cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low Velocity Impact Analysis of Functionally Graded Circular Plates

Functionally graded materials (FGMs) are advanced composites with mechanical properties that vary continuously through a given dimension. FGMs have generated a great deal of interest in recent years due to their flexibility for use in a wide variety of environments, including those structural applications where extreme thermal and corrosion resistance are required. In this paper, analyses will be performed given an impact event that occurs between a spherical projectile and a functionally graded circular plate with both simply supported and clamped boundary conditions. The circular plates are constructed using zirconia and aluminum as constituents blended through the thickness in various configurations using a power-law distribution. The analyses will assume that the classical rule-of-mixtures (ROM) approach will sufficiently describe the macro-mechanical properties for the graded plates. First, impact response equations developed for composite materials are applied to estimate the impact force and maximum deflection of a functionally graded plate. Next, the elastic wave response of the functionally graded plate is predicted using the classic wave equation applied to the graded plate and the impact event. Finally, finite element simulations are developed to compare the analytical solutions to numerical results from a commercial software program. The degree of correlation between the analytical predictions and the finite element simulations will provide insight into the validity of the ROM assumption and provide a baseline for estimating impact behavior of functionally graded plates.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Long-Distance Interferon Signaling within the Brain Blocks Virus Spread

Serious permanent neurological or psychiatric dysfunction may result from virus infections in the central nervous system (CNS). Olfactory sensory neurons are in direct contact with the external environment, making them susceptible to infection by viruses that can enter the brain via the olfactory nerve. The rarity of full brain viral infections raises the important question of whether unique immune defense mechanisms protect the brain. Here we show that both RNA (vesicular stomatitis virus, VSV) and DNA (cytomegalovirus, CMV) virus inoculation of the nasal mucosa leading to olfactory bulb infection activates long distance signaling that upregulates antiviral interferon (IFN)-stimulated gene (ISG) expression in uninfected remote regions of the brain. This signaling mechanism is dependent on IFN-α/β receptors deep within the brain, leading to the activation of a distant antiviral state that prevents infection of the caudal brain. In normal mice, VSV replication is limited to the olfactory bulb, and these animals typically survive the infection. In contrast, mice lacking the IFN-α/β receptor succumbed to the infection, with VSV spreading throughout the brain. Chemical destruction of the olfactory sensory neurons blocked both virus trafficking into the olfactory bulb and the IFN response in the caudal brain, and virus infections outside the brain did not elicit ISG upregulation, indicating a direct signaling within the brain after intranasal infection. Most signaling within the brain occurs across the 20 nanometer synaptic cleft. The unique long-distance IFN signaling described here occurs across many millimeters within the brain, and is critical for survival and normal brain function.
Consequences of Social Power and Causal Attribution for Compliance as Seen by Powerholder and Target

72 subjects read six scenarios in which a supervisor used different bases of power to successfully influence a worker to alter his method of work. Half the subjects were asked to take the perspective of the supervisor in answering the questions and half that of the worker. Information power was perceived as most effective in inducing private acceptance of change. Information, reward, and referent power were most conducive to mutual evaluation and liking. Coercive and legitimate power were least effective in both respects. Subjects were more likely to attribute compliance to the worker's will if referent, information, or reward power was used, less so if coercion or legitimate power was used. Supervisors, as compared to workers, were particularly likely to assume responsibility for inducing change, feel confident that change would continue, and evaluate the other favorably. Theoretical implications for social power and attributional mediation are discussed.
Optimal Trade-Offs between Social Quality of Life and Life-Cycle Cost in Housing Units

AbstractThe social quality of life (SQOL) for single-family housing residents can be improved by enhancing their thermal comfort, indoor lighting quality, indoor air quality, and locating the housing unit in high-quality and safe neighborhoods. Accomplishing these SQOL improvements often leads to an increase in the life-cycle cost (LCC) of the housing unit. This paper presents a multiobjective optimization model that is capable of generating optimal trade-offs between the two conflicting objectives of maximizing the SQOL for single-family housing residents and minimizing the LCC of single-family housing units. The model is designed to maximize the SQOL for housing residents by improving their thermal comfort, indoor lighting quality, indoor air quality, and neighborhood quality. The model is also designed to minimize the LCC of housing units by minimizing the initial housing unit cost as well as its annual energy, utility, and maintenance costs. The model is developed in three main stages that focus on (1...
Life-Cycle Happiness in a Discounted Utility Model

SUMMARY A discrete time, discounted utility model with a finite horizon is analyzed. Utility is separable and additive in the natural logarithms of the choice variables, consumption and leisure, and an exogenous ‘memory' series. Happiness is defined as the discounted value of the utility over the remaining lifespan. Simulations of the model show how happiness grows as the high consumption years get closer, peaks, then declines in later life as the remaining lifespan shortens, even though year by year utility may continue to rise. Simulations also show how the peak year for happiness depends on the subjective, personal discount rate, the rate of wage growth, the effect of a liquidity constraint, the effect of memories, and other parameters in the model. The model also illustrates those aspects of the life cycle characterized by the ‘slackers’, the ‘mid-life crisis’, and the ‘golden years’. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Ein diskretes, abdiskontiertes Nutzenmodell mit einem endlichen Zeithorizont wird analysiert. Nutzen wird als zerlegbar und additiv in den naturlichen Logarithmen der Wahlvanablen Konsum und Freizeit und in den exogenen Zeitreihen fur ‘Erinnerungen’ angenommen. Gluck ist definiert als abdiskontierter Wert des Nutzens der verbleibenden Lebenszeit. Simulationen zeigen, wie das Gluck bei der Annaherung an die Jahre erhohten Konsums ansteigt, einen Hohepunkt erreicht, um dann in der verbleibenden Lebenszeit wieder abzunehmen, obwohl der Nutzen Jahr fur Jahr weiterhin zunehmen kann. Die Simulationen zeigen auch, wie der Hohepunkt des Glucks vom personlichen Diskontsatz, der Zuwachsrate des Einkommens, Liquiditatsbeschrankungen, Erinnerungen und anderen Parametern abhangt. Das Modell veranschaulicht aber auch jene Aspekte der Lebenszeit, die ublicherweise als ‘Slackers’, ‘Mid-life Crisis' und ‘Goldene Jahre’ bezeichnet werden RESUME Analyse d'un modele d'utilite d'escompte a temps discret et a horizon limite. L'utilite est separable et additive dans les logarithmes naturels des variables de choix, la consomption et les loisirs, et une serie exogene de ‘memoire’. On definit le bonheur comme la valeur d'escompte de l'utilite pendant la duree de la vie qui reste. Des simulations du modele montrent comment le bonheur s'augmente au fur et a mesure que les annee de grande consomption s'approchent, atteint son comble, puis baisse dans la derniere partie de la vie pendant que la duree de la vie qui reste se reduit, quoique, annee par annee, l'utilite puisse continuer a s'augmenter. Les simulations montrent aussi comment l'annee du point culminant de bonheur depend du taux d'escompte subjectif et personnel, du taux d'augmentation de salaire, de l'effet d'une contrainte de liquidite, de l'effet des souvenirs, et d'autres parametres du modele. Le modele illustre aussi les aspects du cycle de vie caracterises par les faineants, la crise de ‘mid-life’ et les annees ‘dorees’.
Production of Furfural from Lignocellulosic Biomass Using Beta Zeolite and Biomass-Derived Solvent

The production of furfural from the C5 monosaccharides xylose, arabinose and ribose, as well as from real biomass (corn fiber), was studied using H-Beta zeolite as catalyst in a monophasic system with the biomass-derived solvent, gamma-valerolactone. Due to the combination of Bronsted and Lewis acid sites on this catalyst (Bronsted:Lewis ratio = 1.66), H-Beta acts as a bifunctional catalyst, being able to isomerize (Lewis acid) and dehydrate (Bronsted acid) monosaccharides. The combination of Lewis and Bronsted acid functionality of H-Beta was shown to be effective for the isomerization of xylose and arabinose, followed by dehydration. While no advantages were found in the conversion of xylose, higher furfural yields were achieved from arabinose, using H-Beta, 73 %, compared to sulfuric acid (44 %) and Mordenite (49 %). The furfural yields from corn fiber for H-Beta, H-Mordenite and sulfuric acid were 62, 44, and 55 %, respectively, showing that H-Beta is particularly effective for conversion of this biomass feedstock composed of 45 wt% hemicellulose, of which 66 % is xylose and 33 % arabinose.
A Frequency and Curvature Based Experimental Method for Locating Damage in Structures

This paper presents a method for locating structural damage using experimental vibration data. The method uses measured frequency response functions to obtain displacement as a function of frequency. The displacement functions are converted to curvature functions, which are further processed to yield a damage index, displayed on a plot of position versus frequency. The method can be applied when there is no a priori knowledge about the undamaged structure, and it is suitable for automation. This paper details the theory of the broadband method, and the results of an experimental demonstration in which a steel beam was damaged with a narrow slot. It is shown that this proposed damage detection method is highly sensitive, and can locate a very small amount of damage. For example, the narrow slot was correctly located when there was only a 0.8 percent reduction in thickness in the beam. Traditionally, damage causes a change in natural frequencies, but at this small level of damage the frequency changes were within experimental error. Other published methods failed to locate the slot until it was significantly deeper.
Photoelectron spectroscopy of carbonyls. Ionization assignments

Abstract Photoelectron spectroscopic data are reported for a variety of mono-, di-, and tricarbonyls. Band identifications based on correlative arguments are given. Those experimental effects found useful in identifying the nature of the various ionization bands are specified.
Adolescents Who Carry Weapons to School: A Review of Cases

Abstract Multiple self-report surveys have collected data about weapons in school. This record review study considers characteristics of 47 adolescents adjudicated for carrying weapons at school and provides a descriptive analysis against a comparison group of 37 juveniles with other offenses. Demographics, weapon type, legal history, prior school suspension, intelligence tests, substance use and mental health information are discussed. The results show that the populations appear more similar than different with high rates of prior criminal offenses, school problems, mental health referrals, low intelligence and problems with alcohol or drugs. No specific factor reliably distinguished weapon carriers from non-weapon carriers.
Interference and Overgeneralization in Second Language Learning: The Acquisition of English Dative Verbs by Native Speakers of French.

This paper examines the role of interference in the acquisition of English dative verbs by native speakers of French. Two case studies involving the acquisition of English in a natural environment are presented as well as the results of two judgment tests in which each of four subjects was asked to judge the grammaticality of sentences containing both correctly and incorrectly used dative verb structures. Analysis suggests that the process of lexical acquisition of verbs in English is similar for both first and second language learners. However, second language learners may produce overgeneralization errors unlike those of first language learners due to incorrect assumptions concerning marked and unmarked forms in English for which there is positive evidence in both the source and target languages. Thus, although interference plays a significant role in the process of lexical acquisition of verbs, this does not rule out the hypothesis that first and second language acquisition are essentially like processes. If a more sophisticated understanding of the process of interference can be gained, it should be possible to predict the characteristic errors a second language learner will make based upon the particulars of the learner's native language.
Infusion of haplo‐identical killer immunoglobulin‐like receptor ligand mismatched NK cells for relapsed myeloma in the setting of autologous stem cell transplantation

Killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR)-ligand mismatched natural killer (NK) cells play a key role in achieving durable remission after haplo-identical transplantation for acute myeloid leukaemia. We investigated the feasibility of transfusing haplo-identical, T-cell depleted, KIR-ligand mismatched NK cells, after conditioning therapy with melphalan and fludarabine, to patients with advanced multiple myeloma (MM) followed by delayed rescue with autologous stem cells. No graft-versus-host disease or failure of autologous stem cells to engraft was observed. There was significant variation in the number of allo-reactive NK cells transfused. However, all NK products containing allo-reactive NK cells killed the NK cell target K562, the MM cell line U266, and recipient MM cells when available. Post NK cell infusion there was a rise in endogenous interleukin-15 accompanied by increasing donor chimaerism. Donor chimaerism was eventually lost, which correlated with the emergence of potent host anti-donor responses indicating that the immunosuppressive properties of the conditioning regimen require further optimization. Further, blocking of inhibitory KIR-ligands with anti-human leucocyte antigen antibody substantially enhanced killing of MM cells thus highlighting the potential for modulating NK/MM cell interaction. Encouragingly, 50% of patients achieved (near) complete remission. These data set the stage for future studies of KIR-ligand mismatched NK cell therapy in the autologous setting.
Dot-ELISA Rapid Test Using Recombinant 56-kDa Protein Antigens for Serodiagnosis of Scrub Typhus

Abstract. We developed a rapid dot–enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (dot-ELISA) using the combination of recombinant 56-kDa protein antigens that exhibited broad reactivity with serum antibodies against the four most prevalent strains (Karp, Kato, Gilliam, and TA763) of Orientia tsutsugamushi. The assay is rapid (30 minutes), and can be done at room temperature, and results can be read by the naked eye. Only a simple shaker is required to wash the membrane. Sera from 338 patients suspected of being ill with scrub typhus from rural hospitals around Thailand were tested using this dot-ELISA. Seventy-five (22.2%) patients were found to be positive. The sensitivity and specificity of dot-ELISA were determined using the indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA) test as the gold standard, with the cutoff titer of immunoglobulin peroxidase conjugate M (IgM)/G (IgG) greater than 1:400/1:400. The dot-ELISA had a sensitivity of 98.5%, a specificity of 96.3%, a positive predictive value of 86.7%, and a negative predictive value of 99.6% for the acute-phase specimens. The results indicate that dot-ELISA rapid test using recombinant 56-kDa protein antigen was comparable with the IFA test and may be very useful for the diagnosis of scrub typhus in rural hospitals, where IFA is not available.
Nonproportional loading limit for structures

The design of most structures involves ensuring integrity for several independent loading conditions. Often, it is rational to design these, exploiting the ductility of the materials to reduce structural costs. Then, ensuring integrity evokes the need for nonmonotonic limit analyses. A groundwork is laid for implementing these analyses. An alternate limit load characterization to that of Greenberg is provided, a mathematical statement of the problem leading to both monotonic (proportional) and nonmonotonic limit loads values is formulated, a direct limit load analysis procedure for analysis within a finite-element framework is described, and limit loads for sets of simple structures are evaluated. A direct limit analysis process is described, and monotonic limit loads are characterized. The process furnishes 'exact' values of limit loads with increasing efficiency as the number of structural elements and force redundancy decreases. Tests show that the accuracy of predicting nonmonotonic limit loads is very sensitive to the number of degrees of freedom in the analysis compared with the total number in the model.
Starvation-Associated Genome Restructuring Can Lead to Reproductive Isolation in Yeast

Knowledge of the mechanisms that lead to reproductive isolation is essential for understanding population structure and speciation. While several models have been advanced to explain post-mating reproductive isolation, experimental data supporting most are indirect. Laboratory investigations of this phenomenon are typically carried out under benign conditions, which result in low rates of genetic change unlikely to initiate reproductive isolation. Previously, we described an experimental system using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae where starvation served as a proxy to any stress that decreases reproduction and/or survivorship. We showed that novel lineages with restructured genomes quickly emerged in starved populations, and that these survivors were more fit than their ancestors when re-starved. Here we show that certain yeast lineages that survive starvation have become reproductively isolated from their ancestor. We further demonstrate that reproductive isolation arises from genomic rearrangements, whose frequency in starving yeast is several orders of magnitude greater than an unstarved control. By contrast, the frequency of point mutations is less than 2-fold greater. In a particular case, we observe that a starved lineage becomes reproductively isolated as a direct result of the stress-related accumulation of a single chromosome. We recapitulate this result by demonstrating that introducing an extra copy of one or several chromosomes into naive, i.e. unstarved, yeast significantly diminishes their fertility. This type of reproductive barrier, whether arising spontaneously or via genetic manipulation, can be removed by making a lineage euploid for the altered chromosomes. Our model provides direct genetic evidence that reproductive isolation can arise frequently in stressed populations via genome restructuring without the precondition of geographic isolation.
Lateral Hypothalamus: Learning of Food-Seeking Response Motivated by Electrical Stimulation

Stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus, which induces eating, resembles hunger in that it motivates rats to learn, for food reward, a response of pressing a bar. The response is discriminatively confined to only a bar that delivers food on either a 100-percent or a partial schedule of reinforceinent. This discriminative responding can be transferred to hunger that is normally induced by deprivation of food.
Subsequent breast carcinoma risk after biopsy with atypia in a breast papilloma

BACKGROUND Risk of breast cancer after biopsy demonstrating a papilloma has long been variously interpreted on the basis of histologic pattern of multiplicity of papillomas. METHODS A nested case control study was performed on women with surgical breast biopsies evidencing papillomas; cases who subsequently developed invasive carcinoma were compared with controls who did not. Presence of atypical hyperplasia (AH) within the papilloma as well as areas of AH in the surrounding parenchyma were evaluated in both cases and controls. The entire cohort (not tested) was separately evaluated for all variables except for atypia within papillomas. RESULTS The relative risk of invasive carcinoma for women with papillomas containing AH was >4× that of papillomas without AH within or surrounding the papilloma. This risk may be greater with added atypical hyperplasia outside the papilloma and most strikingly, most of the subsequent invasive carcinomas developed in the same breast and probably near the site of the original papilloma. However, ordinary patterns of epithelial hyperplasia lacking specific features of AH within the papilloma do not add to the risk of subsequent carcinoma development over papillomas without hyperplasia. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that women having papillomas with AH have a similar or greater cancer risk than others with specifically defined patterns of atypical hyperplasia within the breast parenchyma (4–5× relative risk). Most importantly, this risk is largely local, in the region of the original papilloma. Cancer 1996;78:258-66.
Cloning of a novel glutamate receptor subunit, GluR5 : expression in the nervous system during development

We have isolated cDNAs encoding a glutamate receptor subunit, designated GluR5, displaying 40%-41% amino acid identity with the kainate/AMPA receptor subunits GluR1, GluR2, GluR3, and GluR4. This level of sequence similarity is significantly below the approximately 70% intersubunit identity characteristic of kainate/AMPA receptors. The GluR5 protein forms homomeric ion channels in Xenopus oocytes that are weakly responsive to L-glutamate. The GluR5 gene is expressed in subsets of neurons throughout the developing and adult central and peripheral nervous systems. During embryogenesis, GluR5 transcripts are detected in areas of neuronal differentiation and synapse formation.
Convexity violations for noninteger parameters in certain lattice models

The convexity of the free energy is studied for several lattice models in situations in which a parameter which is normally a positive integer takes on noninteger real values. Examples include the numbern of components in then-vector model, the number of states in the Potts model, and the dimensionality of the lattice. In a typical case there is a critical value of the parameter such that convexity is preserved when the parameter exceeds the critical value, but can be violated for appropriate Hamiltonians whenever the parameter is less than the critical value, but not a positive integer. In several cases the critical value of the parameter increases with the size of the system, thus raising questions about the significance of a continuous variation of the parameter in the thermodynamic limit.
SMS spam: A holistic view

Spam has been infesting our emails and Web experience for decades; distributing phishing scams, adult/dating scams, rogue security software, ransomware, money laundering and banking scams… the list goes on. Fortunately, in the last few years, user awareness has increased and email spam filters have become more effective, catching over 99% of spam. The downside is that spammers are constantly changing their techniques as well as looking for new target platforms and means of delivery, and as the world is going mobile so too are the spammers. Indeed, mobile messaging spam has become a real problem and is steadily increasing year-over-year. We have been analyzing SMS spam data from a large US carrier for over six months, and we have observed all these threats, and more, indiscriminately targeting large numbers of subscribers. In this paper, we touch on such questions as what is driving SMS spam, how do the spammers operate, what are their activity patterns and how have they evolved over time. We also discuss what types of challenges SMS spam has created in terms of filtering, as well as security.
An example for an optimally sensitive system

A general first-order example for an optimally sensitive system is considered. It exhibits two interesting properties: the optimal control is a constant, and it has an explicit solution.
Poetic metaphor and mathematical demonstration: A shallow analogy

The Viewpoint column offers mathematicians the opportunity to write about any issue of interest to the international mathematical community. Disagreement and controversy are welcome. The views and opinions expressed here, however, are exclusively those of the author, and neither the publisher nor the editor-in-chief endorses or accepts responsibility for them. Viewpoint should be submitted to the editor-in-chief Chandler Davis.
Micro-interferometric optical phase tomography for refractive index profiling of optical fibers

A new technique, micro-interferometric optical phase tomography, has been developed for measuring small, asymmetric refractive index differences in the profiles of optical fibers. The technique combines interferometry with computed tomography to conduct accurate profiling. The theory governing the technique is discussed and results presented for several types of optical fibers.
Asthma and mast cell activation

Many agents are capable of mast cell activation (MCA). In the lung, exposure to allergens induces IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation. By this process, chemical mediators are released and attract inflammatory cells that infiltrate the airway wall. This immune response is a potent stimulus for the pathologic changes seen in asthma (e.g., bronchospasm, mucosal edema, airway hyperreactivity, and mucus secretion). One neglected component of the asthmatic response is vascular permeability--the hallmark of mast cell degranulation. Like muscle contraction, vascular permeability occurs rapidly in response to an antigen challenge and is prevented by classic antiasthmatic therapy. Studies with antidromic nerve stimulation have indicated a relationship between MCA and the histamine-induced release of the sensory neuropeptide substance P, which causes vasodilation. Mediators released during the immediate hypersensitivity reaction may attract neutrophils and other chemotactic factors involved in the late allergic response, which includes a recrudescence of MCA caused by the release of histamine-releasing factors. Understanding these pathophysiologic events in asthma will be useful in formulating therapy.
Recapturing the way history felt: Evaluating the invariance of the factor structure of emotion over two historical epochs

Abstract A two-factor structure of emotion – consisting of Positive Affect (PA) and Negative Affect (NA) – is the most widely accepted model of emotion to date. The present study sought to assess whether this two-factor structure of emotion has remained invariant over historical time by evaluating the emotional content of war letters from the 1600s and 1800s. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to test this prediction. Results provide evidence that a two-factor structure of emotion (PA and NA) has remained invariant over time, suggesting that emotional structure may have been a relatively stable construct throughout history.
Bound Impurity Orbitals and Giant Impurity Diamagnetism in Metals

The bound electron states associated with higher-valence impurities in alkali-metal solvents are calculated by using Hartree-Fock-Slater methods and a dielectric approximation to the electron-gas response. The core diamagnetism and the conduction-electron magnetism together provide a quantitative account of the observed giant diamagnetism.
The yeast histone chaperone hif1p functions with RNA in nucleosome assembly.

Background Hif1p is an H3/H4-specific histone chaperone that associates with the nuclear form of the Hat1p/Hat2p complex (NuB4 complex) in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. While not capable of depositing histones onto DNA on its own, Hif1p can act in conjunction with a yeast cytosolic extract to assemble nucleosomes onto a relaxed circular plasmid. Results To identify the factor(s) that function with Hif1p to carry out chromatin assembly, multiple steps of column chromatography were carried out to fractionate the yeast cytosolic extract. Analysis of partially purified fractions indicated that Hif1p-dependent chromatin assembly activity resided in RNA rather than protein. Fractionation of isolated RNA indicated that the chromatin assembly activity did not simply purify with bulk RNA. In addition, the RNA-mediated chromatin assembly activity was blocked by mutations in the human homolog of Hif1p, sNASP, that prevent the association of this histone chaperone with histone H3 and H4 without altering its electrostatic properties. Conclusions These results suggest that specific RNA species may function in concert with histone chaperones to assemble chromatin.
REDISCOVERING PARCHMENT: THE NATURE OF THE BEAST

Summary For most of the Christian era parchment was the plastic sheet material, in use for many things besides textblocks. Since the late Middle Ages, however, the skills and understanding necessary for handling parchment have been effectively lost. As a result, parchment has been treated like paper, even though it is a completely different material; this has caused enormous damage. In this article the essential points of parchment manufacture, hygroscopic response, and correct storage environment are discussed. The photographs illustrate some of the characteristic features and damage found in parchment, revealing facts about the animal whose skin it was, about its manufacture and subsequent treatment in scriptoria, and about its response to stresses caused by the environment, by use, by repair, and by measures intended to protect or display parchment.
Secure Electronic Health Record Exchange: Achieving the Meaningful Use Objectives

This research addresses the urgent need to create a comprehensive guide for healthcare providers to follow to exchange electronic health records securely and meet the associated the Department of Health and Human Services' Meaningful Use objectives. Healthcare providers have numerous legal, financial, and ethical motivations to exchange patient data securely. Unfortunately, healthcare providers are provided with minimal guidance for actually achieving this goal. To this effect the proposed research lays out a comprehensive and homogeneous approach for implementing secure electronic health record transmission. Additionally, we present a standard process of testing and validating a healthcare organization's security and privacy practices. To solidify the effectiveness of our proposed research, the implementation plan and testing tools have been evaluated in a real-world HIMSS Stage 6 healthcare organization.
Complications of Clean Intermittent Catheterization in Young Females With Myelomeningocele: 10 to 19 Years of Followup

Purpose: We evaluated the rate of complications associated with catheterization and the risk of urethral lesions in girls with myelomeningocele treated with clean intermittent catheterization for a minimum of 10 years.Materials and Methods: We examined the medical records of 31 females with myelomeningocele followed from the start of clean intermittent catheterization until age 11 to 20 years. Catheterization had been performed for a median of 15 years (range 10 to 19). Altogether, catheterization was used for a total of 459 patient-years. Noncoated polyvinyl chloride catheters were used in all cases. Anticholinergic treatment was given during 176 of the patient-years.Results: Complications of catheterization were recorded in 13 patients on 20 occasions. Macroscopic hematuria was seen in 4 individuals. In 2 patients the hematuria was caused by urethral polyps that were cured by resection. Difficulties with catheterization occurred in 12 patients. The problems were solved by temporary use of lubrication or...
Tracing surface features to great depths: A Powerful means for exploring the deep crust

Abstract Seismic reflection profiling of the continental basement provides a means for tracing known features from the surface to great depths, and hence for exploring and identifying deep and inaccessible subsurface geology. Some examples based on COCORP data illustrate the power and potential of this method which has not commonly been applied on a crustal scale.
Extracellular Products Associated with Virulent and Avirulent Strains of Edwardsiella ictaluri from Channel Catfish

Abstract Little is known about the pathogenic mechanisms possessed by Edwardsiella ictaluri, the etiological agent of enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC). Extracellular products probably play a major role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Comparative studies were done to assess the extracellular products present in virulent and in avirulent (attenuated) strains of E. ictaluri. Virulence factors studied were capsule production, detection of surface proteins, and hemolytic and chondroitinase activities. Electron microscopy showed a fibrilar network connecting virulent cells. Virulent isolates had greater amounts of capsular material and surface proteins, and they demonstrated a greater ability to degrade chondroitin than avirulent forms. There was no clear correlation between hemolytic activity and virulence.
Structure and immunological properties of polyacrolein formed by means of ionizing radiation and base catalysis

The kinetics of the formation of polyacrolein microspheres by ionizing radiation (polymer I) were investigated. Their structure and reactivity were compared with polyacrolein microspheres prepared by base catalysis (polymer II). The study of Fourier infrared (IR) spectra of polymers I and II showed structural differences. The reaction of polyacrolein spheres with m-aminophenol indicated the presence of conjugated groups. The reaction of antibodies with polyacrolein spheres was investigated as a function of pH and the number of reactive aldehyde groups was determined by nitrogen analysis of polyacrolein-hydroxylamine adducts. Intensely fluorescent polyacrolein microspheres obtained by Co-γ-irradiation in sizes of 100 A–4 μm have already found applications as immunoreagents for cell labeling and separation.
Orthotopic liver transplantation in patients with biliary atresia and situs inversus

Situs inversus (SI) and the polysplenia syndrome (PS) occur relatively frequently in patients with biliary atresia, the largest subgroup of pediatric liver transplantation patients. We present two cases of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in pediatric patients with SI. One had SI totalis, where a normal liver was placed in the left upper quadrant (LUQ) with the right lobe overlying the vertebral column. The second had PS and isolated SI of the liver, and a living-related left-lateral-segment graft was placed in the LUQ. Although multiple, often unpredictable vascular and intestinal anomalies occur frequently in association with SI, particularly in the setting of the PS, these cases, as well as several others recently reported, reveal that these anomalies can be managed successfully by a variety of technical modifications of the standard OLT technique. Likewise, concerns about the placement of a situs solitus liver in the midline or LUQ position of a SI abdomen have proved to be unfounded.
Contact Hypersensitivity and Langerhans Cells

Allergens or antigens when introduced on or in the skin may become localized at the surface of and in Langerhans cells (LCs). Langerhans cells are a strategically situated cell population able to migrate into lymphatics and lymph nodes. During the course of contact allergic reactions, they are apposed to lymphocytes; some LCs are injured by interaction with lymphocytes and by antigen-antibody complexes plus complement. It is not yet clear to what extent these LCs may then release the substances they contain, such as enzymes from lysosomes, and cause further inflammatory changes. In contact dermatitis they appear to play the role of antigen presenters, and may also be target cells and inflammation-producing cells. Since in contact allergy the major antigen presentation occurs via skin, it is likely that the presence of functional LCs with intact Ia antigens is of paramount importance for induction and elicitation of this immune response.
A ribose binding protein of Salmonella typhimurium.

Abstract The ribose binding protein of Salmonella typhimurium is a monomer of molecular weight 29,000, which is highly specific for ribose. The dissociation constant for ribose is 3.3 × 10 −7 M and the range in which the bacteria respond to ribose is consistent with such a binding constant. Furthermore, the specificity for the chemotactic response is similar to the specificity of the pure protein. The protein does not cross-react immunologically with other binding proteins and binds only one molecule of ribose.
High-dose oral dicloxacillin treatment of acute staphylococcal osteomyelitis in children

dyskinetic syndrome in glutaric aciduria, Neuro Pediatr 8:397, 1977. 6. Christensen E, and Brandt NJ: Studies on glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase in leucocytes, fibroblasts and amniotic fluid ceils. The normal enzyme and the mutant form in patients with glutaric aciduria, Clin Chim Acta 88:267, 1978. 7, Goodman SI, Norenberg MD, Shikes RH, Breslich D J, and Moe PG: Gtutaric aciduria: Biochemical and morphologic considerations, J PEDIArR 90:746, 1977. 8. Brandt N J, Rasmussen K, Brandt S, Kr S, and Schcnheyder F: o-Glyceric acidemia and non-ketotic hyperglycinaemia, Acta Paediatr Scand 65:17, 1976. 9. Thompson JA, and Markey SP: Quantitative metabolic profiling of organic acids by gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry: Comparison of isolation methods, Anal Chim 47:1313, 1975. 10. Besrat A, Polan CE, and Herderson LM: Mammalian metabolism of glutaric acid, J Biol Chem 244:1461, 1969. 11. Stokke O, Goodman SI, and Moe PG: Inhibition of brain glutamate decarboxylase by glutarate, glutaconate, and beta-hydroxyglutarate: Explanation of the symptoms in glutaric aciduria? Clin Chim Acta 66:411, 1976. 12. Robert E: Disinhibition as an organizing principle in the nervous sytem-the role of the GABA system. Application to neurologic and psychiatric disorders, in Robert E, Chaze TN, and Tower DB editors: GABA in nervous system function, New York 1976, Raven Press.
Access to the Information Age: Fundamental Decisions in Telecommunications Policy

As federal and state budget sheets show more red than black ink, the private sector is delivering more social services and even protecting rights. The experience of disability rights leaders during the past five years shows that the private sector will accept such obligations as long as the burden is evenly distributed throughout an industry. They will balk if it is not. The task of ensuring access and fairness for people with disabilities in an industry where equal allocation of social responsibility is difficult is illustrated by the continuing effort of disability rights leaders for accessibility to Information Age telecommunications products and services. The effort also highlights a recurring theme in public policy: Does equity mean that all Americans pay a little more so that those with disabilities gain full access, or does it mean that overall rates are kept low while those with special needs use adaptive devices? Each point of view was illustrated in the telecommunications policy debate of the 102nd Congress-and likely will shape that of the 103rd Congress as well.
Implant abutment screw rotations and preloads for four different screw materials and surfaces.

Abstract Statement of problem. Chronic implant screw loosening remains a problem in restorative practices. Some implant manufacturers have introduced abutment screws with treated surfaces in an effort to increase preload and reduce potential loosening. Purpose. This study evaluated the materials and surfaces of 4 commercially available abutment screws on preload generation. Material and methods. Twenty of each of the following abutment screws—Gold-Tite (Gt), TorqTite (Tt), gold alloy (Ga), and titanium alloy (Ta)—were divided into 2 groups. Measurements were recorded for each abutment screw on a mounted 3.75 × 18 mm external hex implant with a titanium abutment. Rotational angle measurements were conducted on the 4 abutment screws at 20 and 32 Ncm. Removal torque values were recorded and used to indirectly generate preload values. Random implant block specimens were sectioned and qualitatively evaluated with an SEM. Results. At 20 and 32 Ncm, the largest rotational angles were recorded for the Tt groups: 21.2 ± 3.1 degrees and 38.1 ± 8.7 degrees, respectively. The greatest preload values at 20 and 32 Ncm were calculated for the Gt groups: 596.8 ± 101.2 N and 1015.3 ± 191.2 N, respectively. SEM analysis of the 4 implant block specimens revealed mating thread contacts located in the middle portion of the superior surface of the abutment screw thread. The greatest number of mating thread contacts were seen in the Gt implant block specimen (14 of 20 possible thread contacts). Conclusion. The Gt and Tt abutment screws with enhanced surfaces that help reduce the coefficient of friction produced greater rotational angles and preload values than the conventional gold alloy and titanium alloy screws. (J Prosthet Dent 2001;86:24-32.)
6‐[18F]fluoro‐L‐DOPA‐PETstudies show partial reversibility of long‐term effects of chronic amphetamine in monkeys

The acute and long-term effects of chronic amphetamine administration on the striatal dopamine system in monkeys were assessed with 6-[18F]fluoro-L-DOPA (FDOPA) and positron emission tomography (PET). Vervet monkeys (Cerecopithecus aethiops) were administered amphetamine doses, i.m., that increased from 4 mg/kg/d to 18 mg/kg/d over a 10 day period. Post-amphetamine FDOPA-PET scans at 1-2, 3-4, and 6 week time points in individual subjects showed persistent decrements in dopamine synthesis capacity as reflected by FDOPA influx rate constant (Ki) values being approximately 30% that of pre-drug assessment. In other animals that were administered the same drug regimen, biochemical analysis of striatal regions at 1-2 weeks post-drug indicated that dopamine concentrations were decreased by approximately 95% throughout caudate and putamen regions, while the homovanillic acid/dopamine level ratio was increased 3-10-fold. Post-drug FDOPA-PET Ki values remained consistently low up to 6 weeks; however, at the 5-6 month time point, relative increases in FDOPA-Ki values (approximately 53% of pre-drug values) were observed for all subjects, indicative of partial recovery of striatal dopamine synthesis capacity. These results demonstrate that FDOPA-PET can reveal temporal activity changes within the striatal dopamine system of individual subjects. The apparent, partial reversibility of amphetamine's neurotoxic effects suggests a plasticity of dopaminergic function that may include regeneration of dopaminergic terminals and compensatory increases in residual dopamine synthesis rates. The persistence of the partial decrement in dopamine synthesis capacity, however, may indicate a long term component of amphetamine's toxic effects.
SOA Industry Summit

Jeff Barr is focused on furthering awareness among software developers of the opportunity to innovate and build businesses using Amazon Web Services. Launched in July 2002, Amazon Web Services exposes Amazon.com technology and product data that enables developers to build innovative and entrepreneurial applications on their own. Barr meets regularly with developers in the U.S. and internationally to introduce Amazon Web Services and to help them build businesses and applications with the program?s services. He joined Amazon in August 2002 as a Senior Software Developer on the Associates team.
Investigations of multiphoton selective dissociation of (CH3)2O in the field of a pulsed CO2 laser

Experimental investigations of multiphoton selective dissociation of (CH3)2O induced by a pulsed CO2 laser have been conducted. Separation of H, C, and O isotopes was performed in enriched mixtures and in samples with the natural abundance. The following coefficients of selectivity have been obtained:KD/KH=4.0,K13/K12=1.7, andK18/K16≧1.6. We studied the dependences of the selectivity coefficient on ether pressure, on the laser energy and frequency as well as the influence of secondary chemical reactions on the dissociation selectivity. Estimations made by using the RRKM theory have indicated that ether molecules that decompose have an average excitation energy above the dissociation threshold of ∼1.5 kcal/mole.
Media compatible stainless steel capacitive pressure sensors

Abstract Self-packaged stainless steel (SS) capacitive pressure sensors are developed and studied for their harsh environment performance, i.e., measurements of high-pressures and in corrosive media. The transducer elements of the sensors are fabricated from SS and tungsten carbide (WC) commercial off-the-shelf parts with conventional- and micromachining techniques. A SS vacuum coupling radiation (VCR) tube fitting provides the housing to realize a self-packaged pressure sensor. Capacitive transduction is used to simplify the implementation. High-pressure capability up to 1500 psi and corrosive-media capability in 45% (wt./wt.) potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution, 25% (wt./wt.) tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) solution and 10% (wt./wt.) sodium chloride (NaCl) solution has been demonstrated. Long-term media compatibility is demonstrated by soaking the pressure sensors in NaCl solutions for over 1 month while subjecting them to repeated pressure cycles of up to 1000 psi daily. Long-term reliability to at least 1 million pressure cycles (by ramping the pressure up to 700 psi and then down to 0 psi) is also demonstrated. Finally, elevated temperature capability of the sensor up to temperatures of 320 °C has been explored.
Differential resistance peaks of Schottky barrier diodes

Abstract The conditions for which the differential resistance of metal-semiconductor Schottky barrier rectifiers peaks in the forward direction are analyzed. The occurrence of sharp peaks ( p -type GaAs, n - and p -type Ge and Si) arising from a discontinuity in the second order derivative at voltages corresponding to the semiconductor Fermi energy or flat maxima at lower voltages ( n -type GaAs) is predicted. In the latter case there will also be a small discontinuity in the second derivative of the current at the Fermi level. Finally the previously derived nonparabolic forbidden gap band structure for GaAs is verified by comparing theory with experiment at low bias levels.