cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthetic signature analysis using ray trace decomposition

Model-based target recognition is a crucial element of any environment in which an extensive set of measured data is not available. With recent advancements in computational electromagnetics, model-based synthetic data has become the cornerstone of many radar based ATR systems. Due to time considerations, synthetic signatures are often generated using a time domain shooting and bouncing ray (SBR) technique. Model-based synthetic signatures closely match most features found in measured data and enable the evaluation of multiple target aspects, target configurations, and articulation in a variety of potential settings. However, there do exist discrepancies between synthetic signatures and measured signatures caused by various phenomena. These phenomena include nondeterministic reflectance characteristics, dynamic components, articulating control surfaces, CAD modeling error, and resonant components. This paper presents methods that decompose the SBR signature into a set of specific SBR histories in the form of a ray path tree (RPT). This decomposition enables observed signal errors to be mapped directly onto the target model components. In addition, the RPT defines an enhanced visual traceback capability and real- time signature generation. This paper will describe the algorithms used to form the RPT. Analysis of several CAD models using this tool will be presented. Conclusions on the applicability and limitations of the RPT will be drawn.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Strategies for the design of minor groove binders: a re-evaluation based on the emergence of site-selective carbohydrate binders

Studies on minor groove binders provide new insights into DNA structure and recognition, information that may in the future serve as the basis for the design of synthetic binders targeted to particular minor groove sites. Carbohydrate-based minor groove binders are emerging as a particularly interesting and important class of ligands for DNA.
Marine transgressions and regressions recorded in Middle Devonian shore-zone deposits of the Catskill clastic wedge

The shore zone of the Middle Devonian Catskill clastic wedge in New York State consists of (1) a storm-wave-dominated muddy marine shelf with sandy shoals; (2) sandy, tide-influenced channels with wave-and tide-influenced mouth bars; (3) sandy and muddy tidal flats, including channels, mouth bars, and washovers; and (4) muddy brackish bays, lakes, and flood plains. The spatial organization of these subenvironments suggests a wave- and tide-influenced deltaic shoreline. Meter-scale sequences can be related to processes such as lateral migration and filling of tidal channels, progradation of channel-mouth bars and tidal flats, and filling of coastal bays; these may be related to channel switching. Asymmetrical regressive-transgressive sequences that range from tens of meters to >100 m thick can be correlated over many kilometers with fully marine and fluvial deposits. Such sequences record a combination of eustatic sea-level changes and tectonically induced changes in sediment supply and subsidence rate. However, at present it is very difficult to determine the relative importance of these controls.
Seasonal variation in dust mite and grass-pollen allergens in dust from the houses of patients with asthma

In order to study seasonal variation in dust-mite allergen, we obtained dust samples from bedding, carpet, and/or sofas in 12 houses in central Virginia, monthly, for 1 year. The houses included those of nine patients with asthma of whom six were allergic to dust mites. Dust samples were assayed with an inhibition radioimmunoassay for mite allergen that detects cross-reacting determinants on Der f and Der p I from Dermatophagoides farinae and D. pteronyssinus, respectively. The results are expressed as micrograms of antigen P1 equivalent (AgP1Eq). The results demonstrate that large seasonal variations in allergen, i.e., more than twentyfold, can occur in dust from all sites and are not restricted to the houses of allergic patients. However, dust from some sites, particularly sofas, remained "high" (greater than 10 micrograms AgP1Eq per gram), whereas dust from other sites remained "low" (less than 1 microgram AgP1Eq per gram) throughout the year. Levels of mite allergen generally started to rise in July about 1 month after the rise in humidity. In August to December, the mean levels of AgP1Eq in house dust were highly significantly increased relative to April to May. In keeping with this finding, in 31 of 37 sites, the highest level for the year was observed in August through December. In four sites, mite bodies were counted, and the numbers increased sharply in June to July; however, they decreased in September in parallel with falls in humidity but several months before the fall in mite allergen. Ryegrass-pollen allergen in 12 sites was also assayed in house dust, and pollen-allergen levels demonstrated a sharp increase in May or June that fell back to preseason values within 2 months. Dust was also obtained from the houses of 50 patients with acute or severe asthma. The results on these samples suggest that mite-allergic patients are more likely to have attacks in the fall at a time when their houses have greater than 10 micrograms AgP1Eq per gram of dust. The magnitude of changes observed seasonally within individual houses and of differences between houses within a close geographic area suggests that interpretation of the relationship between allergic symptoms and mite-allergen exposure will require measurement of mite-allergen levels in individual houses.
1677 USE OF HIGH FREQUENCY POSITIVE PRESSURE VENTILATION (HFPPV) IN CHRONIC VENTILATORY FAILURE IN NEONATES

1677 USE OF HIGH FREQUENCY POSITIVE PRESSURE VENTILATION (HFPPV) IN CHRONIC VENTILATORY FAILURE IN NEONATES
Impairment in abstraction and set shifting in aged rhesus monkeys.

Abstract Understanding the nature of changes in cognition with aging has increased in importance as the number of individuals over the age of 65 years grows. To date, studies have demonstrated that age-related changes occur most extensively in the cognitive domains of memory and executive function. Whereas a large number of studies have been conducted about the effects of aging on memory, far less have explored the effects of aging on the so called “executive function” which include abilities essential for successful performance of higher level activities of daily living. As part of our ongoing effort to better characterize these changes, we assessed executive function in a non-human primate model of normal human aging using the Conceptual Set Shifting Task (CSST). This recently developed task assesses abstraction, concept formation and set shifting in the monkey in a way analogous to the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) in humans. Relative to young adult monkeys, aged monkeys evidenced significant difficulty in both acquisition and performance on this task, and moreover, demonstrated a high degree of perseverative responding. The pattern of performance displayed by the aged monkeys suggests an age-related decline in prefrontal cortex (PFC) functioning.
The relationship of the antigenic characteristics of streptococci and specific antibody responses following streptococcal infections.

pertains to the clinical features of infection with j8 hemolytic streptococci and of subsequent antibody responses in patients. However, attempts to relate antigenic and enzymatic properties of the infecting organism to the clinical and antibody response of individual patients have been infrequent. Such a correlation of clinical and antibody response in /3 hemolytic streptococcal infections with some of the biological characteristics of the homologous organism producing these responses is presented in this study.
Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) independent ethanol metabolism in deermice lacking ADH

Abstract To assess the importance of non-ADH ethanol metabolism, ADH-negative (ADH − ) and ADH-positive (ADH + ) deermice were fed for 2–4 weeks liquid diets containing ethanol or isocaloric carbohydrate. They consumed progressively increasing amounts of ethanol. Blood ethanol clearance (BEC) increased significantly in both strains. It remained almost unchanged at low ethanol concentrations (5–10 mM), but at high levels (40–70 mM) BEC was strinkingly increased with significant differences between ethanol-fed and control animals. Kinetics were consistent with the activity of a non-ADH high K m system such as the microsomal ethanol-oxidizing system (MEOS). Naive ADH − had a more active MEOS and more abundant SER than naive ADH + . After ethanol feeding, MEOS was increased 3–4 times in both strains. There was striking proliferation of SER and cytochrome P-450 was enhanced significantly. Expressed per P-450, MEOS activity was higher in ADH − than ADH + . Thus despite absence of ADH, ADH − deermice can consume large amounts of ethanol: this is associated with increased BEC, SER proliferation, enhanced MEOS activity and quantitative and qualitative changes of cytochrome P-450.
Climatic Change: Are We on the Brink of a Pronounced Global Warming?

If man-made dust is unimportant as a major cause of climatic change, then a strong case can be made that the present cooling trend will, within a decade or so, give way to a pronounced warming induced by carbon dioxide. By analogy with similar events in the past, the natural climatic cooling which, since 1940, has more than compensated for the carbon dioxide effect, will soon bottom out. Once this happens, the exponential rise in the atmospheric carbon dioxide content will tend to become a significant factor and by early in the next century will have driven the mean planetary temperature beyond the limits experienced during the last 1000 years.
Discriminatory tariffs and international negotiations

Abstract Recent research has highlighted the efficiency of the MFN principle within the GATT/WTO structure. This paper analyzes the exception made to MFN within Article XXIII that allows discriminatory punishment for deviations from the agreement. We argue that, in the absence of collusion, the MFN exception reduces the severity of punishment and thus lowers the level of cooperation that can be achieved by the agreement. However, discriminatory punishment may still be beneficial as we show that it reduces the problems associated with the potential for renegotiation during the punishment phase. Finally, we argue that our results are also applicable to the question of whether to use trade policy sanctions as a means of enforcing agreements covering domestic policies.
A method of estimating entropies of coals and coal liquids

A method for estimating entropies of both solid and liquid fuels is proposed. An example showing calculation of availability of coal is presented. Entropy and availability of coal calculated are compared with those obtained by other methods. Deviations among different methods examined are discussed. On propose une methode pour evaluer les entropies de combustibles solides et liquides. On montre un exemple de calcul de l'accessibilite au charbon. On compare l'entropie et l'accessibilite du charbon obtenues par calcul avec celles obtenues en employant d'autres methodes. On discute les ecarts qu'on trouve entre les resultats des differentes methodes examinees.
Delayed Timing of Eating: Impact on Weight and Metabolism

Animal studies of delayed eating have provided useful information regarding the potential relationship between nighttime eating and increased weight and metabolic dysregulation, which occur in the absence of increased locomotion or increased caloric intake. We first review recent studies detailing these relationships and possible mechanisms in rodents. We then examine human data showing that sleep restriction leads to increased energy intake and weight gain, followed by a review of the human phenotype of delayed eating, night eating syndrome, and its relation to weight and metabolism. Finally, we examine human experimental studies of delayed eating and discuss preliminary data that show slight weight gain, dysfunction in energy expenditure, and abnormalities in the circadian rhythms of appetitive, stress, and sleep hormones. Well-controlled, longer-term experimental studies in humans are warranted to test the effect of delayed eating without sleep restriction to clarify whether limiting or eliminating nighttime eating could lead to weight loss and significantly improve related disorders, such as diabetes and heart disease, over time.
Lessons learned from implementing multidisciplinary health professions educational models in community settings.

This article addresses sustainability elements for multidisciplinary health professions education in communities. The results are based on a 5 year program involving multiple health professions education institutions in seven states within the USA. We offer observations and suggestions to others who plan and implement multidisciplinary programs for health professions educators. Our findings are based on the outcomes of the Community Partnerships in Health Professions Education (CPHPE) initiative funded by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. Data sources included pre and post surveys of students and faculty, site visits, published evaluations and site reports, and a 2 year follow-up evaluation after the external funding phase. Elements of the partnership that facilitated the sustainability of the models were: leadership, complementary missions, curriculum that mirrors clinical community practice, change from outside in, partnership boards, and faculty development. Those elements that were barriers to sustaining ...
Monotonicity of Entropy Computations in Belief Functions

This article addresses the issue of quantitative information measurement within the Dempster--Shafer belief function formalism. Entropy computation in Dempster--Shafer depends on the way uncertainty measures are conceptualized. However, freed of most probability constraints, uncertainty measures in Dempster--Shafer theory can lead to further advances in optimization in information theory, which in turn may have a wide impact on decision and control. This article examines one form of current development regarding the entropy measure induced from the measure of dissonance. For a significant period, the measure of dissonance has been taken as a measure of entropy. We present in this article the entropy measure as a monotonically decreasing function, symmetrical to the measure of dissonance.
Semen Production and Fertilizing Capacity of Semen from Broad Breasted Bronze Turkeys Maintained in Cages and on the Floor

Abstract THE current evidence on the effect of housing conditions on subsequent semen production of chickens is conflicting. Parker and McCluskey (1959) found no difference in semen volumes produced by males maintained either in cages or on the floor. Contrary to these results, Siegel and Beane (1963) found that ejaculates were significantly larger from males maintained in cages than from those in flocks. Preliminary trials at this station indicated that maintaining turkey males in individual cages has some advantages over the present system of keeping males on the floor. Less space is required per bird, and they are more easily handled for purposes of semen collection. The purpose of this study was to compare semen productivity of December-hatched Broad Breasted Bronze males kept in individual cages with that of comparable birds kept in floor pens. MATERIALS AND PROCEDURE In 3 successive years (1964, 1965, and 1966) Broad Breasted Bronze males and …
Transition from novice adjunct to experienced associate degree nurse educator: A comparative qualitative approach

Nursing adjuncts are hired to accommodate student enrollment needs. Considered experts in nursing service, the transition to educator is difficult. Perceptions of transition, comparison of novice adjuncts' self-identified responsibilities with full-time members' expectations for role performance, and educational topics for role development are explored. Emerging narratives identify four themes: (a) knowing requirements: must read/must follow; (b) evolving teaching role identity; (c) teaching role management; and (d) faculty relationship development.
Size limits on phased burst error correcting array codes

A method for finding allowed array sizes for two-dimensional phased burst error correcting array codes is presented. These array codes have simple parity checks on two axes, have diagonal read-out, and are capable of correcting phased bursts along any one diagonal.
ROLE OF THE CONTINENTAL MARGIN IN THE GLOBAL CARBON BALANCE DURING THE PAST THREE CENTURIES

The global continental margins are important sites of deposition and regeneration of terrestrial organic carbon and of calcium carbonate produced in situ. The material balance of organic carbon in the coastal zone determines to a large extent its role as either a source or sink of CO2 relative to the atmosphere. We explore the role of the continental margin in the global cycling of carbon during the recent geologic past using a new model, TOTEM (Terrestrial Ocean aTmosphere Ecosystem Model). We conclude that during the past 300 yr, the coastal zone has been a site of relatively stable calcium carbonate deposition, as well as a site of greater input, recycling, and storage of terrestrial organic carbon. As a result, more organic carbon in the coastal zone is remineralized than produced in situ by photosynthesis (i.e., the coastal zone is net heterotrophic), and this reduces its sink strength for anthropogenic CO2. Continuation of this trend in the future will weaken the ability of the coastal zone to act as a sink for the rising anthropogenic CO2 in the atmosphere. Reversal of the carbon biogeochemical balance from net remineralization (heterotrophy) to net production (autotrophy) may occur in those continental margin sections where bioproduction is enhanced by elevated inorganic nutrient inputs (e.g., coastal upwelling zones) and/or where there is efficient carbon storage.
Relative Effectiveness of Tropital and Piperonyl Butoxide as Synergists for Pyrethrins Against Stored-Product Insects

Adult confused flour beetles, Tribolium confusum Jacquelin duVal; adult cigarette beetles, Lasioderma serricorne (F.); and larvae of the black carpet beetle, Attagenus megatoma (F.); were treated topically with pyrethrins plus Tropital (piperonyl bis[2-(2-butoxyethoxy) ethyl] acetal) or with pyrethrins plus piperonyl butoxide. In general, pyrethrins plus piperonyl butoxide was more effective than pyrethrins plus Tropital as a direct-contact toxicant against the test insects.
Symposium on Coronary Artery Disease Blood Supply to Ischaemic Myocardium Distal to the Occlusion of a Coronary Artery

A Self-Evident Truth1’ 2, 3, 4 When a coronary artery is narrowed or occluded the fate of the human patient, or the fate of the experimental dog, depends upons the amount of blood in the ischaemic myocardium. This applies whether the stenosis or occlusion is produced by disease in a coronary artery or by surgical ligature of a coronary artery. The factual nature of this statement is comparable to the axiom in geometry that a straight line is the shortest distance between two points. Understanding and acceptance of this statement is the first requirement to understanding the coronary problem. It is also a requirement for the development of effective methods of treatment. If these statements are correct, and no scientist can deny them, then an informed society will expect the medical scientist to investigate bloodsupply to ischaemic muscle and to develop methods to increase it. A voluminous medical literature, which scarcely mentions this subject, does not have the answer to the coronary artery problem nor do the appeals for funds for research give any promise for effective treatment of coronary artery disease unless the research is directed to a study of blood-supply to muscle made ischaemic by the disease. My associates and I have investigated this problem over the past 25 years. This investigation was carried out in over 5,000 dogs; surgeons and physiologists devoted from one to five years on this project full time; experiments were done directly upon the coronary blood vessels; observations were made and facts were established. These facts have been published in the medical literature but in general the medical cardiologists have reacted to them as if they do not exist. In most instances their resistance is based upon a lack of understanding. However, surgeons are doing the operation with good results and an informed public will expect the medical cardiologist to cooperate in the best interest of the patient.
Young Infants' Perception of Object Unity in Rotation Displays

Much research has been devoted to questions regarding how infants begin to perceive the unity of partly occluded objects, and it is clear that object motion plays a central role. Little is known, however, about how infants' motion processing skills are used in such tasks. One important kinetic cue for object shape is structure from motion, but its role in unity perception remains unknown. To address this issue, we presented 2- and 4-month-old infants with displays in which object unity was specified by vertical rotation. After habituation to this display, infants viewed broken and complete versions of the object to test their preference for the broken object, an indication of perception of unity in the occlusion display. Positive evidence for the perception of unity was provided by both age groups. Concomitant edge translation available in 1 condition did not appear to contribute above and beyond simple rotation. These results suggest that structure from motion, and perhaps contour deformation and shading cues, can contribute important information for veridical object percepts in very young infants.
An extension of the KYP-lemma for the design of state-dependent switching systems with uncertainty

Abstract We consider the problem of designing state-dependent linear switching systems subject to parameter uncertainty. The switching rule is governed by a fixed partition of the state-space, and the parameter uncertainty appears in the matrices which determine the resulting dynamics. We derive a KYP-like lemma that can be used to design such systems in a manner that guarantees quadratic stability, for an arbitrary number of independent switching rules, each with its own switching region and its own domain of parameter uncertainty. Examples are given to illustrate the usefulness of our result.
Microclimate control of forest productivity: Analysis by computer simulation of annual photosynthesis/ transpiration balance in different environments

Abstract A simulation model combining photosynthesis and transpiration for coniferous trees, DAYTRANS/PSN, was used to explore CO 2 and water exchange efficiencies under different seasonal climatic conditions. The simulation model first evaluated an eight-month photosynthetic season using measured meteorological data from a western Montana site. Elevation, slope, aspect, and region-related variations in precipitation, incoming shortwave radiation, and air temperature were then programmed into the meteorological data set and the model re-run a total of 42 times. In spite of the cool climate in western Montana, a three degree reduction in seasonal air temperature increased photosynthesis 15%, because less tree water stress developed. When seasonal precipitation was set to zero only an 11% reduction in photosynthesis occurred, illustrating that snowpack is the primary source of water for tree growth in Montana. Simulated annual photosynthesis accurately predicted some observed patterns of forest productivity in the Northern Rocky Mountains of the United States. In water-limited Montana, low elevation south slopes produced 14% less seasonal photosynthesis than corresponding north slopes. However, with precipitation equivalent to the Pacific Coast, lower south slopes produced 23% higher photosynthesis than north slopes, as energy, rather than water, became the factor limiting physiological activity.
Mast cell degranulation upregulates α6 integrins on epidermal langerhans cells

The expression of the α6β4 and α6β1 integrins on epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) before and after mast cell degranulation was studied in cultured human neonatal foreskin by immunohistochemistry. Twenty-four hours after addition of mast cell secretagogues, morphine sulfate, or substance P, solitary mid-epidermal cells showed staining for the integrin subunits α6, β4, and β1. This expression was not observed in cultured control explants, and immunostained cells were confirmed to be non-epithelial, dendritic cells by immuno-electron microscopy. The identity of these cells as LC was further established by coincident staining for α6 and CD1a using double immunofluorescence labeling. Addition of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), the predominant cytokine in mast cell granules, also induced LC to express α6 integrins. Furthermore, preincubation of skin organ cultures with anti- TNFα antibodies or the mast cell inhibitor cromolyn sodium abrogated the ability to induce α6 integrins on LC consequent to experimental mast cell degranulation by substance P. These data implicate a role for mast cell – derived TNFα in the regulation of the integrins α6β4 and α6β1 LC. These findings may have important implications relevant to mechanisms for spatial localization of LC within the cutaneous compartments during immune responses.
Country-wide distribution of the nitrile female condom (FC2) in Brazil and South Africa: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

The objective was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and potential impact of expanded female condom distribution. Cost-effectiveness analysis assessing HIV infections averted annually and incremental cost per HIV infection averted for country-wide distribution of the nitrile female condom (FC2) among sexually active individuals 15--49 years with access to publicly distributed condoms in Brazil and South Africa. In Brazil expansion of FC2 distribution to 10% of current male condom use would avert an estimated 604 (5--95th percentiles 412--831) HIV infections at $20 683 (5--95th percentiles 13 497--29 521) per infection averted. In South Africa 9577 (5--95th percentiles 6539--13 270) infections could be averted at $985 (5--95th percentiles 633--1412) per infection averted. The estimated cost of treating one HIV-infected individual is $21 970 (5--95th percentiles 18 369--25 719) in Brazil and $1503 (5--95th percentiles 1245--1769) in South Africa indicating potential cost savings. The incremental cost of expanded distribution would be reduced to $8930 (5--95th percentiles 5864--13 163) per infection averted in Brazil and $374 (5--95th percentiles 237--553) in South Africa by acquiring FC2s through a global purchasing mechanism and increasing distribution threefold. Sensitivity analyses show model estimates to be most sensitive to the estimated prevalence of sexually transmitted infections total sexual activity and fraction of FC2s properly used. Expanded distribution of FC2 in Brazil and South Africa could avert substantial numbers of HIV infections at little or no net cost to donor or government agencies. FC2 may be a useful and cost-effective supplement to the male condom for preventing HIV. (authors)
The Quadrant Electrometer

The quadrant electrometer has long been recognized as a valuable instrument for measuring power in a-c. circuits, especially at low values of the power factor. Nevertheless, it has been used but little. This has been caused to some extent by the fact that Maxwell's treatment does not hold for all electrometers, and by the difficulty of determining its constant with alternating current. In this paper, the author has discussed the theory of the instrument from the viewpoint of power measurements and has reduced its general equation to a simple form. He has shown how its constants may be determined with continuous current, and that these constants also apply in a-c. power measurement. He has checked the theoretical calculations by experiments. Data of the determination of the constants of a given instrument with continuous current are given in the paper, as well as examples of the use of the instrument in the measurement of power in a number of alternating circuits having different characteristics.
A highly vancomycin-resistant laboratory mutant of Staphylococcus aureus

A resistant mutant with vancomycin MIC of 100 μg/ml was isolated relatively easily through step pressure in the laboratory from a Staphylococcus aureus strain with initial MIC of 1.5 μg/ml for the antibiotic. Upon addition of vancomycin (50 μg/ml) to the growth medium mass increase of the culture and peptidoglycan synthesis continued but cell division (daughter cell separation), cell wall turnover and autolysis were inhibited, resulting in the production of multicellular clumps of bacteria. Parallel with the increase of culture density, the concentration of vancomycin measured both by biological activity and by HPLC gradually declined in the culture medium. Cell division and wall turnover of the culture resumed with the production of cells of normal morphology at the time when the concentration of the drug in the medium decreased below 0.5–1.0 μg/ml. There was no detectable change in the antibiotic concentration in the culture medium during growth of a vancomycin-resistant (vanA-positive) strain of Enterococcus faecium and an intrinsically vancomycin-resistant strain of Leuconostoc. The vancomycin-resistant staphylococcal mutant gave no signal with the vanA or vanB DNA probes and contained no detectable d-lactate terminating cell wall precursors. The biochemical mechanism and clinical significance of such glycopeptide-resistant mutants remains to be established.
Digital filter based on the Fisher linear discriminant to reduce dead-time paralysis in photon counting

Photon counting represents the Poisson limit in signal to noise, but can often be complicated in imaging applications by detector paralysis, arising from the finite rise / fall time of the detector upon photon absorption. We present here an approach for reducing dead-time by generating a deconvolution digital filter based on optimizing the Fisher linear discriminant. In brief, two classes are defined, one in which a photon event is initiated at the origin of the digital filter, and one in the photon event is non-coincident with the filter origin. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) is then performed to optimize the digital filter that best resolves the coincident and non-coincident training set data.1 Once trained, implementation of the filter can be performed quickly, significantly reducing dead-time issues and measurement bias in photon counting applications. Experimental demonstration of the LDA-filter approach was performed in fluorescence microscopy measurements using a highly convolved impulse response with considerable ringing. Analysis of the counts supports the capabilities of the filter in recovering deconvolved impulse responses under the conditions considered in the study. Potential additional applications and possible limitations are also considered.
Energy Expenditure in Children after Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

OBJECTIVE:: To evaluate energy expenditure in a cohort of children with severe traumatic brain injury. DESIGN:: A prospective observational study. SETTING:: A pediatric neurotrauma center within a tertiary care institution. PATIENTS:: Mechanically ventilated children admitted with severe traumatic brain injury (Glasgow Coma Scale 110%), our data suggest that contemporary neurocritical care practices may blunt such a response. Understanding the metabolic requirements of children with severe traumatic brain injury is the first step in development of rational nutritional support goals that might lead to improvements in outcome. Language: en
The last acceptable prejudice: an overview of LGBT social and criminal injustice issues within the USA

The intolerance of, and discrimination against, gays and lesbians is not a new concept. Yet, as many parts of the world have begun to socially and legally recognize gay rights, in many ways, the USA has lagged behind. An overview of past and present lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender social and criminal justice within the USA are presented. Also, specific recommendations are made for the future in an effort to put an end to this last acceptable prejudice.
Learning in critter corral: evaluating three kinds of feedback in a preschool math app

We describe a freely available iPad app for preschoolers aimed at helping children develop robust early number concepts for the numbers 1-10. We will present results of an in-progress study, involving pre-post learning measures, in-game learning measures, and video data, aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the app and of comparing three models of feedback. We created three versions of the app, each of which employs a different kind of feedback when the learner solves a problem incorrectly. In the Implication Feedback condition (IF), the learner sees that their incorrect answer resulted in too many or too few, and they add more or take some away to fix it. In the Corrective Feedback condition (CF) the learner is shown the correct answer after a mistake and why it is correct, and they imitate the correct answer. In the Answer until Correct condition (AUC), learners are given an indication that they have made a mistake, and they continue trying until they answer correctly.
“Fattening” Literary History

This essay maps recent developments in the field of fat studies in relation to questions of literature and history. It advocates a two-pronged approach to history, one that not only analyzes past representations of fatness but also interrogates the construction of historical narratives regarding those representations. The essay traces examples from recent scholarship that suggest promising directions for future work and offers a historically contextualized reading of two poems: Frances Cornford's “To a Fat Lady Seen from the Train” and G. K. Chesterton's “The Fat White Woman Speaks.”
Perspective: Tackling the real issues

Successful prevention requires attacking the causes, says Stephen S. Hecht—and the main target remains tobacco.
Soft Vacuum Pulsed Electron Beam Processing Of Tenon And Teflon-Like Films

Poly(tetrafluoroethylene), Teflon, is an excellent engineering material with a low dielectric constant, chemical. inertness in hazardous environments, and thermal stability. However, it has many shortcomings such as poor adhesion to substrates, difficulty in micron-sized via hole fabrication, and almost zero solubility in common solvents. We found that Teflon self-developed very efficiently under pulsed electron beam (25 KV to 30 KV) exposure in soft vacuum. Teflon images were obtained by performing the electron exposure through a mask. its etching rate is the highest among the polymer films studied including radiation-sensitive poly(2-butene sulfone). A possible mechanism for this high self-development rate is proposed.
ARMA systems excited by non-Gaussian processes are not always identifiable

It is a popular myth that the zeros of an ARMA (autoregressive moving-average) process excited by an unobservable non-Gaussian process can be resolved from noisy output measurements. A counterexample is given. >
Comparison of Combined Aerobic and High-Force Eccentric Resistance Exercise With Aerobic Exercise Only for People With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes between a diabetes exercise training program using combined aerobic and high-force eccentric resistance exercise and a program of aerobic exercise only. Subjects and Methods: Fifteen participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) participated in a 16-week supervised exercise training program: 7 (mean age=50.7 years, SD=6.9) in a combined aerobic and eccentric resistance exercise program (AE/RE group) and 8 (mean age=58.5 years, SD=6.2) in a program of aerobic exercise only (AE group). Outcome measures included thigh lean tissue and intramuscular fat (IMF), glycosylated hemoglobin, body mass index (BMI), and 6-minute walk distance. Results: Both groups experienced decreases in mean glycosylated hemoglobin after training (AE/RE group: −0.59% [95% confidence interval (CI)=−1.5 to 0.28]; AE group: −0.31% [95% CI=−0.60 to −0.03]), with no significant between-group differences. There was an interaction between group and time with respect to change in thigh lean tissue cross-sectional area, with the AE/RE group gaining more lean tissue (AE/RE group: 15.1 cm2 [95% CI=7.6 to 22.5]; AE group: −5.6 cm2 [95% CI=−10.4 to 0.76]). Both groups experienced decreases in mean thigh IMF cross-sectional area (AE/RE group: −1.2 cm2 [95% CI=−2.6 to 0.26]; AE group: −2.2 cm2 [95% CI=−3.5 to −0.84]) and increases in 6-minute walk distance (AE/RE group: 45.5 m [95% CI=7.5 to 83.6]; AE group: 29.9 m [95% CI=−7.7 to 67.5]) after training, with no between-group differences. There was an interaction between group and time with respect to change in BMI, with the AE/RE group experiencing a greater decrease in BMI. Discussion and Conclusion: Significant improvements in long-term glycemic control, thigh composition, and physical performance were demonstrated in both groups after participating in a 16-week exercise program. Subjects in the AE/RE group demonstrated additional improvements in thigh lean tissue and BMI. Improvements in thigh lean tissue may be important in this population as a means to increase resting metabolic rate, protein reserve, exercise tolerance, and functional mobility.
Regularized model of post-touchdown configurations in electrostatic MEMS: Equilibrium analysis

Abstract In canonical models of Micro-Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS), an event called touchdown whereby the electrical components of the device come into contact, is characterized by a blow up in the governing equations and a non-physical divergence of the electric field. In the present work, we propose novel regularized governing equations whose solutions remain finite at touchdown and exhibit additional dynamics beyond this initial event before eventually relaxing to new stable equilibria. We employ techniques from variational calculus, dynamical systems and singular perturbation theory to obtain a detailed understanding of the properties and equilibrium solutions of the regularized family of equations.
Adapting the Hypervolume Quality Indicator to Quantify Trade-offs and Search Efficiency for Multiple Criteria Decision Making Using Pareto Fronts

When choosing a best solution based on simultaneously balancing multiple objectives, the Pareto front approach allows promising solutions across the spectrum of user preferences for the weightings of the objectives to be identified and compared quantitatively. The shape of the complete Pareto front provides useful information about the amount of trade-off between the different criteria and how much compromise is needed from some criterion to improve the others. Visualizing the Pareto front in higher (3 or more) dimensions becomes difficult, so a numerical measure of this relationship helps capture the degree of trade-off. The traditional hypervolume quality indicator based on subjective scaling for multiple criteria optimization method comparison provides an arbitrary value that lacks direct interpretability. This paper proposes an interpretable summary for quantifying the nature of the relationship between criteria with a standardized hypervolume under the Pareto front (HVUPF) for a flexible number of optimization criteria, and demonstrates how this single number summary can be used to evaluate and compare the efficiency of different search methods as well as tracking the search progress in populating the complete Pareto front. A new HVUPF growth plot is developed for quantifying the performance of a search method on completeness, efficiency, as well as variability associated with the use of random starts, and offers an effective approach for method assessment and comparison. Two new enhancements for the algorithm to populate the Pareto front are described and compared with the HVUPF growth plot. The methodology is illustrated with an optimal screening design example, where new Pareto search methods are proposed to improve computational efficiency, but is broadly applicable to other multiple criteria optimization problems. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soldiers to Citizens: The Link between Military Service and Volunteering

Research shows that military service is linked with political engagement, such as voting. This connection is strongest for minorities. The authors explore the relationship between military service and volunteering. They conclude that military service helps overcome barriers to volunteering by socializing people with civic responsibility norms, by providing social resources and skills that compensate for the lack of personal resources, and by making veterans aware of opportunities to volunteer as well as asking them to do so. Military service is positively related to volunteering among blacks and Hispanics. Married veterans are more likely to volunteer than nonveterans. Veterans who served during wartime are more likely to volunteer than those who served in peacetime.
Companion Shoppers and the Consumer Shopping Experience

Many of the social and recreational aspects of retailing have been studied; however, an understudied area of retailing related to this is the role played by shopping companions who accompany shoppers in the retail environment. This qualitative study investigates the roles assumed by companion shoppers. It was found that companion shoppers act on behalf of both retail customers and the retail firm. The companion performs many duties traditionally performed by the retail salesperson, thus enhancing the customer's retail experience. It is recommended that retail managers incorporate strategies that build relationships with companion shoppers in order to positively affect customer satisfaction. These strategies should include companion promotional programs such as those that encourage customers to bring a friend to stimulate both powerful word-of-mouth endorsements for the retailer as well as expansion of the retailer's customer base.
High performance Nb Josephson devices for petaflops computing

The Hybrid Technology Multi-Threaded (HTMT) approach to petaflops computing includes large numbers of ultra-high performance Nb Rapid Single Flux Quantum (RSFQ) processor and memory chips, making it by far the largest active superconducting electronics project in the United States. In order to achieve petaflops, RSFQ circuits with 10/sup 5/ to 10/sup 6/ junctions per chip will be required to operate at clock speeds of 50 to 100 GHz, far beyond the current state of the art. In this paper, we review the state of the art of Nb circuit fabrication and discuss the requirements for significantly improving circuit density and speed.
Gendered Pathways? Gender, Mediating Factors, and the Gap in Boys’ and Girls’ Substance Use

A gender gap in alcohol and drug use exists but is somewhat smaller than the gender gap in other forms of delinquency. This article extends studies that examine the gender–delinquency relationship to substance use in particular and estimate the extent to which major risk and protective factors mediate the association between gender and alcohol and marijuana use. The authors simultaneously draw on two traditional delinquency theories, social learning and social control, and the feminist pathways perspective regarding victimizations. This gendered pathways approach highlights the extent to which gender influences life experiences and thus the trajectories of girls and boys. In a large sample of 8th to 12th graders, school bonds and victimizations accounted for much of the gender–substance use relationship, especially in the case of casual and binge drinking.
"If only we'd known sooner" developing knowledge of organizational changes earlier in the product development process

Managers of canceled innovation projects may berate themselves retrospectively for not having known about downstream organizational changes earlier in the development process. The assumption that knowledge of changes can and should be captured in the early stages of product development is prevalent in both research and practice. This paper reports on a field study of 13 innovation projects in two Fortune 500 corporations. It details 51 change initiatives that the projects challenge their organizations to undertake. Findings provide insight into the difficulties of capturing knowledge of downstream organizational changes. The paper presents a model in which informational knowledge of what new activities are required to implement a new product must be complemented with interpretive knowledge of how those activities relate to the organization and strategy of the firm.
RESPONSE PROPERTIES OF THE TOAD RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM

Electrophysiologic responses were recorded in vitro from the retina of the toad, Bufo marinus. In the isolated retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-choroid preparation, a decrease in the K + concentration outside the apical membrane evoked a sequence of trans-epithelial (TEP) and membrane potential changes. A hyperpolarization originating at the RPE apical membrane that increased the TEP was followed by a delayed hyperpolarization originating at the basal membrane that decreased the TEP. This response sequence differed from the well-studied bullfrog RPE in exhibiting potentials generated at the basal membrane; it more closely resembleed responses from the reptilian and avian RPE. The toad direct-current electroretinogram recorded from a neural retina-RPE-choroid preparation also differed from other amphibians and was more similar to responses recorded in reptiles, birds, and mammals. In this initial study, the electrophysiologic characteristics of the RPE's Na + /K + pump were examined. Contrary to a previous report, ouabain, a specific inhibitor of the pump, depolarized the apical membrane and decreased the TEP. Ba 2+ was used to block apical K + conductance and unmasked a modulation of the Na + /K + pump by subretinal K + . Decreasing the K + concentration in the presence of Ba 2+ depolarized the apical membrane and decreased the TEP. These responses were blocked by ouabain, indicating that the K + concentration decrease slowed the Na + /K + pump. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 31:2353-2360, 1990 The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) consists of a single layer of cells whose apical membrane faces the neural retina and whose basal membrane faces the choroid. This report describes responses from the toad, Bufo marinus, and establishes the toad retina as a novel amphibian model. Two different RPE response patterns have been evoked by light stimulation of the vertebrate neural retina and recorded in the direct-current electroretinogram (DC-ERG), depending on the species. In fish and amphibians that have been studied previously (carp, eel, frog, and newt), the DC-ERG is relatively simple; after the aand b-waves of the ERG, the c-wave rises to a peak and then slowly decays toward the dark-adapted baseline. 1 ' 2 In reptiles, birds, and mammals, after the peak of the c-wave, there is a trough, the fast-oscillation trough, and then a slow rise to the light peak. 13 " 5 Intracellular RPE recordings in the cat, chick, and gecko show that the fast-oscillation trough and the light peak are generated by potentials that originate primarily at the RPE basal membrane. 3 ' 5 However, the study of basal membrane mechanisms has been