cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The penetration of surge voltages through a transformer coupled to an alternator

Most modern transmission systems operate at 66kV or higher voltage and are supplied from alternators whose voltage is stepped up by transformers, and when considering the effect of transmission-line lightning surges on a power station it is necessary to regard the transformer and alternator as a single unit.After a brief analysis of the phenomena likely to be produced when an impulse voltage is applied to a transformer coupled to an alternator, the results are confirmed by tests on three such units. These show that the principal transfer of voltage through the transformer is due to magnetic coupling between windings and causes an oscillatory voltage to be superimposed on the surge voltage in the l.v. winding. In addition, the distributed capacitance and inductance between the windings of the transformer cause an electromagnetic transfer of voltage with travelling waves in both the transformer and alternator windings.Approximate empirical methods are given to calculate the transformer h.v. voltages from the various circuit parameters. The results are compared with those obtained from the tests.Since in practice the transformer and alternator are excited at power frequencies, whenever a surge is likely to reach the windings it is necessary to allow for this in estimates of the voltages which may occur at the alternator terminals. On the assumption that the surge protection for the unit consists of a rod-gap or other voltage-limiting device at the transformer h.v. terminals, an analysis is made with a view to ascertaining the maximum voltage which may occur at the alternator terminals. In a typical case this is shown to add about 10% to the potential expected without allowing for the power-frequency excitation.
Ultraviolet observations of cool stars. V - The local density of interstellar matter

A high-resolution Copernicus observation of the chromospheric Ly-alpha emission line of the nearby (3.3 pc) K dwarf epsilon Eri sets limits on the velocity, the velocity dispersion, and the density of atomic hydrogen in the local interstellar medium. Analysis shows that the interstellar Ly-alpha absorption is on the flat portion of the curve of growth. An upper limit of 0.12 per cu cm is derived for the atomic-hydrogen density. The value of this density is 0.08 (plus or minus 0.04 per cu cm if the velocity-dispersion parameter is 9 km/s, corresponding to a temperature of 5000 K. Also, the interstellar deuterium Ly-alpha line may be present in the spectrum.
A review of multiscale composite manufacturing and challenges

As the utilization of advanced composites in structural applications grows, the need for improving their through-thickness properties becomes imperative. Although the behavior of composite laminate...
Shifts in the landscape of learning: New challenges, new opportunities

The rapid growth in the number of older adult learners presents new challenges and opportunities for adult educators. These include facilitating the development of individuals as they make the transition to their later years and of American society as it struggles to reenvision aging.
Investigation of Instrument Parameters for the Application of Peroxyoxalate Cheminescence Detection to Microbore Chromatography

Abstract Peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence generated by the reaction of an oxalate and hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a fluorophor was evaluated as a detection system for microbore liquid chromatography. The results of studies on instrumental parameters show that the signal is increased with short reaction lines, increasing flow cell volume, and enhanced response through detectors with improved optics.
Cell Proliferation in the Terminal Regions of the Internodes and Stolons of the Colonial Hydroid Campanularia flexuosa

Pattern formation and cell proliferation have been believed to have a causative relationship in the colonial hydroids. Here linear stolon growth was assumed to be dependent on polarized cell proliferation restricted to the extreme end of the stolon. The popularity of the concept that pattern formation was a result of restricted meristematic cell proliferation was based on a correspondence between the observed growth patterns and the concept. Nevertheless, there is little direct knowledge of cell proliferation in the stolons of hydroids. The primary objective of this investigation was to determine the sites of cell proliferation in the terminal growth zones of the colonial hydroid Campanularia flexuosa in order to evaluate this concept. The results give evidence that cell proliferation is more or less uniformly distributed throughout the terminal stolon and the internodes of upright stems, and not restricted to the tips of the stolons and internodes as has been previously postulated. Cell proliferation occurs in both the epidermis and gastrodermis of the stolon in a ratio of 3 to 2. The formation of a new upright is accompanied by increased cell proliferation localized at the site of initiation. The uniform distribution of cell proliferation in the stolon supports the hypothesis that growth is via intercalary cell proliferation, which was proposed eailier on the basis of evidence obtained from the displacement of vital stained bands of tissue in the stolon. Stolon growth via intercalary cell proliferation requires a reconsideration of the factors which control morphogenesis. Wolpert has pointed out the importance of determining the mitotic pattern in a developing system before an understanding of positional information within the system may be studied. Thus, information for greater insight into the study of positional information in a developing hydroid has been obtained.
Minor element partitioning and sector zoning in synthetic and meteoritic anorthite

Regular, geometric, apparently crystallographically-controlled, sector zoning has been produced in synthetic anorthite crystallized from a liquid of Type B Ca,Al-rich inclusion (CAI) composition. Cathodoluminescence (CL) provides a rapid method for observing the sectors. Sharp discontinuities in Mg concentration always accompany sharp changes in CL intensity at sector boundaries. Although CL intensity anti-correlates with Mg concentration, there is not a well-defined quantitative relationship, and Mg concentration steps range from as little as 5% to almost a factor of 2 for different CL boundaries. When measurable, Na also tends to anti-correlate with CL brightness in a given crystal and thus correlates with Mg. The partition coefficients for Mg and Na can vary by up to a factor of 2 depending on the particular sector and thus are not constant for CAI anorthite which formed by fractional crystallization. In contrast, Ti (either Ti^+3 or Ti^+4) concentration is not a function of sector zoning and thus does not affect the CL intensity. The sector zoning and correlated chemical variations for synthetic anorthite are similar to those in natural anorthite from Type B CAIs. The CL intensity, boundary sharpness, and minor element zoning in synthetic anorthite are not affected by annealing at 850°C for three weeks. Overall, our observations suggest that the observed CL patterns and minor element zoning in Type B anorthite are igneous in origin and have not been modified by subsolidus reequilibration or alteration. This leads to the conclusion that the ^(26)Mg-^(26)Al systematics in CAIs (based almost entirely on anorthite) have not been modified by subsolidus reequilibration or alteration.
Modified neo-fuzzy neuron-based approach for economic and environmental optimal power dispatch

At the central energy management center in a power system, the real time controls continuously track the load changes and endeavor to match the total power demand with total generation in such a manner that the operating cost is minimized while all the operating constraints are satisfied. However, due to the strict government regulations on environmental protection, operation at minimum cost is no longer the only criterion for dispatching electrical power. The idea behind the environmentally constrained economic dispatch formulation is to estimate the optimal generation schedule of generating units in such a manner that fuel cost and harmful emission levels are both simultaneously minimized for a given load demand. Conventional optimization techniques become very time consuming and computationally extensive for such complex optimization tasks. These methods are hence not suitable for on-line use. Neural networks and fuzzy systems can be trained to generate accurate relations among variables in complex non-linear dynamical environment, as both are model-free estimators. The existing synergy between these two fields has been exploited in this paper for solving the economic and environmental dispatch problem on-line. A multi-output modified neo-fuzzy neuron (NFN), capable of real time training is proposed for economic and environmental power generation allocation. This model is found to achieve accurate results and the training is observed to be faster than other popular neural networks. The proposed method has been tested on medium-sized sample power systems with three and six generating units and found to be suitable for on-line combined environmental economic dispatch (CEED).
Dipole equilibrium and stability

A plasma confined in a dipole field exhibits unique equilibrium and stability properties. In particular, equilibria exist at all beta values and these equilibria are found to be stable to ballooning modes when they are interchange stable. When a kinetic treatment is performed at low beta, a drift temperature gradient mode is also found which couples to the MHD mode in the vicinity of marginal interchange stability.
Scholarly productivity in behavior analysis: The most prolific authors and institutions from 1992 to 2001.

The field of behavior analysis has matured to the point that there are now over a dozen peerreviewed journals devoted exclusively to its content. Consequently, researchers have published with increasing frequency a number of bibliometric analyses in which journal content has been quantified and used as an index of research and publication practices in the field. Topics of bibliometric analyses of the behavioral literature include journal citation trends (Carr & Britton, 2003), assessment practices (Gresham, Gansle, & Noell, 1993), and general characteristics of applied behavior-analytic research (Northup, Vollmer, & Serrett, 1993), among others.
Effects of peroxisome proliferators on glutathione and glutathione-related enzymes in rats and hamsters.

Peroxisomeproliferators (PPs) cause hepatomegaly, peroxisome proliferation, and hepatocarcinogenesis in rats and mice. Conversely, hamsters are less responsive to these compounds. PPs increase peroxisomal β-oxidation and P4504A subfamily activity, which has been hypothesized to result in oxidative stress. We hypothesized that differential modulation of glutathione-related defenses could account for the resulting difference in species susceptibility following PP administration. Accordingly, we measured glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities, and total glutathione (GSH) in male Sprague–Dawley rats and Syrian hamsters fed two doses of three known peroxisome proliferators [dibutylphthalate (DBP), gemfibrozil, and Wy-14,643] for 6, 34, or 90 days. In rats, decreases in GR, GST, and selenium-dependent GPx were observed following PP treatment at various time points. In hamsters, we observed higher basal levels of activities for GR, GST, and selenium-dependent GPx compared to rats. In addition, hamsters showed decreases in GR and GST activities following PP treatment. Interestingly, selenium-dependent GPx activity was increased in hamsters following treatment with Wy-14,643 and DBP. Treatment for 90 days with Wy-14,643 resulted in no change in GPx1 mRNA in rats and increased GPx1 mRNA in hamsters. Sporadic changes in total GSH and selenium-independent GPx were observed in both species. This divergence in the hydrogen peroxide detoxification ability between rats and hamsters could be a contributing factor in the proposed oxidative stress mechanism of PPs observed in responsive and nonresponsive species.
Music and Dance in the 1905-1906 Satirical Journals

AbstractThis essay explores verbal and visual appropriation of contemporary music and dance (both Russian and Western) by the 1905-1906 satirical journals to frame satirical messages and allusions. Considered are visual invocations of music and musicians, representations of music performances as well as song titles, songs, melodies, dance and dance music as framing satirical devices and sources of comedy.
Direct-current nanogenerator driven by ultrasonic waves

We have developed a nanowire nanogenerator that is driven by an ultrasonic wave to produce continuous direct-current output. The nanogenerator was fabricated with vertically aligned zinc oxide nanowire arrays that were placed beneath a zigzag metal electrode with a small gap. The wave drives the electrode up and down to bend and/or vibrate the nanowires. A piezoelectric-semiconducting coupling process converts mechanical energy into electricity. The zigzag electrode acts as an array of parallel integrated metal tips that simultaneously and continuously create, collect, and output electricity from all of the nanowires. The approach presents an adaptable, mobile, and cost-effective technology for harvesting energy from the environment, and it offers a potential solution for powering nanodevices and nanosystems.
A neutron scattering study of the distribution of protein and RNA in the 30 S ribosomal subunit of Escherichia coli.

Abstract The radii of gyration of the RNA and protein distributions of the 30 S subunit from Escherichia coli have been measured by neutron scattering experiments on the intact subunit. In addition the radius of gyration of the whole structure has been found, permitting estimation of the distance between the centers of mass of the RNA and protein distributions in the subunit. The results indicate that the radius of gyration of the protein parts is 73.7 ± 1.2 A, while that of the RNA is 67.2 ± 2.2 A. The radius of gyration of the whole particle is 71.4 ± 0.6 A giving a 17.1 −10.9 + 9.0 A separation between the protein and RNA centers of mass. Corresponding figures for the 50 S subunit are 73.4 ± 2.0 A, 72.5 ± 1.5 A, 78.0 ± 0.95 A, and 57.7 ± 10 A (Moore et al. , 1974). Thus it appears that the two subunits differ substantially in overall organization.
Sharp Bounds for Ground State Eigenfunctions on Domains with Horns and Cusps

Abstract We prove a lower bound on the ground state eigenfunction of the Dirichlet Laplacian for horn-shaped and cusped domains. The novelty of the method is that for horn-shaped domains it implies a new result for dimension two, and more importantly, is valid for higher dimensions. Moreover, the same technique applies just as easily to cusps. Finally, we construct an example to show that the estimates are sharp.
Hydroquinone Fuel Cells

Direct hydroquinone fuel cells have been studied where hydroquinone is oxidized to benzoquinone and the electrons released flow through the external circuit generating electricity. Different catalyst systems have been used to optimize the performance of these fuel cells. The effect of temperature, pressure and feed concentration on the fuel cell performance has been studied. At 20 psi back pressure, 80 oC cell temperature and 0.5 M feed concentration for the Pt/Ru oxidation catalyst an open circuit potential of 297 mV is obtained. The maximum current density of 15 mA/cm2 at 100 mV is observed. With the increase in pressure, temperature and concentration the fuel cell performance becomes better. However, with the increase in temperature and concentration, the open circuit potential lowers probably due to the increased crossover effects of these parameters.
Local Anesthetic Schwann Cell Toxicity is Time and Concentration-Dependent

Background: Peripheral nerve blocks with local anesthetics (LAs) are commonly performed to provide surgical anesthesia or postoperative analgesia. Nerve injury resulting in persistent numbness or weakness is a potentially serious complication. Local anesthetics have previously been shown to damage neuronal and Schwann cells via several mechanisms. We sought to test the hypothesis that LAs are toxic to Schwann cells and that the degree of toxicity is directly related to the concentration of LA and duration of exposure. Intraneural injection of LAs has been shown to produce nerve injury. We sought to test the hypothesis that a prolonged extraneural infusion of LA can also produce injury. Methods: Schwann cells cultured from neonatal rat sciatic nerves were incubated with LAs at different concentrations (10, 100, 500, and 1000 μM), and each concentration was assessed for toxicity after 4, 24, 48 and 72 hours of exposure. Local anesthetics tested were lidocaine, mepivacaine, chloroprocaine, ropivacaine, and bupivacaine. Cell death was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase release measured by optical density. In a separate experiment, a microcatheter was placed along the sciatic nerves of Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were randomly assigned to receive either 0.9% saline (n = 8) or bupivacaine (0.5%, n = 4; 0.75%, n = 4) via the perineural catheters for 72 hours. The rats were then killed, and their nerves sectioned and stained for analysis. Sections were stained for myelin and with an antimacrophage (CD68) antibody. Results: None of the LAs tested produced significant Schwann cell death at very low concentrations (10 μM, or 0.0003%) even after prolonged exposure. With prolonged exposure (48 or 72 hrs) to high concentrations (1000 μM, or 0.03%), all of the LAs tested produced significant Schwann cell death (increased lactate dehydrogenase release relative to control as measured by optical density, 0.384-0.974; all P values Conclusions: Local anesthetics induce Schwann cell death in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Bupivacaine and ropivacaine have greater toxicity at intermediate concentrations, and prolonged exposure to bupivacaine produces significant toxicity even at low concentrations. Brief exposure to high concentrations of bupivacaine damages Schwann cells. Prolonged extraneural infusion of bupivacaine results in nerve injury.
Oligomerization of activated derivatives of 3′-amino-3′-deoxyguanosine on poly(C) and poly(dC) templates

3'-amino-3'-deoxyuridine reacts with the nucleoside 5'-phosphorimidazolides in aqueous solution to give dinucleoside phosphoramidates. The reactions are one to two orders of magnitude faster than the corresponding reactions of uridine. In the presence of poly(C) or poly(dC) it is known that guanosine-5'-phosphorimidazolide does not condense efficiently or regiospecifically. However, the introduction of a methyl group at the 2-position of the imidazole ring leads to efficient synthesis of long 3'-5'-linked oligomers. The corresponding imidazole derivatives of 3'-amino-3'-deoxyguanosine-5'-phosphate both condense on these templates to give virtually identical families of products. Our results suggest that the intrinsically greater nucleophilicity of the amine groups will permit a much wider range of efficient template-directed syntheses with 3'-amino-3'-deoxynucleoside derivatives than with the corresponding derivatives of the parent nucleosides.
Modelling and Analysis of Natural Language Controlled Robotic Systems

Abstract Controlling a robotic system through natural language commands can provide great convenience for human users. Many researchers have investigated on high-level planning for natural language controlled robotic systems. Most of the methods designed the planning as open-loop processes and therefore cannot well handle unexpected events for realistic applications. In this paper, a closed-loop method is proposed for task-planning to overcome unexpected events occurred during implementation of assigned tasks. The designed system is modeled and theoretically proved to be able to stabilize the robotic system under unexpected events. Experimental results demonstrate effectiveness and advantages of the proposed method.
Shallow impurity centers in semiconductor quantum well structures

Abstract Interest in the study of the behavior of shallow impurity centers in superlattices and quantum well structures is fairly recent. This paper reviews briefly both the theoretical and experimental work done in this field in the last few years. Several recent calculations of the energy levels of hydrogenic impurity states in quantum well structures, such as Ga1−xAlxAsGaAsGa1−xAlxAs, are reviewed. The behavior of these levels as a function of the quantum well size is discussed. Recent experimental data concerning the variations of the binding energies of shallow donors and acceptors as a function of the GaAs quantum well size are reviewed. A comparison between these experimental measurements and the results of recent calculations is presented.
TU-D-ValA-04: Adaptive Diffusion Smoothing: A Novel Method to Control IMRT Field Complexity Based On the Diffusion Equation

Purpose: To introduce and evaluate adaptive diffusion smoothing (ADS), a novel procedure designed to preferentially reduce IMRT beam complexity based on any case related parameter inside the optimization.Method and Materials: The diffusion equation was used to develop a procedure in which IMRT beams are smoothed using coefficients defined for each beamlet. The coefficients can be a function of any parameter and dictate the degree of smoothing allowed for each beamlet. The ADS procedure was incorporated into our optimization system as a weighted objective function penalty and several possible ADS coefficient definitions were investigated. Coefficients were designed to promote 1) uniform smoothing everywhere, 2) smoothing based on beamlet intensities, and 3) smoothing based on beamlet gradients with respect to the plan objectives. The method has been validated on a phantom and studied in clinical sites including prostate. Results: The addition of the ADS penalty in the objective function, for all three coefficient types, produced plans with reduced modulation and minimal dosimetric impact in the phantom. Each ADS coefficient definition had merit, but gradient‐based coefficients showed the most potential for reducing beam modulation without affecting dosimetric plan quality. For example, in a prostate plan, this method reduced MU 40% while preserving full target coverage and increasing mean normal tissue doses by less than 2.2 Gy. Conclusion: A unique method based on the diffusion equation and used within the objective function has been developed to control IMRT beam complexity. This method, called adaptive diffusion smoothing, has been applied to phantom and clinical cases, and was able to reduce modulation significantly while preserving dosimetric plan quality. Adaptive diffusion smoothing is a promising tool for ensuring that only the necessary amount of beam modulation is used, promoting more efficient and accurate IMRT planning, QA, and delivery. Supported in part by NIH Grant P01‐CA‐59827.
DNA, RNA and protein synthesis in healing wounds in young and old mice

Abstract In the present study the synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA), and protein in the connective tissue of skin wounds was determined, and the number of fibroblasts present during the healing process was assessed. Six standardized incisions were made on the back of young and old mice utilizing an apparatus specially designed to produce identical wounds. Non-wounded young and old mice served as controls. At 4, 7, 14 and 21 days after surgery the mice received injections intraperitoneally of 3H-thymidine, 3H-uridine, and 14C-proline. In each mouse two wounds were examined histologically. The remaining four wounds were punched out and the epithelium was separated enzymatically from the connective tissue. After sequential separation of protein, RNA, and DNA, one aliquot from each sample was used for scintillation counting and another for quantitative determination of protein, RNA and DNA. After wounding, the number of fibroblasts increased markedly in both groups of animals. The fibroblast population showed a peak in the young animals at day 4, followed by a gradual decrease. In the old mice the initial increase of fibroblasts was of the same magnitude, but no subsequent decrease followed. DNA and RNA synthesis peaked at day 4 and protein synthesis at day 7 in young mice. The old mice showed a statistically significant increase in DNA, RNA and protein synthesis at 14 and 21 days following wounding. These findings suggest an altered fibroblastic function with age.
Specifying importance weights consistent with a covariance structure

Abstract Many situations exist in which multiple dimensions must be combined to create a composite which reflects overall utility or value to a decision maker. A linear combination is often used in which the decision maker's importance weights are multiplied by values of each dimension and then added. When the decision maker's weights are applied, however, the dimension values must have equal variance and essentially zero correlations, or else the ordering on the composite will be incorrect. In this paper, we provide a method which compensates for dimension correlation and inequality of dimension variance. The method is illustrated with ratings of modifications proposed for nuclear power plants.
The stress intensity factor for a circular crack in an infinitely long cylinder of an inhomogeneous material under axial loading: A simplified approach

Abstract The paper concerns the problem of determining the stress intensity factor for a circular crack imbedded in an infinitely long cylinder subjected to symmetric normal loading. The cylinder is made of an inhomogeneous material with shear modulus varying with depth as μ = μ 0 ¦z¦ n , 0 ≤ n ≤1. Poisson's ratio of the material is assumed to be constant. The plane section method is used to derive an approximate analytical solution of the problem. Some numerical results are presented in the form of graphs showing the variations of the stress intensity factor with the radius of the cylinder and the inhomogeneity parameter n.
Computerized Tomography With 3-Dimensional Reconstruction for the Evaluation of Renal Size and Arterial Anatomy in the Living Kidney Donor

ABSTRACTPurpose: Computerized tomography (CT) with 3-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction has gained acceptance as an imaging study to evaluate living renal donors. We report our experience with this technique in 199 consecutive patients to validate its predictions of arterial anatomy and kidney volumes.Materials and Methods: Between January 1997 and March 2002, 199 living donor nephrectomies were performed at our institution using an open technique. During the operation arterial anatomy was recorded as well as kidney weight in 98 patients and displacement volume in 27. Each donor had been evaluated preoperatively by CT angiography with 3-D reconstruction. Arterial anatomy described by a staff radiologist was compared with intraoperative findings. CT estimated volumes were reported. Linear correlation graphs were generated to assess the reliability of CT volume predictions.Results: The accuracy of CT angiography for predicting arterial anatomy was 90.5%. However, as the number of renal arteries increased, pre...
Interaction between bovine casein and V. cholerae enterotoxin in the rabbit ileal loop.

Summary: Secretory IgA from human breast milk neutralizes cholera enterotoxin in the rabbit ileal loop system. No similar protection by purified bovine milk proteins could be demonstrated; however, one bovine milk protein, casein, had a deleterious effect on intestine exposed to very small quantities of enterotoxin. Highly purified cholera toxin (10 or 100 ng) was incubated with bovine protein solutions for 60 min at 37°C. One-milliliter aliquots were then injected into prepared rabbit intestine loops. The animals were sacrificed at 18 h and the intestinal loop contents were aspirated, and a volume to length of loop ratio (V/L) was determined. The activity of 100 ng of toxin was not enhanced by the majority of bovine milk proteins, but bovine casein caused a 14-40% increase in the fluid production (V/L of casein + toxin versus toxin, 1.05 versus 0.92 and 1.82 versus 1.30). All of the bovine proteins but casein inhibited the action of low dose enterotoxin. Bovinec asein caused a 78-90% increase in fluid production by loops exposed to a suboptimal toxin dose (10 ng) (V/L of casein + toxin versus toxin, 1.12 versus 0.63 and 0.95 versus 0.50). Virtually all of this enhancement of enterotoxin fluid response resided in the purified alpha-casein fraction.
MRI visualization of bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture in a patient with secondary hyperparathyroidism: implications for diagnosis and therapy.

Abstract Many musculoskeletal conditions have in the past been best defined on a clinical basis. However, because of pain, limitation of motion and hematomas, tendon ruptures can often be misdiagnosed clinically and it would be quite helpful to the clinician to have a noninvasive imaging technique. This communication defines the role of MRI in the early diagnosis of a nontraumatic rupture of the quadriceps tendons bilaterally in a patient with renal failure and known secondary hyperparathyroidism. The imaging techniques accurately defined the presence of hemorrhage extending into muscle from the ruptured tendons as well as the actual site and extent of tendon rupture. Since tendons have low mobile proton content and have low signal on MRI-disruptions are easily seen—MRI is the ideal noninvasive imaging technique for tendon injury, acute.
Technological Advances in the Management of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms Fail to Improve Outcome in New York State

Background and Purpose—Unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) are being identified more frequently and endovascular coil embolization has become an increasingly popular treatment modality.Our study evaluates patient outcomes with changing patterns of treatment of UIA. Methods—We conducted a retrospective, longitudinal cohort study of 3132 hospital discharges for UIA identified from the New York Statewide Database (SPARCS) in 2005 to 2007 and 2200 discharges from 1995 to 2000. The rates of endovascular coiling and surgical clipping were examined along with hospital variables and discharge outcome. Anatomic specifics of UIA were unavailable for analysis. Results—The case rate for treatment of UIA doubled from 1.59 (1995 to 2000) to 3.45 per 100 000 (2005 to 2007, P<0.0001) and increased in the case treatment rate for coiling of UIA (0.36 versus 1.98 per 100 000, P<0.0001). Compared with the old epoch, there were more UIAs clipped at high-volume centers (55.8% versus 78.8%, P<0.0001) but fewer coiled at hi...
Who Influences Whom? The President, Congress, and the Media

Influencing the policy agenda has long been viewed as one of the most important sources of political power. For decades, scholars have maintained that the president has the most significant role in setting the policymaking agenda in Washington, but little systematic empirical work has been done to measure the president's influence. We explore the president's success in focusing the issue attention of Congress and the mass media by evaluating time-series measures of presidential, mass media, and congressional attention to five issues: crime, education, health care, U.S.–Soviet relations, and the Arab-Israeli conflict. We find that most of the time the president reacts, responding primarily to fluctuations in media attention and world events. In domestic policy, we find a more interactive relationship, one that appears to offer the president the opportunity to act in an entrepreneurial fashion to focus the attention of others in the system on major presidential initiatives.
On the prevalence of congenital amusia

CONGENITAL AMUSIA, OR 9TONE DEAFNESS,9 IS A LIFELONG impairment in musical ability, reported to be present in approximately 4% of the general population.We examined the meaningfulness of 4% as an estimate of the prevalence of amusia given current test-based methods; here we focused on the Distorted Tunes Test (DTT) and the Montreal Battery of Evaluation of Amusia (MBEA). We demonstrate that estimates of prevalence critically depend on the specific cutoff applied to the test and the degree of skew in the distribution of scores. Broader consideration of this issue reveals that the use of arbitrary cutoffs is not unique to diagnosis of congenital amusia. We conclude that although the MBEA has shown to be a valuable diagnostic tool, caution is warranted against attributing meaning to the reported 4% rate of congenital amusia that is so widely cited in the literature.
Next Gen Web Workers: LG15's Industrial Self-Reflexivity on Steroids

Abstract This article examines a new breed of highly entrepreneurial, freelance Web producers, who have emerged on the margins of the heavily bureaucratic and conglomerated television industry. Miles Beckett and Greg Goodfried, the creators of the successful Lonelygirl15 (LG15) franchise, are staking their futures on a new form of ad-supported entertainment that they have dubbed social series. This production study examines the producers' self-reflexive statements about themselves and the state of the industry, which they have embedded in the social series as part of its community-building enterprise.
A lamellar grating interferometer for the far-infrared

Abstract A lamellar grating interferometer has been constructed for use in studies of the optical properties of solids in the frequency range 2–50 cm−1. The interferometer uses a 19 × 24cm lamellar grating with a 2.5 cm grating constant and 2.75 cm of travel giving a maximum unapodized resolution of 0.1 cm−1. Two 50cm focal length f/1.8 collimating mirrors are used in a Czerny-Turner arrangement. Light-pipe optics feed the light to and from the focal points of the collimating mirrors. The entire assembly is mounted in a vacuum tank which is supported on nitrogen filled bellows for vibration isolation purposes.
Construct validity of the In-Hand Manipulation Test: a discriminant analysis with children without disability and children with spastic diplegia

Objective This study examined the construct validity of the In-Hand Manipulation Test (IMT) by assessing the test's ability to discriminate between samples of children with and without known fine motor problems. Method The IMT was administered to 55 children without known fine motor problems and 24 children with spastic diplegia who had mild to moderate fine motor problems. Construct validity was estimated by evaluating how accurately the IMT classified the children as having or not having fine motor problems on the basis of total score. Results A discriminant analysis indicated that IMT total score correctly classified 83.33% of the participants as having or not having fine motor problems. Conclusion The IMT has adequate construct validity to classify the participants of this study and for continued use as a research instrument to assess children's in-hand manipulation skills. Additional validity studies of the IMT are needed with other samples of children before its use for clinical purposes.
B cell-mediated pathogenesis of ANCA-mediated vasculitis.

B cells and their progeny that produce and release anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA) are the primary cause for an aggressive form of necrotizing small vessel vasculitis. Cytoplasmic ANCA antigens are released at the surface and in the microenvironment of cytokine-primed neutrophils. Binding of ANCA to ANCA antigens activates neutrophils by both Fc receptor engagement and direct Fab’2 binding to antigen on the cell surface. ANCA-activated neutrophils release factors that induce alternative complement pathway activation, which establishes a potent inflammatory amplification loop that causes severe necrotizing vascular inflammation. The origin of the ANCA autoimmune response is unknown but appears to involve genetically determined HLA specificities that allow the autoimmune response to develop. One putative immunogenic mechanism begins with an immune response to a peptide that is complementary to the autoantigen and evolves through an anti-idiotypic network to produce autoantibodies to the autoantigen. Another putative immunogenic mechanism begins with an immune response to a microbe-derived molecular mimic of the autoantigen resulting in antibodies that cross-react with the autoantigen. Release of neutrophil extracellular traps, apoptosis, and increased granule protein expression of ANCA antigens may facilitate the initiation of an ANCA autoimmune response, augment established pathogenic ANCA production, or both. The ANCA B cell autoimmune response is facilitated by quantitatively and qualitatively impaired T cell and B cell suppression and by release from activated neutrophils of B cell-activating factors that enhance B cell proliferation and retard B cell apoptosis.
Optimal order-to-lane assignments in an order accumulation / sortation system

This paper considers a two-level order accumulation/sortation system and develops an algorithm to optimally assign orders to lanes based on the arrival sequence of items to the sortation system. With the use of the algorithm we show significant throughput increases, where throughput is based on the time to sort a complete order pick-wave. Examples illustrate the effectiveness of the algorithm on small and large problems.
Reversal of rest myocardial asynergy during exercise: a radionuclide scintigraphic study

While exercise-induced segmental left ventricular wall motion abnormalities are well described, the phenomenon of improvement in certain asynergic segments during exercise in some patients remains a curiosity. To assess this unexpected finding, results were analyzed in 85 patients with wall motion abnormalities at rest who underwent two view (45° left anterior oblique and anterior) exercise radionuclide ventriculography and exercise thallium-201 myocardial perfusion imaging. Wall motion was scored with a 5 point system (from 3 [normal] to —1 [dyskinesia]); normalization or increase of 2 or more points with exercise signified improvement. Forty-eight patients (56%) had no change or further deterioration of wall motion at peak exercise, 15 (18%) showed both improvement of wall motion and deterioration and 22 (26%) showed only improvement of wall motion. Wall motion improvement during exercise was found ip 57 (20%) of 279 segments with asynergy at rest. Of these 57 segments improving with exercise, 45 (79%) showed mild and 12 (21%) showed severe asynergy at rest. Only seven segments (12%) were associated with pathologic Q waves. Thallium-201 perfusion was normal in 44 segments (77%) while only 6 segments (11%) had reversible and only 7 (12%) had nonreversible thallium-201 defects. In conclusion: 1) wall motion that is abnormal at rest can sometimes improve with exercise; 2) this phenomenon generally occurs in zones without a Q wave or nonreversible thallium-201 defect. Hence, segments with abnormal wall motion at rest that show improvement with exercise appear to represent viable nonischemic segments.
Development of high-performance tri-layer material

As chip size and pattern size continue to shrink, the thickness of photo resist is getting thinner and thinner. One of the major reasons is to prevent the small resist features from collapse. It's very challenging to get enough etch resistance from such thin resist thickness. An approach of Si-tri-layer stack which consists of resist, Si ARC (Si contenting anti-reflection coating), organic underlayer from top to bottom has been adopted by many IC makers in the manufacturing of 45 nm node. Even higher resist etching selectivity is needed for 32 nm node. Si ARC, of Si content as high as 43%, provides good etch selectivity. At the same time, tri-layer also provides good control over reflectivity in high NA immersion lithography. However, there are several well know issues concern Si-rich ARC. Resist compatibility and shelf life are on top of the list. An aim of our development work was to overcome those issues in order to produce manufacturing-worthy Si-rich ARC. Several synthesis methods were investigated to form Si-rich ARC film with different properties. Collapse of resist patterns is used as an indicator of lithographic compatibility. Lithographic performance was checked by accelerated shelf life tests at high temperature in order to predict the shelf life at room temperature. It was found that adhesion between resist and Si-rich ARC is improved when contact angle of Si-rich ARC is increased to more than 60 degree. Certain synthesis methods improve shelf life. After optimization of film properties and synthesis methods of Si-rich ARC, SHB-A940 series have best litho compatibility and shelf life is six months at storage temperature below 10°C.
Elective Cesarean Delivery on Maternal Request

Importance Some pregnant women prefer cesarean delivery and request it without maternal or fetal indication rather than proceeding with a plan for vaginal delivery. Objective To review approaches for counseling women who ask for cesarean delivery without maternal or fetal indication (known as cesarean delivery on maternal request [CDMR]). Evidence Review An Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality evidence report of studies published after 1990, a 2006 National Institutes of Health state-of-the-science conference report, and published literature were examined. Findings The prevalence of CDMR in the United States is not precisely known but probably occurs in less than 3% of all deliveries. Most practicing obstetricians have received requests for CDMR from patients. Compared with a plan for vaginal delivery, CDMR may be associated with lower rates of hemorrhage, maternal incontinence, and rare but serious neonatal outcomes. However, CDMR is associated with a higher risk of neonatal respiratory morbidity. Adverse consequences of CDMR may be manifested only in future pregnancies. Repeated cesarean deliveries have higher rates of operative complications, placental abnormalities such as placenta previa and accreta, and consequent gravid hysterectomy. Conclusions and Relevance There is no immediate expectation for CDMR to reduce the health risks of mothers or infants. Accordingly, counseling and decisions regarding CDMR should be made after considering a woman's full reproductive plans.
Contact Lens Wear, Use of Eye Cosmetics, and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

The purpose of this study was to explore the interrelations among contact lens wear, use of eye make up, eye rubbing, and Meibomian gland dysfunction. Fifty optometry students were evaluated for Meibomian gland function (number of lower lid glands expressing freely with gentle pressure) and fluorescein staining of the cornea and conjunctiva. Subjects were questioned regarding contact lens wear, use of eye cosmetics, and frequency of eye rubbing. No relation was detected among Meibomian gland clogging, contact lens wear, cosmetic use, or eye rubbing in these subjects. The data suggest a relation among clogged glands, contact lens wear, and fluorescein staining. Future studies of older contact lens wearers are warranted
The construction of individualized plastic teeth from beryllium-copper molds.

Abstract A technique for the construction of tooth molds made of beryllium-copper alloy is described. The superiority of molds made from this alloy compared to molds made of low melting alloys is discussed. The staining and characterization of acrylic resin anterior teeth are described. The distribution of colors, simulated check lines, restorations, and opaque areas, and the shuttering effect are predetermined by an esthetic diagram of the anterior teeth and the desired individual characteristics. Superior esthetic results are more easily achieved by properly made handmolded anterior teeth, as compared to stock teeth. Epoxy resin and other high heat polymerizing resins that may be developed can be easily processed in these beryllium-copper molds.
Training parents in behavior modification: Outcome of and problems encountered in a program after Patterson's work

Seven families of children exhibiting behavior management problems were trained in behavior modification techniques, using procedures modeled after the work of Patterson and his associates. Outcome was evaluated by coded home observations, by parental reports, and by consultant and home observer reports. Three of these families showed positive short-term changes in the multiple measures; only one family showed substantial long-term changes. Data collection and interpretation problems are discussed, as are possible reasons for the failure to obtain long-term changes for more families.
Autocrine regulation and experimental modulation of interleukin-6 expression by human pulmonary epithelial cells infected with respiratory syncytial virus.

The mechanisms of regulation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) production in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-infected respiratory epithelial cells were evaluated in A549 cell cultures. Incubation with purified RSV resulted in significant production of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Addition of saturating concentrations of neutralizing antibodies against IL-1α, IL-1β, or TNF-α into purified RSV-infected cell cultures resulted in a significant inhibition of IL-6 production, although anti-IL-1α antibody had the most predominant effect (80% inhibition). Anti-IL-1α antibody also almost completely blocked the expression of mRNA for IL-6. Addition of therapeutic concentrations of dexamethasone (1 μM) or ribavirin (90 μg/ml), an antiviral agent, also significantly inhibited the synthesis of IL-6. Hence, in clinical settings, pharmacological agents such as the specific antagonists of IL-6-inducing cytokines, as well as dexamethasone and ribavirin, could be used to modulate IL-6 production.
Sensor and Sampling-based motion planning for minimally invasive robotic exploration of osteolytic lesions

This paper develops a sensor- and sampling-based motion planner to control a surgical robot in order to explore osteolytic lesions in orthopedic surgery. Because of the difficulty of using conventional surgical tools, such exploration is needed in minimally-invasive treatments of “particle diseases,” which commonly result from material wear in total hip replacements. Since a geometric model of the osteolytic cavity is not always available, the planner relies only on a robot model that can detect collisions. As such, the planner can work in conjunction with real systems. The planner effectively combines global and local exploration. The global layer determines which regions to explore, while local exploration uses information gain to move the robot tip to positions in the region that increase exploration. Simulation experiments are conducted using a snake-like cannula robot on surgically-relevant osteolytic cavities. As desired in minimally-invasive treatment of osteolysis, performance is measured as the volume explored by the robot tip. The proposed method achieves 83–92% performance rate when compared to methods that require 3D models of osteolytic cavities. Comparisons to sensor-based related work (i.e., no 3D models) show significant improvements in performance.
Fine-tuning paleoanthropological reconnaissance with high-resolution satellite imagery: the discovery of 28 new sites in Tanzania

IntroductionFossils,artifacts, andtheirgeological settingsaretherawdata ofhuman evolutiondthey evince what actually happened when andwhere,and its ecological context. As such, ﬁeld research representsthe essential foundation upon which the discipline of paleoan-thropology rests.Many discoveries aremadefromlargeoutcrops ofsedimentary rock in the East African Rift Valley, and researchershave thus concentrated explorations on these extensive exposures(e.g., Omo, Koobi Fora, Olduvai). However, smaller outcrops, wherehuman evolution may also be documented, have received littleattention. Due to fast infrastructure development and rapid pop-ulation growth in East Africa there is an urgent need to implementa research strategy that will increase our ability to identify smallerexposures.We have incorporated high resolution satellite imagery (HRSI)into our survey methodology, greatly improving our ability tosystematically locate and efﬁciently identify smaller outcrops (e.g.,<10 km