cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changing landscape of nursing homes serving residents with dementia and mental illnesses.

Objective Nursing homes (NHs) are serving an increasing proportion of residents with cognitive issues (e.g. dementia) and mental health conditions. This study aims to: 1) implement unsupervised machine learning to cluster NHs based on residents' dementia and mental health conditions; 2) examine NH staffing related to the clusters; and 3) investigate the association of staffing and NH quality (measured by number of deficiencies and deficiency scores) in each cluster. Data sources 2009-2017 Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reporting (CASPER) were merged with LTCFocUS.org data on NHs in the United States. Study design Unsupervised machine learning algorithm (K-means) clustered NHs based on percent residents with dementia, depression, and serious mental illness (SMI, e.g. schizophrenia, anxiety). Panel fixed-effects regressions on deficiency outcomes with staffing-cluster interactions were conducted to examine the effects of staffing on deficiency outcomes in each cluster. Data extraction methods We identified 110,463 NH-year observations from 14,671 unique NHs using CAPSER data. Principal findings Three clusters were identified: low dementia and mental illnesses (Post-acute Cluster); high dementia and depression, but low SMI (Long-stay Cluster); and high dementia and mental illnesses (Cognitive-mental Cluster). From 2009-2017, the number of Post-acute Cluster NHs increased from 3074 to 5719, while number of Long-stay Cluster NHs decreased from 6745 to 3058. NHs in Long-stay/Cognitive-Mental Clusters reported slightly lower nursing staff hours in 2017. Regressions suggested the effect of increasing staffing on reducing deficiencies is statistically similar across NH clusters. For example, one hour increase in registered nurse hours per resident day was associated with -0.67 [standard error (SE) =0.11], -0.88 (SE = 0.12), and - 0.97 (SE = 0.15) deficiencies in Post-acute Cluster, Long-stay Cluster, and Cognitive-Mental Cluster, respectively. Conclusions Unsupervised machine learning detected a changing landscape of NH serving residents with dementia and mental illnesses, which requires assuring staffing levels and trainings are suited to residents' needs. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Diurnal questing behavior of Amblyomma mixtum (Acari: Ixodidae)

The diurnal questing behavior of Amblyomma mixtum Koch was monitored in the laboratory while held on a 12:12 diurnal cycle, and outdoors, using actographic chambers to determine the daily incidences of questing for a host. Nymphs and adults increased their questing activity during the morning. Adult activity peaked in the morning and continued until afternoon, whereas nymphal activity peaked in the afternoon. Nymphs and adults returned to the bottom of the chambers at night. The questing pattern for nymphs held outdoors was similar to that observed indoors. Both nymphs and adults had a higher average questing height when held at 95% RH than at 56% RH. The increase in average questing height was found to be due to fewer ticks questing-and for adults, a decrease in the mean questing height-at lower RH.
Chapter 14 Hybrid Structures

Publisher Summary This chapter describes several uses for hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) deposited on crystalline Si (c-Si). The most studied of these applications is as a passivating encapsulant that takes advantage of the abundant hydrogen to tie the dangling bonds at the surface of c-Si and provides a reservoir of hydrogen that ensures the stability of the interface. It is well known that the natural oxide is not sufficient to passivate all the dangling bonds because interfacial states are still present. Passivation by atomic hydrogen leaves the surface unprotected, and therefore not acceptably passivated. Hence, coating the devices with a-Si:H should provide not only the atomic hydrogen needed to passivate the dangling bonds, but also a layer of H-rich material that is highly insulating in the dark. Another potential application is as a heterojunction to make efficient emitters in bipolar c-Si transistors. Although several attempts have been made at realizing this structure, no beneficial result has been demonstrated thus far. Still another possible hybrid combination of amorphous and crystalline materials is the use of a-Si:H as a waveguide to transfer optical signals over a crystalline integrated circuit without cross talk between optical and electronic interconnections.
Detection of cerebral spinal fluid-associated chemokines in birth traumatized premature babies by chip-based immunoaffinity CE.

A major concern in treating premature infants with birth-associated head trauma is the rapid determination of reliable biomarkers of neuroinflammation. To this end a chip-based immunoaffinity CE device has been applied to determine the concentrations of inflammation-associated chemokines in samples of cerebral spinal fluid collected from such subjects. The chip utilizes replaceable immunoaffinity disks, to which reactive antibody fragments (FAb) of 6 anti-chemokine-specific antibodies were immobilized. Following injection of a sample into the device, the analytes were captured by the immobilized FAbs, labelled in-situ with a red laser dye, chemically released and separated by CE. Each resolved peak was measured on-line by laser-induced fluorescence detection and the results compared to standard curves produced by running known chemokine standards through the immunoaffinity system. The complete processing of a sample took 10 min with separation of all 6 analytes being achieved in less than 2 min. The system compared well to commercial ELISA, analysis of the results by linear regression demonstrating r2 values in the range of 0.903 – 0.978 and intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variance (CV) of the migration times and the measured peak areas being less than 2.3% and 5%, respectively. Application of the system to analysis of cerebrospinal fluid from head traumatized babies clearly indicated the group with mild trauma versus those with severe injury. Additionally, CE analysis demonstrated that the severe trauma group could be divided into individuals with good and poor prognosis, which correlated with the clinical finding for each patient.
The Rise of the Fusion-Intelligence Complex: A critique of political surveillance after 9/11

This paper argues that 'fusion centers' are byproducts of the privatization of state surveillance and assaults on civil liberties, at least in the United States, the nation on which the research is based, with special focus on the recent case of the Maryland State Police spying scandal. In fusion centers, members of local, state, and federal police and intelligence units, as well as private-sector organizations, share information with each other by means of computerized technology and store it in databases. While the official purpose is to protect public safety, the practice of 'data-mining' and unclear lines of authority lead to fusion centers being unaccountable to the public and, hence, a threat to the democratic process. These conditions are encapsulated in the case of official espionage in the state of Maryland at least between 2004 and 2006. Drawing on official documents, the history of 'homeland security' since World War II and the characteristics of fusion centers, the Department of Homeland Security, and events in Maryland are surveyed. Working within the contexts of social history, surveillance theory, and political economy, this paper is grounded in the work of Beck, Churchill and Wall, Donner, Fuchs, Graham, Lyon, McCulloch and Pickering, and Monahan.
Correlation of ultrasonic and endocrinologic measurements in human menopausal gonadotropin therapy

Ultrasonographic measurement of follicle growth and estradiol concentrations have been shown to correlate well in spontaneous and Clomid-induced ovulatory cycles. However, little is known about these changes during human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) therapy. Twenty-five women who did not ovulate when treated with clomiphene were treated with hMG during 70 treatment cycles. Eleven patients had withdrawal bleeding after progesterone administration (group 1) and 14 did not bleed (group 2). Follicle growth was monitored with intermittent serum estrogen determinations and daily ovarian ultrasound with an ADR Model 2140 real-time sector scanner. The mean dominant follicle size at the time of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection was 21.2 mm +/- 0.6 (SEM) and was not different between the two groups. Mean serum estrogen level at the time of hCG injection was 1,121 pg/ml and correlated with follicle volume. At the time of hCG injection in group 2, one dominant follicle was present in 65% and two were present in 35% of the patients. Among those in group 1, two or more dominant follicles were present during all cycles. Mean serum estrogen levels were significantly higher in group 1 patients than those in group 2. This "chemical hyperstimulation" was induced in order to delay ovulation until adequate follicular size had been achieved. All cycles were ovulatory. Five patients in group 1 and eight in group 2 conceived. The use of ultrasound enables the physician to evaluate follicular growth and development daily and thus to individualize treatment and to reduce the need for estrogen monitoring.
Recent Advances in the Genetics of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder with high prevalence in the population and a pronounced male preponderance. ASD has a strong genetic basis, but until recently, a large fraction of the genetic factors contributing to liability was still unknown. Over the past 3 years, high-throughput next-generation sequencing on large cohorts has exposed a heterogeneous and complex genetic landscape and has revealed novel risk genes. Here, we provide an overview of the recent advances on the ASD genetic architecture, with an emphasis on the estimates of heritability, the contribution of common variants, and the role of inherited and de novo rare variation. We also examine the genetic components of the reported gender bias. Finally, we discuss the emerging findings from sequencing studies and how they illuminate crucial aspects of ASD pathophysiology.
Transmitter-Based Equalization for Wireless LAN's

In a high-speed mobile communications network, it is desirable to off-load as much hardware complexity as possible from mobile terminals to the base station. A system architecture is presented where all equalization-related computations, requiring most hardware resources, can be performed at the base station. A conventional decision-feedback equalizer (DFE) is used to equalize the received transmissions, and a modified Tomlinson–Harashima precoding method (Tx-THP) is applied to pre-equalize the transmitted data sequence. The Tx-THP scheme can also be extended to differentially coherent detection, to suit the systems where perfect frequency synchronization is not available. A modified DQPSK receiver is presented to process the extended constellations. To avoid the side effect of severe noise multiplication, an alternative receiver structure is developed, incorporating a discrete-time phase tracker to allow the reduction of the constellation size prior to the correlation operation. With a 2nd-order estimator filter, this receiver approaches the performance of coherent detection for Tx-THP.
A Review of “Buying Respectability: Philanthropy and Urban Society in Transnational Perspective, 1840s to 1930s”

Buying Respectability: Philanthropy and Urban Society in Transnational Perspective, 1840s to 1930s, is of particular interest to the readers of this journal for what it says about institutions such...
Involvement of mu, delta and kappa receptors in morphine-induced tolerance in the guinea pig myenteric plexus.

Tolerance in the longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus (LM-MP) preparation to opioids appears to represent two separate phenomena. One phenomenon is characterized by marked subsensitivity to mu-selective opioid substances and a very short half-life. The other is characterized by moderate subsensitivity to morphine and to several nonopioid inhibitory substances and has a long half-life. The present investigation was to determine if the long half-life type of tolerance involves cross-tolerance between mu-selective opioids, such as morphine, and opioids selective for delta or kappa receptors. Tolerance was induced by s.c. implantation of morphine pellets for 7 days. Control guinea pigs received placebo pellets. Isolated LM-MP preparations were tolerant to the mu-selective agonists morphine and [D-Ala2,N-Me-Phe4,Gly5-ol]enkephalin as well as to [D-Ala,2D-Leu5]enkephalin and [D-Ser2]leucine enkephalin-Thr, agonists only slightly selective for delta receptors over mu. The delta-selective agonist, [D-Pen2,D-Pen3]enkephalin, produced a biphasic concentration-response curve. The first phase, which included only very weak effects, presumably represented delta-mediated effects. The second phase reached virtually 100% inhibition of the twitch. Significant subsensitivity (tolerance) was demonstrated only for the second phase, presumably representing mu-mediated effects. There was no significant tolerance to the kappa-selective agonist, U50,488H. Consistent with the literature, the results indicate effective twitch inhibition mediated by mu and kappa receptors, but not delta receptors. Among opioids, tolerance induced by morphine pellets in the LM-MP is limited to mu receptor-mediated inhibition.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Design of Automotive Acoustic Environments: Using Subjective Methods to Improve Engine Sound Quality:

The sensory environment of the vehicle is an area where customer expectations have greatly increased in recent years. For example, sound quality has become a very important factor in determining customer perception of vehicle quality and value. In this paper, a method for evaluating sound quality is presented and used in an engine design application. As part of the design of a future midsize vehicle, 14 engine component modifications were being considered as ways to improve sound quality. A subjective evaluation was carried out to determine if these modifications had any effect on perceived sound quality and, if so, which modifications provided the greatest sound quality benefit. A paired comparison method was used in which subjects judged, first, similarity and, then, preference. The similarity results showed that the vehicle sounds were indeed perceived quite differently. Additional analysis, using multidimensional scaling, revealed that most of these differences could be attributed to just three of the...
Multistation observations of the azimuth, polarization, and frequency dependence of ELF/VLF waves generated by electrojet modulation

Modulated ionospheric heating experiments are performed with the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program facility in Gakona, Alaska, for the purpose of generating extremely low frequency (ELF) and very low frequency (VLF) waves. Observations are made at three different azimuths from the heating facility and at distances from 37 km to 99 km. The polarization of the observed waves is analyzed in addition to amplitude as a function of modulation frequency and azimuth. Amplitude and eccentricity are observed to vary with both azimuth and distance from the heating facility. It is found that waves radiated at azimuths northwest of the facility are generated by a combination of modulated Hall and Pedersen currents, while waves observed at other azimuths are dominated by modulated Hall currents. We find no evidence for vertical currents contributing to ground observations of ELF/VLF waves. Observed amplitude peaks near multiples of 2 kHz are shown to result from vertical resonances in the Earth-ionosphere waveguide, and variations of the frequency of these resonances can be used to determine the D region ionosphere electron density profile in the vicinity of the HF heater.
Analysis of FST outliers at allozyme loci in Pacific salmon: implications for natural selection

Natural selection has been invoked to explain the observed geographic distribution of allozyme allele frequencies for a number of teleost species. The effects of selection on allozyme loci in three species of Pacific salmon were tested. A simulation-based approach to estimate the null distribution of population differentiation (F ST) and test for F ST outliers was used. This approach showed that a majority of allozyme loci conform to neutral expectations predicted by the simulation model, with relatively few F ST outliers found. No consistent F ST outlier loci were found across species. Analysis of population sub-groups based on geography and genetic identity reduced the number of outlier loci for some species, indicating that large geographic groups may include genetically divergent populations and/or that there is geographic heterogeneity in selection pressure upon allozyme loci. Two outlier allozyme loci found in this analysis, lactate dehydrogenase-B and malic enzyme, have been shown to be influenced by selection in other teleost species. This approach is also useful in identifying allozyme loci (or other genetic markers) that meet assumptions for population genetic study.
Metallocene/Borate-Catalyzed Copolymerization of 5-N,N-Diisopropylamino-1-pentene with 1-Hexene or 4-Methyl-1-pentene

Metallocene/borate catalysts, generated from zirconocene dimethyl compounds, LnZrMe2, and anilinium borate, [HNMe2Ph]+[B(C6F5)4]-, were used to copolymerize 5-N,N-diisopropylamino-1-pentene with 1-hexene and 4-methyl-1-pentene. The selected zirconocenes, bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium(IV) dimethyl (Cp*2ZrMe2) and rac-ethylenebis(4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindenyl)zirconium(IV) dimethyl (rac-EB(THI)ZrMe2), provided atactic and isotactic materials, respectively. The isotactic polymers produced were amorphous or crystalline depending of the monomer. The calculated reactivity ratios for the copolymerization of 5-N,N-diisopropylamino-1-pentene with 1-hexene and metallocene rac-EB(THI)ZrMe2 indicate that this system approximates an ideal azeotropic copolymerization with r1 = 1.11 and r2 = 0.87. Estimates for the reactivity ratios for the copolymerization of 5-N,N-diisopropylamino-1-pentene with 4-methyl-1-pentene were r1 = 3 and r2 = 1 for rac-EB(THI)ZrMe2 and r1 = 5 and r2 = 0.5 for Cp*2ZrMe2. The polymeriza...
Retrievable inferior vena cava filters may be safely applied in gastric bypass surgery.

Pulmonary embolus (PE) is a potentially devastating and fatal postoperative complication in morbidly obese patients. This study was undertaken to review the safety and efficacy of retrievable prophylactic inferior vena cava (IVC) filters in high-risk morbidly obese patients undergoing gastric bypass. Patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery and preoperative insertion of retrievable IVC filters had their records reviewed. Indications for IVC filter insertion were: history of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or PE, long-standing sleep apnea, venous stasis disease, and/or weight > 400 pounds. 24 patients underwent IVC filter placement before gastric bypass surgery. There were 10 women and 14 men with an average age of 50 ± 6.3 years (range 39 to 59) and average body mass index (BMI) of 57 ± 7.5 kg/m2 (range 49 to 74). BMI greater then 50 kg/m2 was present in 21 of 24 patients (88%). All patients had successful IVC filter placement. IVC filter retrieval postoperatively was performed in 20 of 24 patients (83%) with three left for clinical reasons and one (4%) left due to technical inability to retrieve. There was one complication directly attributable to IVC filter retrieval. There were no deaths. Five patients (21%) developed DVT or PE postoperatively. Follow-up was 16 ± 7.6 months (range 8 to 33). Prophylactic IVC filter placement and retrieval can be safely undertaken in high-risk gastric bypass patients. We recommend preoperative IVC filter placement in selected patients.
Rimcazole (BW 234U), a novel antipsychotic agent whose mechanism of action cannot be explained by a direct blockade of postsynaptic dopaminergic receptors in brain

Rimcazole is a novel antipsychotic agent free of extrapyramidal side effects as judged by its profile in animal behavioral models and by results of early clinical trials in acute schizophrenic patients. The present study shows that rimcazole is different biochemically from the typical and atypical neuroleptics. Concentrations of 10−5 to 10−4 M are necessary to achieve even weak effects on dopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity (D1 receptors), [3H]dopamine binding in mesolimbic and striatal areas of rat brain. Rimcazole's extremely weak potency as a D2 receptor blocker in brain was readily apparent when compared to several other neuroleptics: It was 160 times weaker than sulpiride, the least potent striatal D2 receptor blocker studied, and 10,000 times weaker than haloperidol, the most potent. Rimcazole had no effect on many of the enzymes involved in catecholamine synthesis and metabolism in vitro, did not effect the synthesis of [3H]dopamine from [3H]tyrosine in vivo, and did not alter the effects of a dopaminergic agonist and a dopaminergic antagonist on [3H]dopamine synthesis in vivo. It was moderately potent as an inhibitor of serotonin (5-HT2) receptors but had only weak effects on muscarinic cholinergic, α1–, α2 –, β –adrenergic, benzodiazepine, GABA, adenosine (A1 and A2), glycine, serotonin (5-HT1), imipramine, neurotensin, and phencyclidine receptors and calcium channels in binding assays. It was a moderately potent, competitive inhibitor of dopamine uptake in vitro and had no pharmacologically relevant effects on the spontaneous release of biogenic amines from isolated nerve endings. These data suggest that if rimcazole is shown to be a clinically effective antipsychotic agent, it will be the first antipsychotic whose mechanism of action cannot be explained by a direct blockade of postsynaptic dopaminergic (D2) receptors in brain.
Intersection of identities. Food, role, and the African–American pastor

African–American pastors can foster health-related innovations as gatekeepers and advocates within their churches. Personal experiences with food and health likely influence their support of such programs. Identities or meanings attached to societal roles have been shown to motivate individuals’ attitudes and behaviors. Understanding role and eating identities of African–American pastors may have important implications for participation in faith-based health promotion programs. This study aimed to describe the eating and pastoral identities of African–American pastors, explore intersections between these identities, and highlight implications for nutrition programs. In-depth interviews with 30 African–American pastors were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using theory-guided and grounded-theory approaches. Pastors described affinity across one or more dimensions including healthy, picky, meat, and over-eater identities. In describing themselves as pastors, the dimensions pastor’s heart, teacher, motivator, and role model emerged. Pastors who described themselves as healthy eaters were more likely to see themselves as role models. Pastors with healthier eating identities and more complex pastoral identities described greater support for health programming while unhealthy, picky, and over-eaters did not. These findings provide guidance for understanding eating and role identities among pastors and should be considered when designing and implementing faith-based programs.
Implementation of the Inspection and Accreditation Program of the American Association of Blood Banks: Experiences in Pennsylvania

The circumstances which have led to the establishment of an Inspection and Accreditation Program by the American Association of Blood Banks are outlined. The need for such a program has been greater in this field of clinical laboratory practice than in other fields because of the awareness of the Public of the medical consequences from the transfusion of incompatible blood. In Pennsylvania there has been widespread cooperation in implementing inspection and accreditation of individual hospital blood banks on the part of pathologists and hospital administrators. Some of the deficiencies encountered on inspection are listed. It is possible that this voluntary program in blood banking may be extended to other areas of laboratory medicine.
Control of postsynaptic Ca2+ influx in developing neocortex by excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters

Abstract We assessed the pathways by which excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters elicit postsynaptic changes in [Ca 2+ i in brain slices of developing rat and cat neocortex, using fura 2. Glutamate, NMDA, and quisqualate transiently elevated [Ca 2+ ] i in all neurons. While the quisqualate response relied exclusively on voltage-gated Ca 2+ channels, almost all of the NMDA-induced Ca 2+ influx was via the NMDA ionophore itself, rather than through voltage-gated Ca 2+ channels. Glutamate itself altered [Ca 2+ ] i almost exclusively via the NMDA receptor. Furthermore, synaptically induced Ca 2+ entry relied almost completely on NMDA receptor activation, even with low-frequency stimulation. The inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA also increased [Ca 2+ ] i , probably via voltage-sensitive Ca 2+ channels, whereas the neuromodulator acetylcholine caused Ca 2+ release from intracellular stores via a muscarinic receptor. Low concentrations of these agonists produced nonperiodic [Ca 2+ ] i oscillations, which were temporally correlated in neighboring cells. Optical recording with Ca 2+ -sensitive indicators may thus permit the visualization of functional networks in developing cortical circuits.
Hepatoblastoma: Cytomorphologic characteristics in serous cavity fluids

BACKGROUND Hepatoblastoma (HBL) represents the most common primary hepatic tumor in children. Although the cytologic features of this tumor have been amply elucidated on fine-needle aspiration, exfoliative cytomorphologic characteristics have not been reported. The authors reviewed the cytopathologic features of six serous cavity fluids (SCF) from four patients with histologically proven HBL. METHODS Five of the specimens evaluated were peritoneal fluids, and one specimen was pleural fluid from a patient with suspected pulmonary metastasis. Slides were prepared by cytocentrifugation and stained with Diff-Quik and Papanicolaou stains. The cytomorphologic features of each specimen were characterized, subclassified, and correlated histopathologically. RESULTS All specimens showed hypercellular smears in a relatively clean background. Mixed embryonal and fetal subtypes of HBL disclosed three-dimensional clusters of neoplastic cells that formed straight or branched cords and acinus-like structures. The cells were moderately pleomorphic and had high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic (N/C) ratios. Occasional cells had eccentrically placed nuclei and vacuolated cytoplasm. Numerous mitotic figures were present. Rare intranuclear inclusions were noted. The anaplastic (small cell) subtype of HBL showed tight clusters of small, round, primitive cells with hyperchromatic nuclei, high N/C ratios, and prominent nuclear molding. In addition, there were numerous single cells with naked nuclei, often in an Indian-file configuration. Bile pigment, osteoid, and other mesenchymal components were absent in all specimens. CONCLUSIONS The cytomorphologic features of HBL in SCF are quite characteristic. Although the differential diagnosis includes other childhood small, round, blue cell tumors and hepatocellular carcinoma, the above findings in the appropriate clinical-radiologic setting warrant a diagnosis of HBL. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2002;96:267–74. © 2002 American Cancer Society.
Portable computer camera with a color image play-back LCD

Portable computer camera with a color image play-back LCDY.Tim Tsai, Wen-Hsin ChanIndustrial Technology Research InstituteOpto-Electronics & Systems LaboratoriesHsinchu, Taiwan ROCABSTRACTA prototype of portable digital still camera (DSC) used as a computer input device, and a consumer product aswell, is developed in the laboratory. The system performs auto focus, auto exposure, and auto white balance,associatedwith a zoom lens and its controller. The auto exposure algorithm uses fuzzy logic and picture segments for exposuredecision. A DSP ASIC has been developed for color image processing. The images are compressed with a JPEG IC,and are stored in a PCMCIA memory card. At compression ratio 18 to 1, a 2 Mbyte memory card can store about 36color images. An energy saving strategy is implemented in a power control module, and results in two hours operationtime or 200 pictures by using a normal camcorder battery. A color LCD panel is used for real time display and playback.The SCSI interface driver has been designed to provide PC connection. The system also has NTSC and S-videoconnection terminals for real time video display.Keywords: PC camera, DSC, Electronic image systems, Digital camera, Electronic still camera1. INTRODUCTIONLow cost color digital still camera (DSC) has long been expected since Sony's announcement ofMavica in 1981.However, the technologies in image compression, color CCD, digital signal processing, and digital storage were notwelldeveloped for hardware implementation until recently. In office automation, desk top publication, andmultimediaapplications, the color DSC, as an image input device, has advantages over many conventional methods,such as filmscanner and image grabber. The major benefit is its immediacy and short turn around time at a reasonable cost.A highquality color digital image for computer applications can usually be obtained through a high resolution,wide dynamicrange scanner. However, it takes lengthy time for scanning and processing. Besides, athree dimension object has to beconverted into a two dimension picture first for scanning. A DSC can directly capture a three dimension image andprocess it in a highly improved speed. However, the tradeoff oflosing someresolution can not be avoided.A few models of high end DSC are available in the market. They use megapixel frame transfer CCD tocompensate the resolution. The performance meets the requirements of professional photography or photo-journalismapplications. However, for computer applications, a low cost DSC with fairly good performance isstill needed tocommon users. Based on this purpose, a prototype ofportable DSC was developed in this laboratory.
Repair of acute type A aortic dissection without the use of blood products

Ascending aorta replacement for acute aortic dissection repair was carried out in a 29-year-old man without the use of blood or blood products. Intraoperative blood loss was minimized with the use of biological glues and red cell salvage. Erythropoietic agents were started before surgery and continued during and after operative repair. Postoperatively, oxygen balance was maintained despite very low hemoglobin levels by increasing the cardiac output to compensate for the low oxygen-carrying capacity, thus maximizing oxygen delivery. Only essential laboratory determinations were carried out, which reduced additional blood loss. Repair was successful, and the patient was discharged from the hospital despite a delay in diagnosis and definitive surgical repair.
Creating a flexible fund structure to meet the needs and goals of the library and its users

This paper describes the Texas A&M University (TAMU) Libraries' new and innovative approach to monograph collection development using a re-engineered internal funding structure and a process that reflects the needs and goals of the library and its users. The paper discusses the goals of the new fund structure, the experience of implementing it, and the results after one year in use.
Caring Teachers and Symbolic Violence: Engaging the Productive Struggle in Practice and Research

Symbolic violence may not be a desirable theory to apply to public schooling—its structuralist limitations render it deterministic, lacking in human agency, and unpalatable to researchers and educators who see schools as viable and productive sites of social transformation. Perhaps for these reasons, it seems little has been written about symbolic violence in schools, and what has been written tends to focus primarily on the symbolic, institutionalized violence imparted by schools and teachers upon students. In this article, I offer a shift in these perspectives. I present symbolic violence as a productive analytical tool in identifying modes of resistance to specific damaging effects of schooling institutions. I also illustrate how symbolic violence victimizes one particularly caring teacher, rendering her compliant in her own victimization, without voice to accurately name her struggles, and—because of her ethic of care—complicit in reproducing damaging institutionalizing practices. Using ethnographic d...
Sex and Age Differences in Psychiatric Symptoms of Alcoholics

445 chronic hospitalized alcoholics were individually rated by counselors on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. Women were rated higher than men on neurotic symptomatology. Ss of increasing ages were rated higher on scales indicating brain damage.
Using air as the nonlinear media for THz wave generation

We report the first systematic study of broadband THz wave generation by using the focused femtosecond laser beams in ambient air. Generations of pulsed THz waves using air as the nonlinear media have been previously demonstrated by Cook et al. and Hartmut et al. We measured dependence of generated THz wave on the polarization, amplitude and phase of the individually controlled fundamental and second harmonic beams. Our results confirms that four-wave-mixing rectification is the major mechanism of THz wave generation with mixing the fundamental and the SH beams in air. This work is significant by providing the feasibility of standoff distance detection greater than 50 meters.
Is the Secondary Loan Market Valuable for Borrowers

In recent years, the secondary loan market has developed into an over-the-counter market where loans are sold and subsequently traded. This shift away from traditional banking is altering the business of lending for both banks and their borrowers. Loan sales are valuable to banks because they free up capital and facilitate risk management; but they may be costly to borrowers because they negatively affect bank monitoring incentives. In this paper, however, we argue that there is another potential benefit to borrowers from loan sales. Borrowers with trading loans, in particular those with liquid loans, may "demand" a share of bank benefits from loan sales when they take out new loans as it will be easier for banks to sell these loans afterwards. We investigate this potential benefit of the secondary loan market by comparing the interest rates borrowers pay before their loans start to trade with the interest rates they pay on loans originated post-trading. Our results show that, on average, borrowers pay higher spreads on the loans they take out after the onset of trading on their loans. Importantly, our results also show that borrowers with liquid trading loans are able to borrow at lower interest rates after the onset of trading on their loans. This interest rate discount is robust and economically meaningful. Thus, while the banks' decision to sell loans may initially impose a cost on borrowers, those whose loans enter the secondary loan market and become liquid benefit from an interest rate discount on their subsequent loans.
Analysis of Local Attitudes Toward the Sacred Groves of Meghalaya and Karnataka, India

The sacred groves of India represent a long-held tradition of community management of forests for cultural reasons. This study used social science research methods in the states of Meghalaya and Karnataka to determine local attitudes toward the sacred groves, elements of sacred grove management including restrictions on resource use, as well as ceremonies associated with sacred groves. Over a seven-month period, 156 interviews were conducted in 17 communities. Residents identified existing taboos on use of natural resources in the sacred groves, consequences of breaking the taboos, and the frequency and types of rituals associated with the sacred groves. Results show that numerous factors contribute to pressures on sacred groves, including cultural change and natural resource demands. In Meghalaya, the frequency of rituals conducted in association with the sacred groves is declining. In both Meghalaya and Karnataka, there is economic pressure to extract resources from sacred groves or to reduce the sacred grove size, particularly for coffee production in Kodagu in Karnataka. Support for traditional ceremonies, existing local community resource management, and comprehensive education programs associated with the sacred groves is recommended.
Muscle stiffness measured under conditions simulating natural sound production

Isolated whole frog gastrocnemius muscles were electrically stimulated to peak twitch tension while held isometrically in a bath at 4 degrees C. A quartz hydrophone detected vibrations of the muscle by measuring the pressure fluctuations caused by muscle movement. A small steel collar was slipped over the belly of the muscle. Transient forces including plucks and steady sinusoidal driving were applied to the collar by causing currents to flow in a coil held near the collar. The instantaneous resonant frequencies measured by the pluck and driving techniques were the same at various times during a twitch contraction cycle. The strain produced by the plucking technique in the outermost fibers was less than 1.6 x 10(-4%), a strain three orders of magnitude less than that required to drop the tension to zero in quick-length-change experiments. Because the pressure transients recorded by the hydrophone during plucks and naturally occurring sounds were of comparable amplitude, strains in the muscle due to naturally occurring sound must also be of the order 10(-3%). A simple model assuming that the muscle is an elastic bar under tension was used to calculate the instantaneous elastic modulus E as a function of time during a twitch, given the tension and resonant frequency. The result for Emax, the peak value of E during a twitch, was typically 2.8 x 10(6) N/m2. The methods used here for measuring muscle stiffness are unusual in that the apparatus used for measuring stiffness is separate from the apparatus controlling and measuring force and length.
A theoretical overview of model-based and correlation-based redatuming methods

We review the equations for correlation-based redatuming methods. A correlation-based redatuming method uses natural-phase information in the data to time shift the weighted traces so they appear to be generated by sources (or recorded by geophones) shifted to a new location. This compares to model-based redatuming, which effectively time shifts the traces using traveltimes computed from a prior velocity model. For wavefield redatuming, the daylight imaging, interferometric imaging, reverse-time acoustics (RTA), and virtual-source methods all require weighted correlation of the traces with one another, followed by summation over all sources (and sometimes receivers). These methods differ from one another by their choice of weights. The least-squares interferometry and virtual-source imaging methods are potentially the most powerful because they account for the limited source and receiver aperture of the recording geometry. Interferometry, on the other hand, has the flexibility to select imaging conditions that target almost any type of event. Stationary-phase principles lead to a Fermat-based redatuming method known as redatuming by a seminatural Green's function. No crosscorrelation is needed, so it is less expensive than the other methods. Finally, Fermat's principle can be used to redatum traveltimes.
Clinical Experience with Bausch & Lomb Technolas-217 Excimer Laser

We retrospectively followed up 177 eyes of 90 myopic patients who had received laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) using Bausch & Lomb Technolas-217 laser. All patients underwent comprehensive preoperative ophthalmologic examinations. Results were analyzed from examinations performed at 1 week, 1, 3 and 6 months intervals after surgery. The preoperative mean spherical equivalent refraction was −6.19 D. The 6-month follow-up rate was 86%. The mean postoperative spherical equivalent refraction was −0.28 D. Thirty-two percent of eyes achieved 1.5 or better uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), 86% of eyes achieved 1.2 or better UCVA and 98% achieved 1.0 or better UCVA. The safety, efficacy, predictability and the visual results were proved to be excellent
From the USA: understanding requests for physician-assisted death:

Dr Ganzini is Professor of Psychiatry at Oregon Health and Science University and Director of the Interprofessional Pallia tive Care Fellowship at the Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Her research is focused on the Oregon Death with Dignity Act. Dr Back is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington and Director of Palliative Care Services at the Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System.
Duodenal somatostatinoma presenting as upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Duodenal somatostatinoma is a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. We report the case of a 55-yr-old woman who presented with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to a duodenal somatostatinoma. We discuss the characteristics of these tumors, and review the literature on diagnostic workup and management.
Non-axisymmetric instability of a rotating layer of fluid

A mechanism previously proposed for the possible interaction between a rotating sheet of fluid and a rotating environment is re-investigated using the normal-mode method. Only azimuthal modes are considered. Stability of such a flow, if any, will appear as the neutral condition, i.e. the stability domain will be present as a stability boundary. The stability boundary for the present flow exists only for one azimuthal mode with no density inhomogeneity. For general heterogeneous rotating flows subject to non-axisymmetric disturbances, a semi-ellipse theorem is derived with a restriction. In contrast with the semicircle theorem in two-dimensional stratified flows, the restriction suggests that the semicircle in the complex phase-velocity plane does not in general provide an upper bound on all unstable waves. For rigidly rotating flows all unstable waves lie on a semicircle in the complex phase-velocity plane regardless of the density distributions.
THE INFLUENCE OF CATHODE CONTACTS ON NEAR-MICRON InP TRANSFERRED ELECTRON DEVICES

Abstract We have performed an experimental investigation of twenty-five 1.5 to 2.0 μm long InP TED's in tunable resonant structures at frequencies in the 75–100 GHz regime, and have simulated their behavior, and that of shorter devices, numerically. We have found that the cathode boundary condition determines the operation of near-micron InP TED's in the following ways: it controls the threshold conditions; it controls the required dc bias power; it affects the transit-time frequency of the device; it influences the electric field profile for an appreciable distance from the cathode.
Measurement of Indolebutyric Acid in Plant Tissues by Isotope Dilution Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Analysis

An internal standard, [13C][indole-2]-indole-3-butyric acid, was synthesized from indole-2[13C] and was shown to be effective for the quantitative determination of indole-3-butyric acid from plant tissue. When this standard was used along with [13C6]indole-3-acetic acid, both indolic auxins could be quantified from the same tobacco (Nicotiana tabacam) leaf sample by isotope dilution analysis using selected ion monitoring gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for detection.
A conformational investigation of zearalenone and the 6′‐zearalenols by carbon and proton NMR spectroscopy

The carbon and proton spectra for zearalenone and its two C-6′ alcohol derivatives have been assigned using 2D techniques along with NOE difference spectra and the LIS of the dimethoxy derivative of the β-alcohol. Low temperature and relaxation time studies on the latter compound support the existence of only one solution conformer for each molecule. Molecular mechanics calculations for each molecule predict the existence of several low energy conformers which differ in energy by less than 3 kcal/mol; however, barriers to conformational interchange could not be estimated. Partial analysis of the proton spectra allows a comparison of the NMR parameters with the MM derived conformations and with x-ray structural data. The solution conformations of zearalenone and α-zearalenol are closely related to the solid state conformations.
Molecular Mechanism of Basic Calcium Phosphate Crystal-induced Activation of Human Fibroblasts: ROLE OF NUCLEAR FACTOR κB, ACTIVATOR PROTEIN 1, AND PROTEIN KINASE C *

Synovial fluid basic calcium phosphate (BCP) crystals are markers of severe joint degeneration in osteoarthritis. BCP crystals cause mitogenesis of articular cells and stimulate matrix metalloprotease production, thus promoting degradation of articular tissues. Previous work suggested that BCP crystal-induced cell activation required intracellular crystal dissolution, induction of proto-oncogene expression, and activation of signal transduction pathways involving protein kinase C and mitogen-activated protein kinases. Here we further elucidate the mechanisms of BCP crystal-induced cell activation as BCP crystals activate transcription factors nuclear factor κB and activator protein 1 in human fibroblasts. We confirm the role of protein kinase C in BCP crystal-induced mitogenesis in human fibroblasts. In contrast, we demonstrate that BCP crystals do not activate signal transduction pathways involving protein tyrosine kinases or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. These data further define the mechanism of cell activation by BCP crystals and confirm its selectivity, an observation that may have therapeutic implications.
FUNCTIONAL SUBSETS OF CD4 T CELLS IN RHEUMATOID SYNOVITIS

Objective To identify the functional properties of CD4+ CD28− T cells, which accumulate and clonally expand in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods The gene expression of molecules involved in T cell effector functions was compared in CD4+ CD28− and CD4+ CD28+ T cell clones. The expression of differentially up-regulated genes was confirmed by flow cytometry of T cells and by 2-color immunohistochemistry of rheumatoid synovial tissue. Cytotoxicity of CD4+ CD28− T cells was tested by anti-CD3 redirected lysis of Fc receptor-positive target cells. Results CD4+ CD28− T cell clones lacked messenger RNA for the CD40 ligand (CD40L) but transcribed the perforin gene. Perforin was also found in freshly isolated CD4+ CD28− peripheral blood lymphocytes from RA patients. CD4+ CD28−, but not CD4+ CD28+, T cell clones lysed Fc receptor-bearing target cells. CD4+ perforin-positive T cells were present in the synovial tissue, where their frequency correlated with the expansion of the CD4+ CD28− compartment in the periphery. Among tissue-infiltrating CD4+ T cells, only the CD40L-negative subset expressed perforin transcripts. Conclusion Clonally expanded CD4+ CD28− T cells are functionally specialized for killing, while they lack the ability to provide B cell help. Tissue-infiltrating CD4+ T cells can be subdivided phenotypically and functionally into at least 2 distinct subsets based on their expression of perforin and CD40L. Because the expansion of CD4+ CD28− T cells is associated with extraarticular RA, T cell-mediated cytotoxicity may be particularly important in these most severe complications of RA.
Creating customer value by streamlining business processes.

Abstract Much of the strategic preoccupation of senior managers in the 1990s is focusing on the creation of customer value. Companies are seeking competitive advantage by streamlining the three processes through which they interact with their customers: product creation, order handling and service assurance. ‘Micro-strategy’ is a term which has been coined for the trade-offs and decisions on where and how to streamline these three processes. The article discusses micro-strategies applied by successful companies.