cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predicting Human Behavior During Fires

Evacuation models, including engineering hand calculations and computational tools, are used to calculate the time it takes to evacuate a building, which can then be used in an engineering safety analysis. However, there is a lack of available data and theory on occupant behavior for use by evacuation models to estimate evacuation time results and their uncertainty. In lieu of data and theory, evacuation models (and users) make assumptions and simplifications about occupant behavior, which can inappropriately characterize the time it actually takes to evacuate a building. The purpose of this paper is to reevaluate current egress modeling techniques and advocate for the inclusion of a robust, comprehensive, and validated conceptual model of occupant behavior during building fires. This paper begins by describing the current state of evacuation modeling of human behavior in fires and identifying gaps in current behavioral prediction techniques. The second part of the paper outlines a model of occupant decision-making during emergencies, referred to as the protective action decision model (PADM); a theory that can serve as the basis for the development of a conceptual model of occupant decision-making and behavior during the pre-evacuation period of building fires. The PADM provides a framework that describes the decision-making steps that influence protective actions taken in response to natural and technological disasters—including perceiving information, paying attention to the information, comprehending the information, establishing the nature of the threat, personalizing the risk, searching for potential protective actions and choosing one of these, and then performing that action. The paper ends with a discussion of how to adapt and expand the PADM in order to develop a predictive conceptual model of the pre-evacuation period for use by computer evacuation models.
Rising from the ashes: The deskilling debate and tobacco manufacturing

Abstract This study examines the relationship between technological change and requisite skill levels for workers. Following a discussion of skilling and deskilling theories, plus the contribution made by those advocating job dimensions analysis, it uses a case study of technological innovation in tobacco process manufacturing to examine the extent to which skill levels and work organization change. The results suggest that skill levels are determined by an interplay of production functions, managerial intent, broader organizational imperatives, and established shop floor sub-cultures. The study concludes that further specification of such variables plus more definitive conceptualizations of skill dimensions are necessary before further generalizations are attempted.
The effect of Si/Al ratio and moisture on an organic/inorganic hybrid material: Thioindigo/montmorillonite

Abstract Colored Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Materials (OIHM) with reversible properties were prepared by a solid-state reaction between several montmorillonites (MMT) with different Si/Al ratio (Bentolite L®, Texas, Wyoming and Kunipia deposits) and a neutral organic dye (thioindigo) at 413 K for nine hours. Spectroscopic and thermogravimetric analysis of the above mentioned interactions were evaluated. Results obtained by these techniques revealed an influence of Si/Al ratio in dehydrated MMT, where the intramolecular charge-transfer (IMCT) in thioindigo progressively red-shifted and increased in intensity in the following order: BentoT (Si/Al = 8.2) > TexasT (Si/Al = 7) > WyomingT (Si/Al = 5.6) > KunipiaT (Si/Al = 4.8). Moreover, a disturbance of thioindigo C=O at 1654 cm−1 to lower frequencies occurred due to C=O---Lewis acid sites (LAS) and Bronsted (B) interaction in MMT with high Si/Al ratio. In the presence of water, a smaller C=O shift due to C=O---(H2O)LAS or B interaction was identified. In addition, displacement of the basal spacing (001) in all MMT confirmed the effect of water on the reversible color changes displayed by UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The existence of different binding strengths in OIHM was also evaluated by TGA and UV–Vis spectroscopy of their ethanol Soxhlet extractions.
GENERALIZED TONIC-CLONIC SEIZURES AFTER ACUTE OXCARBAZEPINE WITHDRAWAL

Withdrawal of antiepileptic drugs (AED) is routinely performed during long-term video-EEG monitoring to precipitate seizures. Some AEDs may need to be withdrawn more cautiously. It has been established that carbamazepine (CBZ) withdrawal in the epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) is associated with more severe generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) than withdrawal of other classic AEDs.1,2 We studied the propensity of the CBZ analog oxcarbazepine (OXC) to precipitate withdrawal GTCS. ### Methods. We identified all patients with definite epilepsy admitted to our EMU on OXC or phenytoin (PHT) monotherapy, over a period of 6 years. The choice of PHT as control group was based on studies suggesting that the increase in seizures following its withdrawal is related to loss of efficacy rather than a rebound phenomenon.1,3 For most of the patients on OXC (31/40 or 77.5%), medication taper was performed over 24 hours by reducing the dose in half on admission day then stopping it the next day. The remaining OXC patients and all patients on PHT had their AED stopped on admission day. For each patient, we recorded the preadmission GTCS frequency as well as the total and daily number of GTCS recorded in the EMU. We calculated the EMU GTCS frequency by dividing the number of GTCS in the EMU by the number of EMU days, then multiplying by 30. We compared EMU GTCS …
Nonexponential decay of room-temperature phosphorescence: evidence for several slowly interconverting or static protein conformers

The phosphorescence decays of horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase (LADH) Trp314, E. coli alkaline phosphatase (AP) Trp109, and B. stearothermophilus phosphofructokinase (PFK) Trp179 are decidedly nonexponential at room temperature. When the data is analyzed using the maximum entropy method (MEM) the AP phosphorescence decay is dominated by a single gaussian distribution while for LADH and PFK the data reveals at least two amplitude packets. The MEM lifetime-normalized widths for these proteins are significantly larger than obtained for the model monoexponential chromophore terbium suggesting that the complex kinetics is intrinsic to the protein. Since the phosphorescence lifetime of a tryptophan residue is related to its microviscosity, the nonexponential decay behavior may imply that the phosphorescing tryptophan residue in each of these samples is best described as existing in at least two states of different local rigidity which interconvert more slowly than the time scale of the phosphorescence decay (0.1 to 1.0 sec). The existence of multiple, long-lived, conformers is further supported by the observation that the phosphorescence lifetime in the LADH sample is excitation wavelength dependent.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Efficacy of aprotinin with various anticoagulant agents in cardiopulmonary bypass

Background. Aprotinin has recently been approved for clinical use in cardiopulmonary bypass. Although unfractionated heparin has been the only anticoagulant widely used for cardiopulmonary bypass, disadvantages involving heparin have led to ongoing investigations of alternative anticoagulant agents. Methods. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of aprotinin in combination with other anticoagulant agents, specifically low molecular weight heparin and recombinant hirudin, using a dog model of cardiopulmonary bypass. Results. The blood conservation resulting from the use of aprotinin was observed only with unfractionated heparin. Efficacy of anticoagulation as measured by protein deposits in the bypass circuit filter revealed an unexpected reduction in the quantity of deposits when aprotinin was used in combination with low molecular weight heparin. Conclusions. As alternative anticoagulant agents are sought, the potential benefits of aprotinin in the reduction of operative blood loss must be evaluated independently for each anticoagulant agent.
Selective Reduction in Intramuscular Nerve Supporting Cells in Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis

Nerve supporting cells were examined immunohistochemically for the expression of S-100 protein and D7 antigen (markers of peripheral Schwann cells) and GFAP (a marker of central-type nerve supporting cells) in pyloric tissue from 18 patients with infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) and 10 age-matched controls. In both the IHPS and control groups there was strong staining of the myenteric plexus by all three antibodies. Within the normal pyloric muscle, there was strong staining of nerve fibers by S-100 and D7, but fibers positive for GFAP were considerably less frequent. In the IHPS cases, S-100, D7, and GFAP immunoreactive fibers were either absent or markedly reduced within the hypertrophied circular and longitudinal muscles. Because supporting nerve cells are essential in the maintenance of basic physiological functions of neurons, their absence within the hypertrophied pyloric muscle may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of IHPS.
Fully Bayesian simultaneous localization and spatial prediction using Gaussian Markov random fields (GMRFs)

This paper investigates a fully Bayesian way to solve the simultaneous localization and spatial prediction (SLAP) problem using a Gaussian Markov random field (GMRF) model. The objective is to simultaneously localize robotic sensors and predict a spatial field of interest using sequentially obtained noisy observations collected by robotic sensors. The set of observations consists of the observed uncertain poses of robotic sensing vehicles and noisy measurements of a spatial field. To be flexible, the spatial field of interest is modeled by a GMRF with uncertain hyperparameters. We derive an approximate Bayesian solution to the problem of computing the predictive inferences of the GMRF and the localization, taking into account observations, uncertain hyperparameters, measurement noise, kinematics of robotic sensors, and uncertain localization. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is illustrated by simulation results.
Toward Locating the Brightest Microlensing Events on the Sky

It is estimated that a star brighter than visual magnitude 17 is undergoing a detectable gravitational microlensing event, somewhere on the sky, at any given time. It is assumed that both lenses and sources are normal stars drawn from a standard Bahcall-Soneira model of our Galaxy. Furthermore, over the timescale of 1 yr, a star of 15th magnitude or brighter should undergo a detectable gravitational lens amplification. Detecting and studying the microlensing event rate among the brightest 108 stars could yield a better understanding of Galactic stellar and dark matter distributions. Diligent tracking of bright microlensing events with even small telescopes might detect planets orbiting these stellar lenses.
Sulfur chemistry in smelter and power plant plumes in the western U.S.

Abstract This paper summarizes the results from studies of SO 2 (g) to particle conversion in the plume of a copper smelter and two coal fired power plants located in the Great Basin desert region and an oil fired power plant located on the California coast. Daytime formation of H 2 SO 4 from SO 2 (g) is dominated by a reaction which is first order in SO 2 (g) and is temperature dependent, the rate of reaction increasing with increasing temperature. Neutralization of the H 2 SO 4 is limited only by the rate of introduction of basic material from ambient air. NH 3 is not the principal base present except on the California coast. Metal oxides and carbonates (e.g., CaCO 3 ) are the predominant bases present in the inland desert areas. Two different classes of aerosol S(IV) compounds are formed from the interaction of SO 2 (g) with participate matter, organic S(IV) species which can hydrolyze to give sulfite and inorganic S(IV) complexes. The inorganic species predominate in smelter plumes while formation of both the inorganic and the organic S(IV) compounds occurs in plumes from combustion of fossil fuels. Formation of the inorganic S(IV) complex is equilibrium controlled and is favored by high SO 2 (g) and soluble aerosol Fe and Cu concentrations and by low aerosol acidity. Formation of the organic S(IV) compound follows first order in SO 2 (g) reaction kinetics with the rate being inversely proportional to absolute humidity. The relative amounts of sulfate and the two classes of S(IV) compounds are dependent on the ambient temperature and humidity. Formation of the organic S(IV) compound predominates under cold dry conditions while formation of sulfate predominates when the air mass is warm and moist.
Spermatogenesis in some neotropical species of Myotis.

Reproductive data are presented on Myotis nigricans from the Panama Canal Zone and Mexico, Myotis albescens from the Canal Zone and Peru, and Myotis simus from Peru. Spermatogenic activity in Myotis nigricans occurs continually from December through August in the Panama Canal Zone. From September through November most males are in a resting stage with regard to spermatogenesis, and copulation was not observed during this period. Females undergo a similar cycle, resulting in few young reaching foraging age during the dry season (January to March). Males reach sexual maturity at an age of 3½ to 4 months. Photoperiod is suggested as a possible environmental cue for the cycle. Data from Myotis albescens and Myotis simus suggest a reproductive pattern more similar to temperate zone species.
The isolated non-circular ringlets of Saturn

It is shown that the combined effect of electrodynamic and gravitational forces can account for a number of features observed by Voyagers 1 and 2 in the isolated fine dust rings of Saturn. These include the appearance and disappearance of the braids in the F-ring, the eccentricities of the F-ring and the ringlets within the Encke and Cassini divisions and a gap in the C-ring, and the kinks in the eccentric Encke ring. They may also account for the very existence of these rings.
LiDAR based biomass and crop nitrogen estimates for rapid, non-destructive assessment of wheat nitrogen status

Abstract Optical remote sensing of crop nitrogen (N) status is developing into a powerful diagnostic tool that can improve N management decisions. Crop N status is a function of dry mass per unit area (W in t ha−1) and N concentration (%Na), which can be used to calculate N nutrition index (NNI), where NNI is %Na/%Nc (%Na is actual N concentration and %Nc is the minimum N concentration required for maximum growth). Using optical remote sensing to estimate crop N status is particularly important during the critical early crop developmental stages when reliable data could still guide effective in-season N fertilizer management decisions (e.g., by adding topdressed fertilizer). However, because the spectral signal measured by traditional optical remote sensing devices during early crop development is often dominated by soil spectral reflectance, early season estimates of W and %Na are prone to large errors. Terrestrial LiDAR (light detection and ranging) scanning (TLS) may alleviate errors as fine scale TLS point data can be used to directly quantify physical W proxies (e.g., crop height or volume) and derive %Na from green (532 nm) TLS point return intensity. We evaluated the potential of TLS to assess W, %Na and NNI of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Green TLS measurements were obtained for two seasons during tillering and jointing. Strong (r2 > = 0.72, RMSE ≤ 0.68 t ha−1) relationships occurred between observed W and TLS-derived vegetation volume across all growth stages and seasons. A wider range of relationships existed between %Na and green laser return intensity (r2 = 0.10–0.75, RMSE = 0.31–0.63%). When fused to calculate a TLS based NNI, a moderately strong relationship occurred (r2 = 0.45–0.54, RMSE = 0.11 NNI). Our results demonstrate that green TLS can provide useful information for improving N management during early season wheat growth.
Depletion of [Ca2+]i Inhibits Hypoxia-Induced Vascular Permeability Factor (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) Gene Expression

We have investigated the role of ion channels and intracellular Ca2+in the regulation of hypoxia-mediated VPF/VEGF activation. Known channel activator and blockers like lemakalim, glibenclamide, tetraethylammonium, 4-aminopyridine and nifedipine do not inhibit VPF/VEGF induction due to hypoxia. Whereas, 5 mM caffeine pretreatment of the 293 cells exhibits a complete inhibition of hypoxia inducted VPF/VEGF expression. Moreover, the cells treated with BAPTA-AM prior to hypoxia also show a dramatic decrease in the VPF/VEGF message level, which suggests an important role of intracellular Ca2+in this signaling pathway. Caffeine pretreatment also inhibits hypoxia-mediated c-Src kinase activity. These findings demonstrate the importance of intracellular Ca2+in the event of hypoxia-induced VPF/VEGF expression.
Recent Research on the Legal History of Modern Mexico

Indiigena y Criminal. Interpretaciones del derecho y la antropologiia en Meexico, 1871––1921. By Beatriz Uriias Horcasitas. Mexico: Universidad Ibero-americana, 2000. Criminal and Citizen in Modern Mexico. By Robert M. Buffington. Lincoln and London: University of Nebraska Press, 2000. Crimen y Castigo. Legislacioon penal, interpretaciones de la criminalidad y administracioon de justicia (Ciudad de Meexico, 1872––1910). By Elisa Speckman Guerra . Mexico: El Colegio de Meexico, Universidad Nacional Autoonoma de Meexico, 2002. City of Suspects. Crime in Mexico City, 1900––1931. By Pablo Piccato. Durham and London: Duke University Press, 2001. Reconstructing Criminality in Latin America. Ed. Carlos A. Aguirre and Robert Buffington. Wilmington: Scholarly Resources, 2000. Crime and Punishment in Latin America. Law and Society since Late Colonial Times. Ed. Ricardo D. Salvatore, Carlos Aguirre, and Gilbert M. Joseph. Durham and London: Duke University Press, 2001.
Expression of c-fos precedes MDR3 in vincristine and adriamycin selected multidrug resistant murine erythroleukemia cells.

Abstract Expression of murine P-glycoprotein (P-gp), encoded by mdr1 or mdri3, confers a multidrug resistance phenotype. Higher expression of c-fos and c-jun has also been demonstrated in multidrug resistant human and murine cells. We detected increased expression of c-fos early in the derivation of two series of murine erythroleukemia sublines selected for resistance to vincristine or adriamycin which eventually overexpress mdr3. We speculate that early expression of c-fos prepares cells for overexpression of other genes, such as mdr3, that contribute to the multidrug resistance phenotype.
Preparation of selectively deuterated salen ligands

A number of selectively deuterated derivatives of the common ligand N,N′-ethylenebis(salicylidenimine), salen, have been prepared. The synthesis involves preparation of selectively deuterated salicylaldehydes. Procedures necessary to carry out these syntheses are described below.
Three-jet Event Properties at CDF

The properties of three-jet events in data of integrated luminosity 86±4 pb-1 from CDF Run 1b with a trigger on total ∑ ET > 175 GeV have been analyzed and compared to predictions from a next-to-leading order perturbative QCD calculation. Special emphasis has been placed on analysis of the Dalitz variables.
A diverse superfamily of enzymes with ATP‐dependent carboxylate—amine/thiol ligase activity

The recently developed PSI-BLAST method for sequence database search and methods for motif analysis were used to define and expand a superfamily of enzymes with an unusual nucleotide-binding fold, referred to as palmate, or ATP-grasp fold. In addition to D-alanine-D-alanine ligase, glutathione synthetase, biotin carboxylase, and carbamoyl phosphate synthetase, enzymes with known three-dimensional structures, the ATP-grasp domain is predicted in the ribosomal protein S6 modification enzyme (RimK), urea amidolyase, tubulin-tyrosine ligase, and three enzymes of purine biosynthesis. All these enzymes possess ATP-dependent carboxylate-amine ligase activity, and their catalytic mechanisms are likely to include acylphosphate intermediates. The ATP-grasp superfamily also includes succinate-CoA ligase (both ADP-forming and GDP-forming variants), malate-CoA ligase, and ATP-citrate lyase, enzymes with a carboxylate-thiol ligase activity, and several uncharacterized proteins. These findings significantly extend the variety of the substrates of ATP-grasp enzymes and the range of biochemical pathways in which they are involved, and demonstrate the complementarity between structural comparison and powerful methods for sequence analysis.
Release of endogenous pyrogen in cats by staphylococcal enterotoxin B

On a montre la presence d'une substance pyrogene qui avait les caracteristiques physiologiques endogenes dans le plasma et dans le serum sanguin de felin, pris 5 h apres l'injection i.v. d'enterotoxine staphylococcique B.
Public policy and obesity: the need to marry science with advocacy.

Obesity rates have skyrocketed. Nearly half a billion people worldwide are considered overweight or obese [1], and twice as many American adults are overweight than not [2]. Being obese is associated with serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes [1–3]. The economic costs of obesity are also great; the direct costs account for approximately 7% of health care costs in the United States [4], and indirect costs caused by obesity-related sick leave and disability account for 10% of lost worker productivity [5]. Although obesity is a major public health issue [6–11], prevention has received little attention. The focus of obesity treatment and research still centers on individual responsibility and individual-level changes, and there is no coherent national strategy to reduce prevalence. Indeed, the US government has stood in the way of global progress on the issue [13–15]. This article addresses the causes of obesity. Biased by misattributions of cause, the nation has sidestepped the need for changes in the environment and instead has focused on the individual, typically by assigning blame to individuals and calling for personal responsibility. The article discusses medical versus public health models as they relate to obesity issue, and ends by proposing changes in public policy the authors believe may help advance the field.
A generalization of a theorem of Vogtmann

In 1977, Vogtmann [lo] proved that the groups O,.(k) are homology stable for any field k, k# [F,. That is, the natural homomorphisms H;(O,.(k); Z)-+ H;(O n + I,n+ i(k); Z) are isomorphisms for n sufficiently large. Recently, Betley [4] has extended this theorem to include local rings k. It is generally expected (and occasionally assumed) that the same is true if k=Z and, most likely, for a much larger class of rings as well, but no proof of this exists in the literature. As this fact, for k= Z’, is an essential ingredient in a forthcoming joint paper with R. Lee, I have undertaken to present a proof. The main result contained here is the homology stability of O,.(A) and SpZn(A), with twisted as well as untwisted coefficients, in the case where A is a Dedekind domain. Much of the discussion, however, is carried out in a broader context in the hopes that it can be used for still further generalizations. In particular, it is conjectured that stability holds for any finite algebra A over a commutative ring k with noetherian maximal spectrum, and so as much of the theory as possible is developed in this setting. The bulk of the work, as always in proving homology stability, is the construction of highly connected simplicial complexes on which the groups act with ‘nice’ stabilizer subgroups. In this case, we use the simplicial complex arising from the partially ordered set of ‘hyperbolic unimodular’ sequences (see Section 3) which has the nicest possible stabilizer subgroups, namely lower-dimensional orthogonal or symplectic groups. The proof of the connectedness of this complex occupies Sections l-3. The methods used owe much to the work Maazen [8] and Van der Kallen [7]. The last section, Section 4, contains the stability theorems.
Apomorphine decreases extracellular GABA in the ventral pallidum of rats with 6-OHDA lesions in the nucleus accumbens

Inhibition of a tonically active gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) projection from the nucleus accumbens to the ventral pallidum (VP) is thought to mediate the locomotor response elicited by dopamine in the nucleus accumbens. To evaluate this hypothesis, dopamine was depleted in the nucleus accumbens using 6-hydroxydopamine which produced an upregulated locomotor response to systemic apomorphine (0.2 mg/kg, s.c.). Simultaneously, the level of extracellular GABA in the VP was monitored using microdialysis. Apomorphine injection produced an elevation in locomotor activity only in the lesioned rats. While apomorphine reduced extracellular GABA in both control and lesioned rats, the reduction had an earlier onset and was more consistent in lesioned animals. Although the onset of the decline in extracellular GABA in the VP of lesioned rats corresponded to the onset of apomorphine-induced motor activity, a significant reduction in GABA persisted for 180 min, while the behavior returned to control levels by 60 min after injection. These data support a possible role for dopamine receptor-mediated inhibition of accumbal GABA neurons projecting to the VP in the initiation of locomotor activity.
Pulsed spallation neutron sources for slow neutron scattering

Abstract The role of pulsed spallation neutron sources for slow neutron spectroscopy is sketched. Various methods of neutron production, and some aspects of the spallation neutron production process are outlined. Accelerators for pulsed spallation neutron sources are discussed. Materials and coolants for neutron-producing targets and moderators are surveyed. The performance of moderators and the effects of varying size, composition, and temperature are summarized. Expressions for estimating moderator performance are given. The effect of moderator-reflectors, which enhance the slow neutron beam current at low energies, are examined. The ZING-P prototype pulsed neutron source and the proposed Intense Pulsed Neutron Source are described. Pulsed spallation sources are a new generation of sources for slow neutron spectroscopy which offer an order of magnitude improvements over currently available thermal neutron flux and several orders of magnitude greater epithermal flux.
American Society of Clinical Oncology 2001 Presidential Initiative: impact of regulatory burdens on quality cancer care.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted as part of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2001 Presidential Initiative to assess the administrative burden of payer documentation requirements and their impact on oncology practice. METHODS: The study consisted of a physician questionnaire and an activity log. Site visits were conducted to support survey data. Analysis included 2,493 questionnaires and 1,115 activity logs; data were also collected from site visits to 10 oncology practices. RESULTS: Increased documentation was the greatest concern among respondents, greater even than the stress of dealing with death and dying. More than 97% of survey respondents reported an increase in documentation (averaging 1.4 h/d) and 77% reported an increase in work hours because of documentation in the past 5 years. As a result, more than 40% of respondents reported decreases in key aspects of patient care and decreases in teaching (48%) and research (39%). Site visit data demonstrate similar trends. CONCLUSION: It...
The utilization of thermal infrared radiation measurements from grain sorghum crops as a method of assessing their irrigation requirements

Field studies on irrigated grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) crops were conducted in California for three years to evaluate the use of thermal infrared measurements to estimate water use and detect crop stress. These studies were conducted on a Yolo loam soil with different rooting volumes to limit the water availability. Data show that the stress-degree-day index (midday comparison of canopy-air temperature differences) provides a valid indicator of crop stress, and that the canopy-air temperature difference increases rapidly above zero when more than 65% of the available water is depleted. The canopy-air temperature difference is also related to leaf-water potential, with an increase above zero when the potential decreases below − 1.1 MPa (=11 bars). Improvement of the performance of the stress-degree-day index through compensation for environmental variability was achieved by including measurements of the plant water stress which are related to available water extracted. It is concluded that remote sensing of emitted thermal radiation offers a promising technique which can be incorporated into irrigation management programs.
Interplay between Electronic Properties and Interatomic Spacing in Artificial Gold Chains on NiAl(110)

Monatomic Au chains with 2.89 and 4.08 A interatomic spacing were constructed on a NiAl(110) surface, using atom manipulation techniques with a scanning tunneling microscope. Differential conductance spectra taken on the two chains revealed a series of unoccupied quantum well states that exhibit the parabolic dispersion of a free-electron-like band. The effective electron mass of the band, a measure of the coupling strength between the Au atomic orbitals, was found to be two times smaller in the compact (0.5 me) than that in the loosely packed chain (0.94 me). Moreover, the band onset shifted toward the Fermi level (1.5 versus 0.75 eV) with decreasing distance between the Au atoms. The interrelation between geometric and electronic properties of the two chains was analyzed with density functional theory calculations and tight binding modeling. In the compact chain, the large orbital overlap results in a relatively steep parabolic electron band with strong Au 6sp character. The band flattens out as the int...
The diagnostic value of alpha-fetoprotein in an infant with sacrococcygeal teratoma

A newborn infant, surgically treated for a sacrococcygeal teratoma, had serially drawn α-fetoproteins before and after surgery. The elevated levels were plotted on the graph of normal range proposed by Tsuchida, and although very high, they still fell within the normal range, which suggested benignancy. Pathology showed mature elements, except for immature neuroectodermal tissue. Fetal liver was a prominent part of the teratoma and was stained for α-fetoprotein on immunoperoxidase preparation.
Transmembrane ferricyanide reduction in tobacco callus cells

Transmembrane ferricyanide reduction in whole cells of normal and of transformed tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) callus tissue was compared. It was found that low concentrations of indoleacetic acid (IAA, 0.1 μM), gibberellic acid (GA, 0.3 μM), and benzyl adenine (BA, 0.03 μM) stimulate external ferricyanide reduction in normal tobacco callus cells, but inhibit this reaction up to 67% in transformed cells when hormones are applied to cells 10 min prior to assay. Higher concentrations of these growth regulators (1 μM or greater) inhibit transmembrane ferricyanide reduction in both types of cells, with the exception of IAA, giving an initial stimulation of the rate (12%), followed by 24% inhibition after 2 min. The observed external ferricyanide reduction by whole tobacco callus cells may be explained on the basis of a transplasmalemma redox system, which may be associated with the iron metabolism of these cells.
Strain history of the Los Prietos syncline, Santa Maria basin, California: a case of post-tectonic compaction

Abstract Strain measurements of the Monterey Shale along a fold profile of the Los Prietos syncline in the Santa Maria basin, California, provide an opportunity to study the strain history of the syncline. By using transmitted X-ray goniometry, we first measured the degree of preferred orientation of chlorites in 19 samples along the profile. From the preferred orientations, total strains were calculated according to March's theory. Based on the variation of the total strains along the asymmetrical syncline, a plausible history could have been as follows: compaction first reduced the porosity from 86 to 79%; before beds were fully consolidated, they were buckled and then homogeneously strained, on the average, by strains of [1.00, −0.27, −0.32] with a nominal standard deviation of 0.01. The rheology during deformation of the unconsolidated rocks made the folding style resemble one of soft-sediment deformation. Finally, the porosity was further reduced by a post-tectonic vertical compaction to 40% of the original pore volume. The deformation history of the syncline appears to be related to the development of the pull-apart Santa Maria basin. The relationship between the geometry of the syncline and the orientation of the principal axes of the homogeneous tectonic strain are consistent with a tectonic strain history in three increments, basin opening, folding and westward tilting.
Global Population Aging: Facts, Challenges, Solutions & Perspectives

The rapid aging of populations around the world presents an unprecedented set of challenges: shifting disease burden, increased expenditure on health and long-term care, labor-force shortages, dissaving, and potential problems with old-age income security. We view longer life spans, particularly longer healthy life spans, as an enormous gain for human welfare. The challenges come from the fact that our current institutional and social arrangements are unsuited for aging populations and shifting demographics; our proposed solution is therefore to change our institutions and social arrangements. The first section of this essay provides a statistical overview of global population aging and its contributing factors. The second section outlines some of the major challenges associated with widespread population aging. Finally, the third section of the essay describes various responses to these challenges, both current and prospective, facing individuals, businesses, institutions, and governments.
Spin reorientations in the Cfmm2Fe14−xCoxB systems

Abstract The magnetic phase diagram for the system Cfmm2Fe14−xCoxB, where Cfmm stands for Ce-free mischmetal, was determined. These systems were found to possess TSR1's lower than their Nd counterparts. This is directly attributable to the fact that Ce-free mischmetal contains both La, which tends to dilute the anisotropy of the Nd, and Pr, which exhibits axial anisotropy. Those systems rich in Co(x > 10) were found to exhibit two spin reorientations, a type 1 spin reorientation at low temperature, characteristic of the Nd in the Ce-free mischmetal, and a type 2 spin reorientation at higher temperatures, resulting from the competing anisotropies of the rare-earth and transition metal sublattices.
Evidence for the highly conformational nature of the epitope(s) on human thyroid peroxidase that are recognized by sera from patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

To define the epitope(s) on human thyroid peroxidase (TPO) recognized by antibodies in the sera of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease, we constructed and screened a human TPO cDNA sublibrary containing 3.8 million random fragments of human TPO cDNA, each 200–500 basepairs in length. These fragments would code for TPO polypeptides of 66–166 amino acid residues. The validity of this approach was first tested with a murine monoclonal antibody against the denatured human thyroid microsomal antigen (TPO). Analysis of the nucleotide sequence of 14 clones selected from this library enabled molecular identification of the epitope recognized by this monoclonal antibody. In contrast to the data obtained with the monoclonal antibody, sera from patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis containing polyclonal antimicrosomal/TPO antibodies did not recognize the TPO protein fragments generated by this library. These results differ from previous data obtained with recombinant human TPO fragments generated as bacterial f...
Computer Literacy: An Evolving Concept

The term “computer literacy” became very popular in the 1980s as a catch phrase describing a new type of understanding. Prior to the phrase's popularity, “literacy” was reserved for the knowledge of basic skills in reading and writing and familiarity with the classical works and great books of ancient and modern cultures. To be literate means to be educated regarding the fundamental or basic ideas, beliefs and methods of communication in society. By applying the term “literacy” to the knowledge of computers, society is signifying that this sort of knowledge is as important to a person's education in contemporary society as knowledge of reading and writing has been in the past (Ringle, 1981). While many people seem to agree that the proliferation of computers and their application in extensive areas of human endeavor require us to take the notion of literacy seriously, there is still no consensus as to how this educational goal should be achieved. The difficulty stems from the fact that there is no universally accepted definition of computer literacy. Until educators are clear about the goal, effective ways to attain the objective of computer literacy will be clouded by confusion. The purpose of this research is to examine the historical evolution of the phrase “computer literacy,” to develop a chronological continuum of computer literacy, and to identify several competencies that will likely characterize the computer literate teacher in the 1990s.
Let's Use Patent Fees to Stop the Trolls

Citing empirical evidence that non-practicing entities assert relatively old patents that cover inventions in relatively fast-paced industries, this essay argues that the PTO should increase the number and magnitude of patent renewal ("maintenance") fees in order to hasten the expiration of suspect software patents and reduce the prevalence of suits filed by so-called "patent trolls."
Geometry-Dependent Behavior of Fibroblast Cells in Three-Dimensional Silicon Microstructures

Understanding the relationship between the cell and the substrate in microenvironments is a critical issue in cell biology research. In this paper, we report the response of HS68 normal human foreskin fibroblast cells to three-dimensional silicon microstructures, which are designed and fabricated using a single-mask fabrication technique. Our device composed of a network of microfluidic channels and microchambers with different widths and depths. Our results show that human fibroblast cells do not tend to go inside microchambers having isotropic cross sections and curved sidewalls, and moreover, their growth rate decreases as the depth increases. The growth rate decline has been utilized as a new method to create patterned cell culture.
Pharmacotherapy of chronic pulmonary arterial hypertension: value and limitations. Part II: Secondary pulmonary hypertension.

Efforts aimed at assessing pharmacotherapy of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PHT) have largely focused on patients with primary PHT, PHT associated with selected connective tissue diseases, and various forms of hypoxic secondary PHT. Part I of this review discusses the value and limitations of a wide variety of vasodilator drugs, oxygen, and warfarin in the treatment of primary PHT with special reference to their effects on pulmonary and systemic hemodynamics, functional capacity, and survival
A Novel Method for Analyzing Extremely Biased Agonism at G Protein–Coupled Receptors

Seven transmembrane receptors were originally named and characterized based on their ability to couple to heterotrimeric G proteins. The assortment of coupling partners for G protein–coupled receptors has subsequently expanded to include other effectors (most notably the βarrestins). This diversity of partners available to the receptor has prompted the pursuit of ligands that selectively activate only a subset of the available partners. A biased or functionally selective ligand may be able to distinguish between different active states of the receptor, and this would result in the preferential activation of one signaling cascade more than another. Although application of the “standard” operational model for analyzing ligand bias is useful and suitable in most cases, there are limitations that arise when the biased agonist fails to induce a significant response in one of the assays being compared. In this article, we describe a quantitative method for measuring ligand bias that is particularly useful for such cases of extreme bias. Using simulations and experimental evidence from several κ opioid receptor agonists, we illustrate a “competitive” model for quantitating the degree and direction of bias. By comparing the results obtained from the competitive model with the standard model, we demonstrate that the competitive model expands the potential for evaluating the bias of very partial agonists. We conclude the competitive model provides a useful mechanism for analyzing the bias of partial agonists that exhibit extreme bias.
Lipid factors in the hypertension syndrome.

Summary and conclusion: It is clear that hypertension is associated with a clustering of dyslipidemia, diabetes and obesity, in addition to other metabolic disturbances. However, it is equally clear that the components of these clusters or syndromes differ among the various metabolic abnormalities. Clinicians would do well to remember that drugs used in the treatment of hypertension may have an influence on lipid patterns [17]. The data may very well fit the hypothesis advanced by Williams and colleagues [6] (Fig. 1) concerning the interactions between genetic and environmental factors that produce several syndromes, many of which feature hypertension and dyslipidemia as major components.
An Ionicity Rationale to Design Solid phase Metal Nitride Reactants for Solar Ammonia Production

Ammonia provides the basis of nutrition for a large portion of the human population on earth and could be used additionally as a convenient hydrogen carrier. This work studies a solar thermochemical reaction cycle that separates the reductive N2 cleavage from the hydrogenation of nitrogen ions to NH3 without using electricity or fossil fuel. The hydrolysis of binary metal nitrides of magnesium, aluminum, calcium, chromium, manganese, zinc, or molybdenum at 0.1 MPa and 200–1000 °C recovered up to 100 mol % of the lattice nitrogen with up to 69.9 mol % as NH3 liberated at rates of up to 1.45 × 10–3 mol NH3 (mol metal)−1 s–1 for ionic nitrides. These rates and recoveries are encouraging when extrapolated to a full scale process. However, nitrides with lower ionicity are attractive due to simplified reduction conditions to recycle the oxidized reactant after NH3 formation. For these materials diffusion in the solid limits the rate of NH3 liberation. The nitride ionicity (9.96–68.83% relative to an ideal ionic...
Model-Based Software Synthesis for Self-Reconfigurable Sensor Network in Water Monitoring

Many mobile sensing platforms take advantage of a common ubiquitous mobile device for computation, communication, and control tasks: a mobile phone. Tasks are frequently based on data from GPS sensors, accelerometers, etc. However, the realization of concurrent tasks in these devices introduces unnecessary complexities if new tasks are added without a design overhaul of the system. In this paper, we present a domain-specific modeling language for the specification of concurrent tasks to be deployed on a single mobile device, even if that device has hand-written code on board. The language utilizes mobile device concepts as events, and synthesizes software that runs as independent services. For example, one task may be to send a text message with the current location, if the phone's battery is low in charge. The results are applied to algorithms used by a floating sensor testbed of drifters, which monitor water flow, and the properties of the generated code are examined.
Traffic noise affects forest bird species in a protected tropical forest

Las carreteras cerca de bosques alteran la funcion del ecosistema por fragmentacion del habitat y tienen otros efectos negativos como contaminacion, mortalidad de animales y ruido excesivo; sobre todo en animales como ranas y aves que dependen del sonido para comunicarse. Se espera menos abundancia de aves cerca de la carretera donde el ruido es alto. Este estudio evalua los efectos del ruido por carretera sobre las aves en un bosque tropical de Costa Rica. Tambien realizamos censos de aves y medimos el ruido del 19 al 23 de abril y del 21 al 28 de noviembre 2008. Ademas, utilizamos redes de niebla para maximizar la deteccion de aves en la estimacion de riqueza de especies. La abundancia de aves asi como la riqueza de especies decrecieron significativamente con el incremento del ruido tanto en la estacion seca como en la lluviosa. El ruido disminuyo en forma logaritmica con el aumento en la distancia a la carretera y fue mas alto durante la estacion seca. Nuestros resultados sugieren que las aves tienden generalmente a evitar el ruido del trafico y tienen implicaciones en la conservacion y manejo del area protegida.
An inexpensive large area shower detector with high spatial and energy resolution

Abstract A 59-layer lead-liquid scintillator shower detector has been tested in an electron beam at SLAC. The energy resolution is about 9%/√E. The detector is optically segmented into counters by means of thin, teflon-coated, bent aluminum panels. The position of the shower is determined to a precision of a few mm by comparing the relative sizes of the signals from neighboring counters.
Vectorization and microtasking for automated system optimization

The authors discuss mathematical optimization of structural systems on a CRAY Y-MP 8/864 machine. A microtasking algorithm was developed for optimization of large structural systems subjected to displacement and stress constraints using the optimality criteria approach. The algorithm has been implemented in Cray FORTRAN (CFT17). Microtasking was performed through the use of compiler directives. In order to perform microtasking, the algorithm is divided into 23 processes. Some processes perform only vectorization. Others perform both vectorization and microtasking. The combination of vectorization and parallel processing capabilities makes design optimization of large structural systems such as multistorey high-rise buildings or Space stations feasible. >
Effect of cricoid force on airway calibre in children: a bronchoscopic assessment

Background Cricoid pressure or to be more exact cricoid force (CF) can cause airway obstruction and subsequent difficulty with airway management during an emergency induction. Methods We studied 30 children with an age range of 3 months to 15 yr who presented for routine bronchoscopy or other surgical procedures requiring tracheal intubation. We looked at the effect of CF on the calibre of the subglottic airway and objectively measured the force which caused 50% or greater distortion/compression of the subglottic airway. Results There was a linear relationship between both age and weight and CF. No patient suffered any adverse effects. Overall, the mean force required to compress the airway was 10.5 N. However, this force could be as low as 5 N in children Conclusions Forces well below the recommended value of 30 N will cause significant compression/distortion of the airway in a child.