cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Examining the accuracy of the infinite order sudden approximation using sensitivity analysis

A method is developed for assessing the accuracy of scattering observables calculated within the framework of the infinite order sudden (IOS) approximation. In particular, we focus on the energy sudden assumption of the IOS method and our approach involves the determination of the sensitivity of the IOS scattering matrix SIOS with respect to a parameter which reintroduces the internal energy operator ?0 into the IOS Hamiltonian. This procedure is an example of sensitivity analysis of missing model components (?0 in this case) in the reference Hamiltonian. In contrast to simple first‐order perturbation theory a finite result is obtained for the effect of ?0 on SIOS. As an illustration, our method of analysis is applied to integral state‐to‐state cross sections for the scattering of an atom and rigid rotor. Results are generated within the He+H2 system and a comparison is made between IOS and coupled states cross sections and the corresponding IOS sensitivities. It is found that the sensitivity coefficients...
Heat transfer in parallel plates and circular porous passages with axial conduction

This study discusses the development of the exact series solutions for the computation of temperature in parallel plate and circular porous passages. These passages are filled with relatively high thermal conductivity materials; and therefore, this study includes the contribution of axial conduction. This leads to the solutions for a set of modified Graetz type problems for parallel plate channels and circular pipes. The numerical procedure yields the Nusselt number that indicates significant variations depending on the size of the Peclet. The Nusselt number is computed for selected values of the Peclet number, mainly, to demonstrate the mathematical and numerical procedure.
Water and Chicago’s mortality transition, 1850–1925

Abstract Between 1850 and 1925, the crude death rate in the City of Chicago fell by 60 percent. We estimate that 30–50 percent of this reduction can be attributed water purification measures and the subsequent eradication of diarrheal diseases and typhoid fever and its sequella. Our findings are consistent with a proposition that early public-health scholars referred to as the Mills–Reincke phenomenon. According to advocates of the Mills–Reincke phenomenon, for every one death from typhoid fever that was prevented by water purification, there were three or more deaths from other causes (not usually considered waterborne) that were also prevented. At least part of this phenomenon appears to have driven by the fact that typhoid had a low case fatality rate but so weakened its survivors that they were vulnerable to later infections from tuberculosis and pneumonia. There is also evidence that typhoid survivors eventually developed kidney problems from which they later succumbed. These findings have implications for public health policies in developing countries.
Experiences with Quality Circles in the South‐West United States

Quality circles have become one of the most commonly used remedies to reverse the decline in productivity in business organisations. In this article, the authors draw upon the experiences of quality circles in four US organisations in order to make some general observations.
Drying of a porous medium with internal heat generation

Abstract An experimental investigation is presented for the drying of absorbent materials (such as cotton) with the aid of microwave heating. Data is presented for the transient temperature, pressure, and moisture distributions for axial, radial and combined axial and radial drying. It is shown that there is only a very small mass concentration gradient under these conditions. Temperature gradients also are small. Mass transfer occurs due to pressure gradients caused by the rapid vapor generation throughout the sample. The drying cycle is divided into four regions: the initial adjustment period during which the temperature throughout the product rises steadily and very little drying occurs; a liquid movement period during which liquid is forced out of the sample with a high initial moisture content (over 200 per cent); a constant rate period when water is vaporized in the sample; and a falling rate period when final drying occurs.
100G and beyond with digital coherent signal processing

The demand for increased bandwidth is ever present. Coherent technology coupled with advanced modulation formats and digital signal processing is a key enabler for optical communication systems at 100 Gb/s and beyond. This article reviews the attributes of coherent systems in light of the challenges faced by system designers to realize increased bit rates for next-generation optical systems.
Mary and Femininity: A Psychological Critique

This essay uses Freud to interpret the symbolism and theology of Mary in modern Catholicism. In her role as the mother of believers, Mary functions to place the Christian in the position of a child who receives illusory gratification from the mother. In her role as model for Christians to emulate, Mary functions to place the Christian in the position of receptivity and dependence which Freud associated with femininity. Reinterpreting Freud from a feminist perspective, I suggest that the kind of femininity Mary represents serves to perpetuate patriachal social structures and to inhibit full psychological maturity.
Comparison of asbestos exposure assessments by next-of-kin respondents, by an occupational hygienist, and by a job-exposure matrix from the National Occupational Hazard Survey.

Background Assessments of occupational exposures in case-control studies of rapidly fatal illnesses often rely on data from next-of-kin respondents, which may be inaccurate. Methods Three methods for assessing exposure to asbestos from case-control data on mesothelioma, including next-of-kin assessment, expert assessment, and use of a generic job-exposure matrix (JEM). Interview data [Spirtas et al. (1994): Occup Environ Med 51:804–811] were reviewed to determine exposure status by an occupational hygienist (C.R.) who was unaware of disease status. Exposure odds ratios were calculated using standard methods, and measures of agreement included the kappa statistic and conditional and marginal odds ratios. Results Expert assessment detected higher proportions of exposed subjects than the next-of-kin respondents or JEM methods. The disease-exposure odds ratios were highest for respondents, perhaps because of recall bias, and lowest for the JEM method. The agreement was highest between the respondent and expert assessments. A combination of respondent's assessment and JEM assessment led to the best prediction of the expert's assessment. Results for spouse respondents were similar to those for other “next-of-kin” respondents. Conclusions Expert assessments were the most plausible, but the data indicate that disease associations could also be detected with the other exposure assessment methods. Using some combination of the proxy respondent's assessment and the JEM assessment, one can predict the expert's assessment. A strategy that relied on the respondent's assessment when it was positive and otherwise obtained an expert assessment could reduce costs with little error, compared to expert assessment on all subjects. Am. J. Ind. Med. 47:443–450, 2005. Published 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Diverse and Creative Uses of Cases for Teaching.

The three cases in this volume were developed so that each could be taught unto itself. This chapter suggests other uses for the broader context of evaluation teaching and training.
35 μm cutoff bound-to-quasibound and bound-to-continuum InGaAs QWIPs

Abstract GaAs/InGaAs far-infrared quantum well photodetectors based on a bound-to-continuum (bc) and bound-to-quasibound (bq) intersubband transition with a cutoff wavelength (zero response) up to 35 μm are reported. A peak responsivity of 0.45 and 0.30 A/W and detectivity of 6×109 and 1.0×1010 cm Hz /W at a wavelength of 31 μm and a temperature of 4.2 K respectively for a bc and a bq detector have been achieved.
Fractal-based characterization of structural changes in biomedical images

In the present work, distinct structures appearing in biomedical images are modeled as fractals. Within an image, the relevant structures are associated to a fractal dimension. Changes in the dimension values, as a function of time, reflect alterations of structural properties. Accurate and robust estimation of this dimension, leads to a precise characterization of changes undergone by the structure. The Continuous Pyramidal Alternating Sequential Filter method is proposed as a robust and accurate fractal dimension estimator. A study on bedrest data of human subjects was conducted. Bedrest is an accepted model for the study of osteoporosis. Here the spine is modeled as a fractal structure. Fractal model were also applied towards analysis of breast cancer and brain tumors. Results from these different studies confirm that fractals can suitably model a variety of biological structures. These studies also suggest that fractal models can be effectively utilized to detect temporal changes undergone by the structures.
Symptoms associated with suicidal behavior in childhood and adolescence.

In adulthood, depression is often accompanied by suicidal ideation or behavior. As a result, depression in adults is generally viewed as a sign of risk for suicide. However, according to a number of researchers, suicidal behavior in children and adolescents differs markedly from that in adulthood. Differences have been noted in frequency, gender distribution, and associated symptoms. This study examined age and gender differences in symptoms accompanying suicidal gestures and ideation in black children, aged 11–18, referred for psychiatric treatment. Results indicated that a difference exists in the types of symptoms associated with suicidal ideation as opposed to suicidal acts, and that these differences vary, depending on the age and gender of the child. Moreover, the findings indicate that depressed mood and other “internalized” symptoms are more common among disturbed children who manifest suicidal behavior than among those who do not.
Effects of four beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists on male rat sexual behavior.

Abstract Antihypertensive medication has been reported to cause serious sexual side effects in men. Frequently mentioned as causing sexual dysfunction are beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists. The purpose of this study was to examine in detail the effects of beta blockers on adult male rat sexual behavior. Thirty minutes following a single subcutaneous injection of propranolol, pindolol, atenolol or labetalol, mating tests were conducted. The mixed beta1-and beta2-adrenergic antagonists, propranolol and pindolol, profoundly inhibited male sexual behavior. At the 5 and 10 mg/kg doses, propranolol inhibited ejaculatory behavior to the extent that only 9.1 and 8.3% respectively showed the behavior while pindolol reduced this behavior to 36.4% (16 mg/kg). These drugs also adversely affected various parameters of behavior in a dose-dependent manner. The selective beta1 antagonist, atenolol, had only minor effects and labetalol even less so at the doses tested. It was suggested that the strongly inhibitory effects of propranolol and pindolol on male rat sex behavior may well be due to their 5-HT1A antagonistic binding properties rather than their beta-antagonistic properties.
Artificial β-Sheets: Chemical Models of β-Sheets

Chemical models provide tools with which to simplify and study complicated biological systems. Forces and chemical processes that govern the structure, function, and interactions of a biomacromolecule can be explored with a simple, easy-to-study synthetic molecule. Chemical models of β-sheet structures have helped to elucidate the factors influencing protein structures and functions. Chemical models that mimic β-sheet quaternary structure and interactions are emerging as valuable tools with which to better understand and control protein recognition and protein aggregation.
Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance study of the physical stability of electrospun drug and polymer solid solutions.

A major challenge in utilizing the amorphous form of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in a final oral dosage form is preventing crystallization over time and ensuring stability. One method to improve stability is lowering the mobility of an API by formulating as a solid solution with an excipient. In this work, we use electrospinning to prepare solid solutions of API, aliskiren (SPP) or indomethacin (IND), and a polymer, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The stability of the solid solutions over 6-month storage in a desiccator at 40°C was investigated. Using X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry, it was determined that no crystals were present in the four formulations tested—1:1 SPP–PVP, 4:1 SPP–PVP, 1:1 IND–PVP, and 2:1 IND–PVP at any time. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation time measurements were used to determine whether phase separation of the API and polymer occurred during the study period. It was found that all formulations remained homogeneous down to at least a 2–10 nm length scale, indicating that for these APIs, electrospinning is an acceptable method for forming stable amorphous solid solutions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 101:2185–2193, 2012
Endonuclease V protects Escherichia coli against specific mutations caused by nitrous acid.

Abstract Endonuclease V (deoxyinosine 3′-endonuclease) of Escherichia coli K-12 is a putative DNA repair enzyme that cleaves DNA's containing hypoxanthine, uracil, or mismatched bases. An endonuclease V ( nfi ) mutation was tested for specific mutator effects on a battery of trp and lac mutant alleles. No marked differences were seen in frequencies of spontaneous reversion. However, when nfi mutants were treated with nitrous acid at a level that was not noticeably mutagenic for nfi + strains, they displayed a high frequency of A:T→G:C, and G:C→A:T transition mutations. Nitrous acid can deaminate guanine in DNA to xanthine, cytosine to uracil, and adenine to hypoxanthine. The nitrous acid-induced A:T→G:C transitions were consistent with a role for endonuclease V in the repair of deaminated adenine residues. A confirmatory finding was that the mutagenesis was depressed at a locus containing N 6 -methyladenine, which is known to be relatively resistant to nitrosative deamination. An alkA mutation did not significantly enhance the frequency of A:T→G:C mutations in an nfi mutant, even though AlkA (3-methyladenine-DNA glycosylase II) has hypoxanthine-DNA glycosylase activity. The nfi mutants also displayed high frequencies of nitrous acid-induced G:C→A:T transitions. These mutations could not be explained by cytosine deamination because an ung (uracil-DNA N -glycosylase) mutant was not similarly affected. However, these findings are consistent with a role for endonuclease V in the removal of deaminated guanine, i.e., xanthine, from DNA. The results suggest that endonuclease V helps to protect the cell against the mutagenic effects of nitrosative deamination.
Synthesis of ribosomal proteins during the yeast cell cycle.

Abstract The synthesis of ribosomal proteins during the cell division cycle of Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been examined. A technique was utilized whereby cells in unique phases of the cell cycle were selected from an asynchronous culture after the period of pulse labeling. Some of the proteins of the small and large ribosomal subunits were synthesized continuously throughout the cell cycle and there was no evidence of discontinuous synthesis for any of the ribosomal proteins.
Clinical Implications of an Augmentative and Alternative Communication Taxonomy

This article offers a taxonomy of certain augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system components that can provide a framework for clinical decisions and choices related to AAC and form ...
How to kick the bucket and not decompose: Analyzability and idiom processing

Abstract Idiomatic phrases differ in their degree of analyzability. Some idioms are highly decomposable with the meanings of their parts contributing independently to their overall figurative meanings (e.g., pop the question can be decomposed into pop meaning “suddenly make” and the question referring to “a marriage proposal”). Other idioms are nondecomposable because it is difficult to see any relation between a phrase's individual components and the idiom's figurative meaning (e.g., the parts of kick the bucket do not independently contribute to the figurative meaning of the phrase “to die”). The present studies investigated the role of analyzability or semantic decomposition in idiom processing. We expected that nondecomposable idioms should be processed more quickly than decomposable phrases because expressions such as kick the bucket are lexicalized and should be easier to access from the mental lexicon. However, Experiment 1 showed that nondecomposable idioms were processed more slowly than analyzable idiom phrases. Experiment 2 and 3 indicated that previous research demonstrating a processing advantage for syntactically frozen idioms was due to their degree of semantic decomposition. The results of these experiments suggest that idioms are initially processed in a compositional manner similar to understanding of more literal language. However, people still do not necessarily analyze the literal meanings of idioms during understanding of these figurative phrases.
Diagnosis of amiodarone pulmonary toxicity with high-resolution computerized tomographic scan.

Chest CT and Amiodarone Pulmonary Toxicity.Introduction: Amiodarone pulmonary toxicity is a serious adverse effect that can be fatal. The diagnosis is difficult due to the nonspecificity of symptoms, clinical findings, and test results. Because of its high iodine content, amiodarone deposition can be detected by sensitive high-resolution computed tomographic (CT) scan techniques. We hypothesized that pulmonary toxicity can be diagnosed more readily when these scans indicate the presence of increased attenuation of either pleural or pulmonary densities representing high iodine amiodarone deposits. Methods and Results: This case control study included 16 patients taking chronic amiodarone. Eight cases presented with severe respiratory and other symptoms and were matched with 8 controls, 4 with mild or chronic respiratory symptoms. All patients underwent high-resolution CT of the chest. All cases had positive CT scan results demonstrating bilateral air-space disease, parenchymal bands, and thickened septal and bronchiolitis obliterans. All minimally or asymptomatic patients had negative scans with no area of high attenuation. All cases had ≤ 1 lesion with high-attenuation density. The cases were treated successfully by supportive care, discontinuation of amiodarone, and, rarely, corticosteroid therapy. Two cases had delayed diagnosis of amiodarone pulmonary toxicity and were managed successfully only ter CT. Conclusion: High-resolution CT may be a valuable noninvasive test to aid in the diagnosis of amiodarone pulmonary toxicity in symptomatic patients.
Well-posedness of two-phase Hele–Shaw flow without surface tension

We prove short-time well-posedness of a Hele–Shaw system with two fluids and no surface tension (this is also known as the Muskat problem). We restrict our attention here to the stable case of the problem. That is, in order for the motion to be well-posed, the initial data must satisfy a sign condition which is a generalization of a condition of Saffman and Taylor. This sign condition essentially means that the more viscous fluid must displace the less viscous fluid. The proof uses the formulation introduced in the numerical work of Hou, Lowengrub, and Shelley, and relies on energy methods.
Locomotion and visually guided behavior in salamander: a neuromechanical study

This article investigates the neural mechanisms underlying locomotion and visually-guided behavior in a lower vertebrate: the salamander. We develop connectionist models of the salamander's locomotor circuitry and visual system, and analyze their functioning by embedding them into a biomechanical simulation of the salamander's body. This work is therefore an experiment in computational neuroethology which aims at investigating how behavior results from the coupling of a central nervous system (CNS) and a body, and from the interactions of the CNS-body pair with the environment. We believe that understanding these mechanisms is not only relevant for neurobiology but also for potential applications in robotics.
Gender Bias and the Process of Care

Reviews available literature on gender bias and the process of medical care. Current findings point to possible gender bias in treatment protocols for kidney and cardiac patients. Other clinical conditions have not been studied. Identifies methodological challenges to such research and discusses the need for further research.
FURTHER STUDIES ON MEIOSIS IN THE MYXOMYCETES

Ross, IAN K. (Yale U., New Haven, Conn.) Further studies on meiosis in the Myxomycetes. Amer. Jour. Bot. 48(3): 244-248. Illus. 1961-Photomicrographs of meiotic figures in 5 species of Myxomycetes are presented as further evidence of the Lime and location of meiosis in these organisms. Three members of the Physarales studied differed from species studied previously in that the cleavage of the protoplasm began during the second meiotic division and not after the divisions had been completed. Chromosome numbers were found to be in accord with previous observations and ranged from n = 25 to 90 depending on the species.
Modification at C6 of the Terminal Galactosyl Residues of Cobra Venom Factor Abolishes Anti-α-Gal Antibody Immunoreactivity without Affecting Functional Activity

Abstract The N -linked oligosaccharides of cobra venom factor (CVF) contain unique terminal α-galactosylated Lewis X structures. We have previously shown that CVF immobilized on nylon membranes binds naturally occurring human anti-α-Gal antibody. The present study shows that soluble CVF can effectively inhibit the binding of anti-α-Gal antibody to CVF-coated microtiter plates, indicating that the terminal α-galactosyl residues of the functionally active CVF are accessible to anti-α-Gal antibody binding. Modification of the terminal galactosyl residues of CVF by treatment with galactose oxidase and in situ derivatization of the generated aldehyde groups with hydrazides abolished the human anti-α-Gal antibody immunoreactivity without affecting the complement-activating activity.
Sol-gel thin films of SrTiO3 from chemically modified alkoxide precursors

SrTiO3 alkoxide precursor was chemically modified through the addition of chelating agents, diisopropanolamine, triethanol-amine and acetylacetone. The effects of chelation on the crystallization and microstructures of SrTiO3 sol-gel films on fused silica substrates were studied. Microstructural studies indicated segregation of small crystallites of SrTiO3 for thin films obtained from triethanolamine and acetylacetone chelated precursor solutions. On the other hand, diisopropanolamine chelated solution yielded dense and smooth films.
Fear determines the effectiveness of a feedback stimulus in aversively motivated insturmental learning

Abstract Three studies evaluated the role of feedback stimuli in an instrumental aversively motivated task. Rats were first given classical fear-conditioning trials (white noise-shock) in the start compartment of a two-compartment apparatus. They were then trained, in the absence of shock, to jump a hurdle from the start compartment to a “safe” compartment. For some groups, the fear-arousing situational cues and white noise CS were present in both compartments; for others, these fear-arousing cues were absent in the safe box. Also varied was the presence or absence of an external feedback stimulus (darkness or a flashing light) after the instrumental response. The results indicated that feedback stimuli can improve performance but only when sufficient fear is present following the response. In addition, the data revealed that darkness can be a more effective feedback stimulus than a flashing light but only when fear of visual situational cues is present. The facilitation of instrumental performance attributable to the presentation of a feedback stimulus was found to occur as early as the second trial. The findings generally support a reinforcement, fear-reduction/relaxation, interpretation of the role of feedback stimuli.
Property as Interorganizational Discourse: Rights in the Politics of Public Spaces

In this article, I extend organization and communication theory to conceptualize property as an interorganizational discourse. As an analytic of discourse’s capacity to gain and defend stakeholder rights in the public domain, property discourses provide a rigorous, language-centered approach to organizational conflict over environmental spaces by conceptualizing how material–symbolic tensions play out diachronically. I ground this theoretical terrain through a discourse analysis of a decade-long conflict over public lands in the southern part of the U.S. state of Utah. The case—Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument—constitutes a significant clash of politics between environmental preservation and extraction and especially what political regime ought to control roads accessing this 1.9-million-acre national monument. The analysis and interpretation indicate that property politics involve a complex interplay of symbolic and material forces among stakeholders. Conceptualized in this way property discourses provide considerable insight as many nations and societies face escalating struggles over increasingly scarce resources.
Links between Pubertal Timing, Peer Influences, and Externalizing Behaviors among Urban Students Followed Through Middle School

Purpose: To evaluate underlying mechanisms of the association between early pubertal timing and both aggression and delinquency among a sample of minority males and females from an urban community.Methods: The association between perceived early pubertal maturation and aggressive or delinquent behaviors for African American and Latino males and females (n = 1366) was examined, as well as pathways between early maturation and these negative outcomes longitudinally across 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.Results: Early maturers reported higher mean levels of both aggression and delinquency at all time points regardless of gender or ethnicity. Associating with delinquent peers in 6th grade fully mediated the association between early maturation and both aggression and delinquency at all time points. Early maturers did not differentially associate with greater numbers of delinquent peers in either 7th or 8th grade.Conclusions: These results provide valuable information regarding at-risk groups and inform future intervention efforts.
Automatic calibration of a projector-camera system with a see-through screen

This paper proposes a method for automatic calibration of a projector-camera system with a see-through screen. Conventional projector-camera systems usually project a calibration pattern on an opaque screen for calibrating the system. Images captured by the camera contain only the calibration pattern. Recently, projector-camera systems with see-through screen have been developed for visual collaboration. Due to the semi-transparent property of the see-through screen, not only the calibration pattern, but also the background on the opposite side of the screen is captured by the camera. Since the calibration pattern is contaminated by the image of the background, conventional feature detection methods have difficulty in detecting the features of the calibration pattern and thus often fail to calibrate the system. In the proposed methods, the calibration pattern is temporally varied so that temporal correlation can be applied on a sequence of captured images to separate the calibration pattern from the background. This method works robustly and accurately even for backgrounds with high dynamic range and large motion. The entire calibration process is fully automatic and does not require any parameter tuning.
Effect of clofibrate on in vivo triglyceride production and clearance in genetically hyperlipemic rats

Seventeen hyperlipemic and 17 normolipemic littermate Zucker rats were treated with clofibrate or normal saline to determine the effect of this drug upon hepatic triglyceride (TG) production and peripheral TG disposal. Peripheral Intralipid clearance was not different in hyperlipemic rats relative to control animals. Hyperlipemic animals demonstrated abnormally elevated TG production in the fasted state which was not corrected with clofibrate administration. Following treatment, peripheral Intralipid clearance was increased 100% in hyperlipemic rats, but unchanged in normolipemic animals. These observations provide further evidence that the predominant lipid reducing action of clofibrate is manifested only in the hyperlipemic state, and predominantly upon peripheral lipid disposal.
Robust Multiple-Phase Switched-Capacitor DC–DC Power Converter With Digital Interleaving Regulation Scheme

An integrated switched-capacitor (SC) DC-DC converter with a digital interleaving regulation scheme is presented. By interleaving the newly-structured charge pump (CP) sub-cells in multiple phases, the input current ripple and output voltage ripple of the converter are reduced significantly. The converter exhibits excellent robustness, even when one CP sub-cell fails to operate due to unexpected device failure. A fully digital controller is employed with hysteretic control, featuring deadbeat stability and fast transient response. With a 1.5-V input power supply, the SC power converter precisely provides an adaptable regulated power output from 1.6 to 2.7 V. A maximum output ripple of plusmn20 mV is observed at the full load of 540 mW. The load transient response is around 1.8 mus, when the load current switches from half to full load (from 100 to 200 mA). The design provides a fast-response, low-noise, and fault-tolerant solution to new-generation on-chip power supplies.
Adaptive Semiblind Calibration of Bandwidth Mismatch for Two-Channel Time-Interleaved ADCs

Bandwidth mismatch between sample-and-hold (S/H) circuits in a time-interleaved analog-to-digital data converter (ADC) causes undesirable distortions in the output spectrum. To reduce these undesired spectral components, methods are needed to estimate and correct the mismatch. In this paper, we introduce a hybrid filter-bank model of a two-channel time-interleaved ADC. The model allows the development of digital domain estimation and correction techniques. The estimation method is a semiblind estimation technique where a test tone of small amplitude is injected just below the half sampling frequency and is used to estimate the bandwidth mismatch without affecting the normal ADC operation. The estimation procedure relies on an adaptive filtering structure with three fixed relatively short finite-impulse response (FIR) filters and a single adjustable tap representing the estimated relative bandwidth mismatch of the two S/Hs. The correction method removes the first-order effects of S/H mismatches. It only requires a first-order fixed IIR filter and two fixed FIR filters. Simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed estimation and correction techniques.
Voltage-gated proton channels help regulate pHi in rat alveolar epithelium

Voltage-gated proton channels are expressed highly in rat alveolar epithelial cells. Here we investigated whether these channels contribute to pH regulation. The intracellular pH (pHi) was monitored using BCECF in cultured alveolar epithelial cell monolayers and found to be 7.13 in nominally HCO3−-free solutions [at external pH (pHo) 7.4]. Cells were acid-loaded by the NH4+ prepulse technique, and the recovery was observed. Under conditions designed to eliminate the contribution of other transporters that alter pH, addition of 10 μM ZnCl2, a proton channel inhibitor, slowed recovery about twofold. In addition, the pHi minimum was lower, and the time to nadir was increased. Slowing of recovery by ZnCl2 was observed at pHo 7.4 and pHo 8.0 and in normal and high-K+ Ringer solutions. The observed rate of Zn2+-sensitive pHi recovery required activation of a small fraction of the available proton conductance. We conclude that proton channels contribute to pHi recovery after an acid load in rat alveolar epitheli...
Current Diagnostic Criteria for Assessment of Neuropathological Alzheimer’s Disease

Following a critical review of Khachaturian's and other diagnostic criteria of Alzheimer's disease (AD), it is concluded that new, more rigorous criteria are needed. These criteria must be based on objective data, and they should distinguish subjects with mild cognitive impairment from those with normal cognition. Moreover, they should be easy to use. A multicenter study is proposed and outlined to examine the pathology of 3 groups of 20 archival or newly obtained subjects. The three groups should include subjects who are cognitively intact, slightly impaired, and affected by definite AD, as determined by appropriate and timely cognitive tests.
In vivo studies on the mechanism of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate carcinogenesis.

In a study sponsored by the National Toxicology Program, di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) fed in the diet at 1.2% significantly increased the incidence of female rats with hepatocellular carcinomas...
Quantitative Determination of Codeine and Its Major Metabolites in Human Hair by Gas Chromatography-Positive Ion Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry: A Clinical Application

A highly sensitive method was developed for the quantitative analysis of codeine and morphine in human hair. After addition of deuterated internal standards, hair samples were digested overnight in 1N NaOH at 37~ Hydrolysis was performed on certain digests by addition of 1 mt 6N HCI. Digest solutions were extracted using a solid-phase procedure with Bond Flut Certify TM extraction columns. Derivatized extracts were analyzed on a Finnigan ion trap mass spectrometer (Magnum TM) in the positive ion chemical ionization mode using acetone as the reagent gas, helium as the carrier gas, and a DB-5 MS (30 m x 0.25-mm i.d.) capillary column. The assay was linear to 75 ng/mg (r = 0.99) and was capable of detecting 10 pg of codeine and morphine oncolumn. Intra-assay precision ranged from 8 to 20%. The method was used to quantitate codeine in human hair obtained from two male volunteers with dark brown to black hair after a single oral dose of 120 mg codeine phosphate liquid. Hair samples were plucked from the for 28 days and then cut at the scalp. Codeine was detectable in 1-cm long hair (containing the bulb) at 12 h following the dose and remained detectable in the hair shaft for at least 8 weeks. Codeine metabolites were not detected in the hair of these two subjects. The method is currently being used in dose-response disposition studies to quantitate codeine and its
Physical properties of the planets and satellites from radar observations.

The radar cross section of a planetary target is defined as the area of an isotropic scatterer, normal to the illumination, that would yield the observed echo intensity, if it were placed at the target's location. Attention is given to the angular scattering law, surface imagery, and topography. The observational results are discussed, taking into account the moon and the inner planets, the asteroids, the Galilean satellites, and the rings of Saturn. It is pointed out that the reach of radar astronomy has maintained nearly an exponential growth over the past three decades, as the sensitivity of available radar systems has on average more than doubled each year. There are, however, limits to this growth set by the large costs required for a new generation of observing facilities. Only modest increases in radar system sensitivity are, therefore, expected for the next decade.
Data mining techniques for cancer detection using serum proteomic profiling

Objective: Pathological changes in an organ or tissue may be reflected in proteomic patterns in serum. It is possible that unique serum proteomic patterns could be used to discriminate cancer samples from non-cancer ones. Due to the complexity of proteomic profiling, a higher order analysis such as data mining is needed to uncover the differences in complex proteomic patterns. The objectives of this paper are (1) to briefly review the application of data mining techniques in proteomics for cancer detection/diagnosis; (2) to explore a novel analytic method with different feature selection methods; (3) to compare the results obtained on different datasets and that reported by Petricoin et al. in terms of detection performance and selected proteomic patterns. Methods and material: Three serum SELDI MS data sets were used in this research to identify serum proteomic patterns that distinguish the serum of ovarian cancer cases from non-cancer controls. A support vector machine-based method is applied in this study, in which statistical testing and genetic algorithm-based methods are used for feature selection respectively. Leave-one-out cross validation with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve is used for evaluation and comparison of cancer detection performance. Results and conclusions: The results showed that (1) data mining techniques can be successfully applied to ovarian cancer detection with a reasonably high performance; (2) the classification using features selected by the genetic algorithm consistently outperformed those selected by statistical testing in terms of accuracy and robustness; (3) the discriminatory features (proteomic patterns) can be very different from one selection method to another. In other words, the pattern selection and its classification efficiency are highly classifier dependent. Therefore, when using data mining techniques, the discrimination of cancer from normal does not depend solely upon the identity and origination of cancer-related proteins.
Agonistic postures elicited by subdermal shock in Sprague-Dawley and Long-Evans rats.

Different agonistic postures were elicited by subdermal shock in Long-Evans and Sprague-Dawley rats. 0-, 1-, 2-, and 3-mA shocks were used. All postures were reliably identified by independent observers at greater than chance levels, although absolute agreement between observers was relatively poor for several postures. Long-Evans rats engaged in more aggressive postures than Sprague-Dawley animals. Agonistic postures were more frequent with 2-mA shocks in Long-Evans rats, while 3-mA shocks elicited more agonistic postures in Sprague-Dawley rats. Subdermal shock appeared to produce less variability than has been reported in previous studies where grid shock was used.
Excretion of hormones in a case of habitual abortion

Abstract The quantitative hormone determinations and discussion pertaining to them in a case of habitual abortion are presented. The relationship of estrogenic hormone excretion to parturition is demonstrated.
Inhibition of nitric oxide in LPS-stimulated macrophages of young and senescent mice by δ-tocotrienol and quercetin

Background Changes in immune function believed to contribute to a variety of age-related diseases have been associated with increased production of nitric oxide (NO). We have recently reported that proteasome inhibitors (dexamethasone, mevinolin, quercetin, δ-tocotrienol, and riboflavin) can inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production in vitro by RAW 264.7 cells and by thioglycolate-elicited peritoneal macrophages derived from four strains of mice (C57BL/6, BALB/c, LMP7/MECL-1-/- and PPAR-α-/- knockout mice). The present study was carried out in order to further explore the potential effects of diet supplementation with naturally-occurring inhibitors (δ-tocotrienol and quercetin) on LPS-stimulated production of NO, TNF-α, and other pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in the ageing process. Young (4-week-old) and senescent mice (42-week old) were fed control diet with or without quercetin (100 ppm), δ-tocotrienol (100 ppm), or dexamethasone (10 ppm; included as positive control for suppression of inflammation) for 4 weeks. At the end of feeding period, thioglycolate-elicited peritoneal macrophages were collected, stimulated with LPS, LPS plus interferon-β (IFN-β), or LPS plus interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and inflammatory responses assessed as measured by production of NO and TNF-α, mRNA reduction for TNF-α, and iNOS genes, and microarray analysis.
SUPG finite element computation of inviscid supersonic flows with YZβ shock-Capturing

Stabilization and shock-capturing parameters introduced recently for the Streamline-Upwind/Petrov–Galerkin (SUPG) formulation of compressible flows based on conservation variables are assessed in test computations with inviscid supersonic flows and different types of finite element meshes. The new shock-capturing parameters, categorized as “YZβ Shock-Capturing” in this paper, are compared to earlier parameters derived based on the entropy variables. In addition to being much simpler, the new shock-capturing parameters yield better shock quality in the test computations, with more substantial improvements seen for triangular elements.
pH Regulatory Na/H Exchange By Amphiuma Red Blood Cells

In Amphiuma red blood cells, the Na/H exchanger has been shown to play a central role in the regulation of cell volume following cell shrinkage (Cala, P. M. 1980. Journal of General Physiology. 76:683-708.) The present study was designed to evaluate the existence of pH regulatory Na/H exchange in the Amphiuma red blood cell. The data illustrate that when the intracellular pHi was decreased below the normal value of 7.00, Na/H exchange was activated in proportion to the degree of acidification. Once activated, net Na/H exchange flux persisted until normal intracellular pH (6.9-7.0) was restored, with a half time of approximately 5 min. These observations established a pHi set point of 7.00 for the pH-activated Na/H exchange of Amphiuma red blood cell. This is in contrast to the behavior of osmotically shrunken Amphiuma red blood cells in which no pHi set point could be demonstrated. That is, when activated by cell shrinkage the Na/H exchange mediated net Na flux persisted until normal volume was restored regardless of pHi. In contrast, when activated by cell acidification, the Na/H exchanger functioned until pHi was restored to normal and cell volume appeared to have no effect on pH-activated Na/H exchange. Studies evaluating the kinetic and inferentially, the molecular equivalence of the volume and pHi-induced Amphiuma erythrocyte Na/H exchanger(s), indicated that the apparent Na affinity of the pH activated cells is four times greater than that of shrunken cells. The apparent Vmax is also higher (two times) in the pH activated cells, suggesting the involvement of two distinct populations of the transporter in pH and volume regulation. However, when analyzed in terms of a bisubstrate model, the same data are consistent with the conclusion that both pH and volume regulatory functions are mediated by the same transport protein. Taken together, these data support the conclusion that volume and pH are regulated by the same effector (Na/H exchanger) under the control of as yet unidentified, distinct and cross inhibitory volume and pH sensing mechanisms.
‘Senseless’ violence Making sense of murder

■ This article, based on an ethnographic study conducted over a three-year period in an impoverished, predominately African American and Latino neighborhood in the northeastern US, describes how a drug gang narrative was created by the police and prosecutors to explain a series of unsolved murders. The narrative that the authorities constructed retroactively tied these unrelated crimes together by connecting them to neighborhood drug dealers whom they construed as a gang. Through this narrative, the authorities were able to prosecute all the cases in sequence and deploy a series of defendants and witnesses to win convictions — even in cases where they had little evidence. Murders like these are typically described by law enforcement agencies and the media as ‘senseless’ acts of ‘random violence’. When examined with ethnographic detail, however, these acts of murder turn out to have motives that community members understand but have nothing to do with gang activity.
HSAs: A Great Tax Shelter for Wealthy, Healthy People but Little Help to the Uninsured, Underinsured, and People with Medical Needs.

An attorney argues that for the uninsured and underinsured, the limitations that exist with health saving accounts far outweigh the benefits and could be a threat to the existence of comprehensive health care coverage. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Land and Patterns of Political Violence in Kenya's Recent Elections

The forms of political violence surrounding multi-party elections in Kenya range from urban riots and large-scale displacement campaigns to inter-ethnic village raids. This paper examines variation in the occurrence of violence within and between Kenyas two most recent elections, 2007-08 and 2013. Recent theories of violent conflict emphasize state capacity, ethnic fractionalization, elections, and climate change. By contrast, I argue that variation in local land institutions is a crucial yet overlooked factor in shaping the patterns of election-time violence. Two research questions guide the paper. First, I examine the different land narratives that emerge between competing groups in each electoral period. Second, I ask why contentious land narratives led to violent mobilization in parts of Kenya in 2007-08, yet similar land claims did not escalate into violence in 2013. The paper demonstrates how the underlying institutional arrangements that shape access to resources interact with multi-party politics in emerging democraciesleading to both violent and non-violent outcomes. The paper draws from 12 months of multi-method field research that combines in-depth interviews, focus groups, and a 76'2respondent household-level survey in the Coast and Rift Valley regions. The survey tests the causal link between land institutions, political mobilization, and patterns of political violence.
Role of Feedback Reactivities in the Passive Safety of Nuclear Reactors: The Case of the Fast Flux Test Facility

During 1986 and 1987, an important research program was undertaken at the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) to advance the understanding of feedback mechanisms and to investigate passive safety in liquid-metal reactors. The experimental program began with a series of static feedback reactivity measurements aimed at separating feedback components and ended with a demonstration of passive safety in a series of loss-of-flow-without-scram (LOFWOS) to natural circulation tests. Described here are the fundamental experimental concepts used to unfold various feedback components, the analysis of integral data used to construct feedback reactivity models, the comparison of FFTF reactivities with mechanistic feedback models in the SASSYS/SAS4A code system, and the pretest calculations for the LOFWOS test series, using the new FFTF feedback models
Recent Developments In Fiber Optic Biosensors

Microsensors are increasing in importance in many fields, including medicine, analytical chemistry, and biology. Our recent efforts have focused on biosensors employing antibodies or receptors in conjunction with optical fibers for detecting chemical species of interest. In particular, we have attempted to integrate novel technologies in fluorescence spectroscopy, bioorganic chemistry, immunochemistry, and fiber optics to construct improved microsensors. Recent results of these efforts will be described.