAMICIN (G) IN NEONATES

G often has a prolonged half life (T½) in premature or sick newborns; therefore, modified G dosing schedules have been developed, with longer dosing intervals to accommodate increased T½. Neonates also have wide variability in distribution volumes (Vd). In adults, early attainment of therapeutic levels of aminoglycosides has been correlated with positive outcome from gram negative sepsis. Neonates with large Vds may not achieve therapeutic peaks (5-10ug/ml) in the first 48° of therapy. We studied 100 consecutive patients. G levels were drawn 1½°, 4° and 8° after a dose. Pharmacokinetic variables were calculated with a one-compartment open model. Results are mean±SD (GA=gestational age, BW=birthweight, Cl=clearance, PN=postnatal age). In this population, 2.5mgkg of G would result in an initial peak level of 12ug/ml in 7%. G toxicity appears to be related to high levels over time, whereas therapeutic efficacy may be related to adequate initial levels. We therefore recommend an initial G loading dose of 4mg/kg in newborns.
Hydrogen peroxide, an inhibitor of platelet function: effect on adenine nucleotide metabolism, and the release reaction.

The in vitro effects of H2O2 on platelet adenine nucleotide metabolism and on the ADP-induced platelet release reaction were examined. All studies were performed on human platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preincubated with (3 H)-adenine. Within 3 min of incubation with PRP, H2O2 (100–500 μM) caused an irreversible reduction in the (3 H)-ATP level with a concomitant increase in (3 H)-IMP and (3 H)-inosine and hypoxanthine levels. The adenylate energy charge (AEC) initially decreased while the ATP level fell. The AEC, however, returned to levels slightly lower than the control during further incubation. No leakage of ATP and ADP to plasma was observed. The fall in the steady-state levels of (3 H)-ATP increased with increase of the H2O2 concentration (decrease of 8.7–40% at H2O2 concentrations from 5 to 600 μM). H2O2 pretreatment of PRP caused absence of ADP-induced biphasic aggregation, partial inhibition of the primary wave, and complete inhibition of release of platelet nonmetabolic ATP and ADP. Our in vitro findings support the view that part of the inhibitory effect of H2O2 may be related to the lowering of metabolic ATP levels in platelets.
Effects of sympathetic activation by adrenergic infusions on hemostasis in vivo

Overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) has been related to increased cardiovascular morbidity. Historical reports suggest hastening of blood coagulation following intravenous administration of epinephrine. Given the important role of the hemostatic system in atherosclerosis and thrombosis, it is surprising that short-term adrenergic effects on blood coagulation, fibrinolysis and platelet activity have not been scrutinized closely. To elucidate such effects in vivo, this paper reviews human studies in which alpha- and beta-sympathomimetic agents had been infused. The literature suggests a dose-dependent stimulation of factor VIII clotting activity, von Willebrand factor antigen, tissue-type plasminogen activator, and platelets within a 15- to 40-min infusion of epinephrine. Precise mechanisms underlying hemostatic changes with sympathetic activation remain to some extent speculative. However, there is evidence from adrenoreceptor blockade studies that coagulation and fibrinolysis molecules are released into circulation by stimulation of vascular endothelial beta-adrenoreceptors (most likely beta2-receptors). Combined alpha2- and beta2-adrenoreceptor-related mechanism(s) are responsible for platelet activation. Short-term activation of the SNS effects regular hemostatic activity. While in healthy individuals the hemostatic balance between coagulation and fibrinolysis may be preserved, catecholamine surge may trigger a hypercoagulable state and enhance the odds of overt thrombosis in patients with atherosclerotic disease.
Spatiotemporal characteristics of visual mechanisms: excitatory-inhibitory model

The stabilized spatiotemporal threshold response surface can be modeled as the linear difference between the threshold response surfaces of two mechanisms, each of which is simply the product of a spatial and temporal frequency response curve. With no free parameters, the resulting model is shown to be a good fit to available data.
Myocardial Infarction in Critically III Patients Presenting With Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage: Retrospective Analysis of Risks and Outcomes

Objectives To determine the frequency of and risk factors for myocardial infarction (MI) in patients admitted to an ICU with GI hemorrhage, and the effects of MI on mortality and length of stay. Methods A retrospective review of the medical records of patients admitted to our ICU with GI hemorrhage was conducted. Charts were reviewed for various demographic, laboratory, and outcome parameters. Patients were categorized as having MI, not having MI, or inadequate data to allow classification. Results Two hundred thirty admissions to the ICU for GI hemorrhage were reviewed. One hundred thirteen cases had serial creatine phosphokinase (CK) measurements with isoenzymes allowing diagnosis of MI. In these 113 cases, patients' mean age was 67.4 ±1.3 years and the mean APACHE II (acute physiology and chronic health evaluation) score was 10.9 ± 0.6. The in-hospital mortality rate was 13/113 (11.5%). Patients who did not survive had a higher admission APACHE II score (15.8 ± 2.0 vs 10.2 ± 0.5; p=0.02), lower initial systolic BP (104.5 ± 4.4 vs 121.2 ± 3.2 mm Hg; p=0.005), and a longer length of ICU stay (8.3 ± 1.8 vs 4.0 ± 0.4 days; p=0.04) than those who survived. Sixteen of 113 patients met enzymatic and ECG criteria for MI. One patient complained of chest pain and nine of 16 had shortness of breath and/or dizziness. Patients with MI had significantly more cardiac risk factors (2.4 ± 0.2 vs 1.6 ± 0.1; p=0.006), lower presenting hematocrit (26.0 ± 1.3 vs 30.5 ± 0.8; p=0.007), and lower lowest hematocrit in the first 48 h (22.3 ± 0.9 vs 25.1 ± 0.6; p=0.01), and tended to have a longer ICU stays (7.9 ± 2.2 vs 4.0 ± 0.4 days; p=0.09) than those without MI. Patients who had MI were not more likely to die during hospitalization (risk ratio=1.8; 95% confidence interval, 0.6 to 5.8). Conclusions Myocardial infarction occurs frequently in patients admitted to intensive care with GI hemorrhage. A clinical history of and multiple risk factors for coronary artery disease may help identify patients who are at increased risk of MI, which tends to be associated with a higher acuity of illness and in-hospital mortality. Prospective studies are required to further substantiate these associations.
Modelling the solution growth of TGS crystals in low gravity

The experimental growth of triglycine sulfate (TGS) crystals from aqueous solution is modeled here in two dimensions using the PHOENICS finite volume code. Simulations are carried out for steady, impulsive, and periodic accelerations in order to determine tolerable acceleration levels. Scaling arguments are used to estimate the times required for thermal and solutal variations from the initial equilibrium state to be diffusively transported throughout the system, and to obtain order of magnitude information on the relative magnitudes of diffusive and convective transport. The computed concentration fields reflect the features of the concentration distributions found experimentally during experiments conducted aboard Spacelab 3 in 1985.
Mechanisms for transitional friction and wear behavior of sliding metals

Abstract Four processes which may cause transitions in the unlubricated sliding behavior of metals are described. These processes are (1) metal transfer, (2) film formation and removal, (3) debris generation and (4) cyclic surface deterioration. Although these are not the only processes which may cause unexpected sudden friction and wear transitions, they may contribute significantly to many frequently observed sliding phenomena. It is possible that some combination of these mechanisms may act to effect changes in the wear and friction behavior of a given tribological system. The cyclic deterioration model involves four sequential stages in each cycle: (1) plastic deformation to obtain a highly deformed layer (HDL); (2) debris generation by crack initiation and growth in the HDL to produce flake-like debris; (3) debris removal through the shearing-off of load-bearing plateaus which slide along on their fracture surfaces to produce deep grooves; (4) plateau removal followed by a smoothing of the deep wear grooves (a process similar to the break-in of a rough surface with changes in the friction and the rate of wear). This process, when stages are occurring simultaneously on a large portion of the wear surface, could be observed as a cyclic variation in the friction and/or the wear rate.
FIRST-MOVER ADVANTAGE: THE OPPORTUNITY CURVE

A model depicting first-mover dynamics is proposed wherein certain types of strategic barriers activated by the first-mover strategy figure prominently in preserving benefits in the time dimension. Strategic barriers conferring singularity (i.e. one-time benefit) are considered to be the most effective preservers of first-mover advantage. the theoretical model is tested empirically in a study of six major industries. Benefits operationalized as industry share and profit share were found to decline consistently with industry age according to an exponential function designated the opportunity curve.
Paleoenvironmental analysis of a Lower Permian bonebed and adjacent sediments, Wichita County, Texas

Abstract Sedimentology, paleontology and taphonomy of a Lower Permian bonebed and surrounding sediments in Wichita County, Texas, delineate a comprehensive paleoenvironmental setting. Beach, mudflat, and pond deposits composed a strike-fed, mudrich tidal flat system which prograded basinward in response to abundant sediment supply. Seven taxa of vertebrates were recovered from the Thrift bonebed: Xenacanthus, Trimerorhachis insignis, Eryops, Diplocaulus, Archeria, Ophiacodon and Dimetrodon . Fragmented, jumbled remains of T. insignis form a bone pavement within a thin pebbly conglomerate that is thought to have been deposited during a catastrophic inland incursion of wind-driven tides associated with a tropical storm. Redbeds of the Lower Permian of North Texas contain desiccation cracks and evaporite minerals (gypsum, anhydrite) as well as dolomite. Facies of mudflat ponds are dissected by channels suggestive of flood conditions. The paleoclimate was probably characterized by alternating periods of drought and monsoonal-like rains.
Conservation implications of the temporal and spatial distribution of Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus in Crete

Summary We carried out a four-year (1995–1999) survey on the foraging and breeding distribution of Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus on the island of Crete. The age classes of all birds sighted were systematically recorded and data on seasonal distribution patterns were collected; 262 observations were made covering an area of about 4,000 km 2 , at altitudes ranging from 200 mt o2,450 m a.s.l (mean 1,100 m). Adult birds were distributed evenly throughout the island while young birds avoided active territories and were mostly sighted at the periphery of the high mountains. The species depended almost entirely on domestic livestock herded into and away from the mountains seasonally, with birds foraging in the uplands (> 1,200 m a.s.l.) from early May to late October and frequenting midland pastures (600–1,200 m a.s.l.) for the rest of the year. The mean altitude of nesting sites was 750 m (range = 280–1,450 m), with 80% of nests positioned below the 1,000 m contour. Bearded Vultures are more vulnerable to human-induced mortality within their breeding territories and on midland pastures in winter than in the upland areas in summer.
Extreme environment technologies for space and terrestrial applications

Over the next decades, NASA's planned solar system exploration missions are targeting planets, moons and small bodies, where spacecraft would be expected to encounter diverse extreme environmental (EE) conditions throughout their mission phases. These EE conditions are often coupled. For instance, near the surface of Venus and in the deep atmospheres of giant planets, probes would experience high temperatures and pressures. In the Jovian system low temperatures are coupled with high radiation. Other environments include thermal cycling, and corrosion. Mission operations could also introduce extreme conditions, due to atmospheric entry heat flux and deceleration. Some of these EE conditions are not unique to space missions; they can be encountered by terrestrial assets from the fields of defense,oil and gas, aerospace, and automotive industries. In this paper we outline the findings of NASA's Extreme Environments Study Team, including discussions on state of the art and emerging capabilities related to environmental protection, tolerance and operations in EEs. We will also highlight cross cutting EE mitigation technologies, for example, between high g-load tolerant impactors for Europa and instrumented projectiles on Earth; high temperature electronics sensors on Jupiter deep probes and sensors inside jet engines; and pressure vessel technologies for Venus probes and sea bottom monitors. We will argue that synergistic development programs between these fields could be highly beneficial and cost effective for the various agencies and industries. Some of these environments, however, are specific to space and thus the related technology developments should be spear headed by NASA with collaboration from industry and academia.
Ultrafast 3-D shape measurement with an off-the-shelf DLP projector

This paper presents a technique that reaches 3-D shape measurement speed beyond the digital-light-processing (DLP) projector’s projection speed. In particular, a “solid-state” binary structured pattern is generated with each micro-mirror pixel always being at one status (ON or OFF). By this means, any time segment of projection can represent the whole signal, thus the exposure time can be shorter than the projection time. A sinusoidal fringe pattern is generated by properly defocusing a binary one, and the Fourier fringe analysis means is used for 3-D shape recovery. We have successfully reached 4,000 Hz rate (80 µs exposure time) 3-D shape measurement speed with an off-the-shelf DLP projector.
A precise retinotopic map of primate striate cortex generated from the representation of angioscotomas.

Shadows cast by retinal blood vessels are represented in striate cortex of the squirrel monkey. Their pattern was exploited to generate a true retinotopic map of V1. For calibration, retinal landmarks were projected onto a tangent screen to measure their visual field location. Next, the retina was warped onto striate cortex, distorting it as necessary to match each retinal vessel to its cortical representation. Maps from four hemispheres of two normal adult squirrel monkeys were created and used to derive expressions for cortical magnification factor (M). A mean map was produced by averaging the individual maps. To address the controversial issue of whether the ratio of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) density to M is constant at all eccentricities, we stained a retinal whole mount from one of the two monkeys for Nissl substance. A ganglion cell density map was compiled by sampling the concentration of cells at 171 retinal points. Allowance was made for displaced amacrine cells and for the centripetal displacement of RGCs from central photoreceptors. After these corrections the V1 surface area and RGC density were compared at each eccentricity. The cortical representation of the macula was found to be amplified, even beyond the magnification expected from its high density of RGCs. For example, the central 4° of visual field were allotted 27% of the surface area of V1 but were supplied by only 12% of RGCs. We conclude that, in monkey striate cortex, more tissue is allocated per ganglion cell for the analysis of information emanating from the macula as compared with the peripheral retina.
Benjamin Disraeli Letters, Volume IX: 1865–1867. Edited by Michel W. Pharand, Ellen L. Hawman, Mary S. Millar, Sandra den Otter, and M. G. Wiebe. (Toronto, Canada: University of Toronto Press, 2013. Pp. lxxiii, 533. $195.00.)

This book is volume nine, of a projected eighteen, in the monumental series Benjamin Disraeli Letters, which began publication in 1982. It may be the most important volume so far, covering Disraeli...
e-commerce in small rural manufacturing firms-overcoming problems and biases

Many small rural firms have not fully integrated the Web into their operation. The simple fact is, small, rural manufacturing firms have to take advantage of this opportunity, and act decisively to optimize it. e-commerce is the tool that will create an organization that can quickly react to changes in the market place being driven by new technologies.
Diagnostic Utility and Clinical Application of Imaging for Pleural Space Infections

Timely diagnosis of pleural space infections and rapid initiation of effective pleural drainage for those patients with complicated parapneumonic effusions or empyema represent keystone principles for managing patients with pneumonia. Advances in chest imaging provide opportunities to detect parapneumonic effusions with high sensitivity in patients hospitalized for pneumonia and to guide interventional therapy. Standard radiographs retain their primary role for screening patients with pneumonia for the presence of an effusion to determine the need for thoracentesis. Ultrasonography and CT scanning, however, have greater sensitivity for fluid detection and provide additional information for determining the extent and nature of pleural infection. MRI and PET scan can image pleural disease, but their role in managing parapneumonic effusions is not yet clearly defined. Effective application of chest images for patients at risk for pleural infection, however, requires a comprehensive understanding of the unique features of each modality and relative value. This review presents the diagnostic usefulness and clinical application of chest imaging studies for evaluating and managing pleural space infections in patients hospitalized for pneumonia.
Organizing and evaluating uncertainty in geotechnical engineering

Probabilistic methods are potentially useful in four stages of a typical project: site characterization and evaluation, evaluation of designs, decision making, and construction control. In evaluation of projects, it can be useful to express risk numerically. When uncertainties can be quantified and model errors are understood, reliability theory may be used. Event-tree analysis can be a framework for effectively applying judgment concerning uncertainty. The use of quantified risk in decision making is limited by standards for acceptable risk; good communication with a client is essential. Unless clients or regulators are interested in quantifying risks as part of decision making, engineers will continue to rely on traditional methods. When risks are large and the costs of absolute safety are large, clients are interested in discussing risks. Issues concerning the adequacy of existing structures such as earth dams are stimulating interest in risk assessment, and there will be spin-off from developments in ...