cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TEVAR for non-aneurysmal thoracic aortic pathology.

Objective: Management of penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers (PAU), intramural hematomas (IMH), and acute aortic dissections (AD) of the thoracic aorta remain controversial in the endovascular era. Methods: Between 2001 and 2007, patients with PAU (13 patients), and/or IMH (7 patients) were treated with thoracic endografts (TEVAR) in the endovascular suite under general anesthesia. Indications for intervention were intractable chest pain, expanding hematoma or contained rupture, or distal malperfusion. End-points were early morbidity and mortality, incidence of endoleak, device-related complications, and secondary interventions. Results: Of the 20 patients with a median age of 67 (25–83), 13 (65%) were men, 2 (10%) had contained aortic rupture, and 10 were symptomatic. One patient had carotid-subclavian bypass debranching before endograft implantation. Ten patients had cerebrospinal fluid drainage. Mean length of aorta treated was 122.1 mm (range 36–300). All endografts were technically successful. Average blood loss was 50 mL. Thirty-day mortality was 0%. Symptoms resolved in all patients; there were no neurologic complications. Average length of stay was 5 days. Mean follow-up was 2.0 years (range 0.1–5.8). All patients remained asymptomatic. Three had early ( 180 days) endoleaks (type 2) observed with no aortic expansion. Two deaths at 5.4 and 5.8 years were due to severe aortic valve stenosis and metastatic lung cancer. Conclusion: TEVAR is a feasible option for repair of non-aneurysmal thoracic aortic pathology with resolution of symptoms, no mortality, and no neurologic complications. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Hard Rock TBM Cutterhead Modeling for Design and Performance Prediction

As the use of hard rock TBMs constantly continues to grow, so are the experiences gained in these projects and the challenges that need new solutions. Cutterhead modeling has been a successful tool used by the industry at various levels of sophistications relative to the end use. These models are based on the estimation of the cutting forces and can be used for cutterhead design optimization as well as performance estimates. While these models have proven to be useful in these areas, there is still room for improving their accuracy to account for different rock features and rock mass properties. New and emerging technologies in cutter and machine manufacturing can be assisted by the use of these models in optimizing their use or assessing their potentials. This paper reviews the state of the art of modeling used for design and performance prediction of hard rock TBMs. A brief overview of the available models will be offered and their strength and shortcomings will be discussed. Modellierung von Schneidkopfen von Hartgesteins-TBM fur Konstruktion und Leistungsvorhersage Da der Einsatz von Hartgestein-TBM stetig zunimmt, wachsen auch die bei diesen Projekten gesammelten Erfahrungen und die neue Losungen benotigenden Herausforderungen. Das Modellieren der Schneidekopfe wird von der Industrie zur Losung unterschiedlich komplexer Fragen eingesetzt. Diese Modelle basieren auf der Abschatzung der Schneidekrafte und konnen fur die Optimierung des Schneidkopfdesigns sowie fur Leistungsabschatzungen verwendet werden. Wahrend die Modelle fur diese Zwecke ihren Nutzen bewiesen haben, lasst ihre Genauigkeit in Bezug zur Berucksichtigung unterschiedlicher Felsarten und Gebirgseigenschaften noch zu wunschen ubrig. Diese Modelle konnen neue Schneidkopf- und Maschinenherstellungs-Technologien, eine Optimierung des Einsatzes oder die Einschatzung ihres Potentials unterstutzen. Der Artikel fasst den heutigen Stand des fur Design- und Leistungsvorhersage der Hartgestein-TBM angewandten Modellierens zusammen. Es wird ein kurzer Uberblick uber die vorhandenen Modelle gegeben, und ihre Starken und Schwachen werden diskutiert.
EPC Workflow Model to WIFA Model Conversion

The dynamics and volunteer-based workforce characteristics of incident command systems raise a challenge to workflow management. Incident command systems must be able to adapt to the ever changing surroundings and tasks during an incident. Furthermore, during an incident, the majority of workers are volunteers that vary in their knowledge of the fundamentals of workflows. To address these challenges, we developed an intuitive, yet formal approach to workflow modeling, enactment and validation. On the other hand, Event-Driven Process Chains (EPC), an informal workflow engine, has been widely used for business process modeling. In this paper, we consider how to convert a workflow model built using EPC engine to a Workflow Intuitive Formal Approach (WIFA) model, so that the well-formedness of the workflow model can be formally verified. This also allows heterogeneous inter-organizational workflow interaction.
Correlation of magnetic resonance imaging–based knee cartilage T2 measurements and focal knee lesions with body mass index: Thirty-six–month followup data from a longitudinal, observational multicenter study

To compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based knee cartilage T2 measurements and focal knee lesions and 36-month changes in these parameters among knees of normal controls and knees of normal weight, overweight, and obese subjects with risk factors for knee osteoarthritis (OA).A total of 267 subjects ages 45-55 years from the Osteoarthritis Initiative database were analyzed in this study. Two hundred thirty-one subjects had risk factors for knee OA, but no radiographic OA (Kellgren/Lawrence score<=1) at baseline. Thirty-six subjects were normal controls. Subjects with OA risk factors were stratified in 3 groups: normal weight (n = 78), overweight (n = 84), and obese (n = 69). All subjects underwent 3T MRI of the right knee at baseline and after 36 months. Focal knee lesions were assessed and cartilage T2 measurements (mean T2 and T2 texture analysis) were performed.The baseline prevalence and severity of meniscal and cartilage lesions were highest in obese subjects and lowest in normal controls (P< 0.05). Obese subjects had the highest mean T2 values and the most heterogeneous cartilage (as assessed by T2 texture analysis), while normal controls had the lowest mean T2 values and the most homogeneous cartilage at baseline (P< 0.05). Increased body mass index (BMI) was significantly (P< 0.05) associated with greater progression of cartilage lesions and constantly elevated cartilage T2 entropy over 36 months.In preclinical OA, increased BMI is associated with more severe cartilage degeneration as assessed by both morphologic and quantitative MRI measurements.
Analysis of co-assembly and co-localization of ameloblastin and amelogenin.

Epithelially-derived ameloblasts secrete extracellular matrix proteins including amelogenin, enamelin and ameloblastin. Complex intermolecular interactions among these proteins are believed to be important in controlling enamel formation. Here we provide in vitro and in vivo evidence of co-assembly and co-localization of ameloblastin with amelogenin using both biophysical and immunohistochemical methods. We performed co-localization studies using immunofluorescence confocal microscopy with paraffin-embedded tissue sections from mandibular molars of mice at 1, 5 and 8 days of age. Commercially-available ameloblastin antibody (M300) against mouse ameloblastin residues 107-407 and an antibody against full-length recombinant mouse (rM179) amelogenin were used. Ameloblastin-M300 clearly reacted along the secretory face of ameloblasts from days 1-8. Quantitative co-localization was analyzed (QCA) in several configurations by choosing appropriate regions of interest (ROIs). Analysis of ROIs along the secretory face of ameloblasts revealed that at day 1, very high percentages of both the ameloblastin and amelogenin co-localized. At day 8 along the ameloblast cells the percentage of co-localization remained high for the ameloblastin whereas co-localization percentage was reduced for amelogenin. Analysis of the entire thickness on day 8 revealed no significant co-localization of amelogenin and ameloblastin. With the progress of amelogenesis and ameloblastin degradation, there was a segregation of ameloblastin and co-localization with the C-terminal region decreased. CD spectra indicated that structural changes in ameloblastin occurred upon addition of amelogenin. Our data suggest that amelogenin-ameloblastin complexes may be the functional entities at the early stage of enamel mineralization.
Precision optical metrology for MEMSm

Continued advances in emerging technology of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and other microsystems of current interest require specialized design, analysis, fabrication, and characterization capabilities. Metrology is an inseparable part of the characterization. Recent advances in the field of optical holography make it particularly suitable for precision metrology of MEMS, especially as it relates to determination of operational characteristics of systems produced, to enable verification of their operation as well as refinement and optimization of the specific designs. This paper describes an optical metrology for measurement of MEMS and illustrates its use with representative examples of MEMS functioning at high frequencies while operating in demanding environments. This precision metrology facilitates characterization of dynamic and thermomechanical behavior of the individual components, their packages, and other complex material structures. Representative results presented herein indicate that the optical metrology is a viable tool for precision microscale measurements and, as such, it is particularly useful for development of MEMS , especially while considering MEMS reliability assessment.
Quantum noise limits of a semiconductor laser with dispersive optical feedback

The quantum noise limits of a semiconductor laser with dispersive loss are examined theoretically and experimentally. Using optical feedback from Cs vapor as a dispersive loss element we demonstrate almost 6 orders of magnitude reduction in the linewidth, to a 44 Hz level, and 1.9 dB amplitude noise squeezing below the standard quantum noise limit.
Retesting: A Logical Alternative in College Instruction.

(1984). Retesting: A Logical Alternative in College Instruction. Improving College and University Teaching: Vol. 32, No. 2, pp. 99-103.
Energy Harvesting for Autonomous Sensing

Autonomous, wireless structural health monitoring is one of the key goals of the damage monitoring industry. One of the main roadblocks to achieving autonomous sensing is removing all wiring to and from the sensor. Removing external connections requires that the sensor have its own power source in order to be able to broadcast/telemetry information. Furthermore if the sensor is to be autonomous in any way, it must contain some sort of computing and requires additional power to run computational algorithms. The obvious choice for wireless power is a battery. However, batteries often need periodical replacement. The work presented here focuses on using ambient energy to power an autonomous sensor system and recharge batteries and capacitors used to run an active sensing system. In particular, we examine methods of harvesting energy to run sensor systems from ambient vibration energy using piezoelectric elements.
Nonequilibrium autocorrelations in phase-ordering dynamics.

We investigate the ordering process of an unstable system governed by a nonconserved scalar order parameter using a theoretical approach developed previously. The two-time order-parameter correlation function is shown to obey asymptotic dynamical scaling. The temporal evolution of the autocorrelation function exhibits power-law decay with a nonequilibrium exponent. We find a relation between this exponent and a nonlinear eigenvalue controlling the equal-time structure factor. This relation, as well as the predicted values of the exponent, is compared with direct numerical simulations of a cell-dynamical-system (CDS) model of the ordering process.
The use of oral communication approaches to enhance the instruction environment for MIS classes

Abstract Computer technologists are often considered to be poor communicators. In all too many instances, the communication problems are escalated by the fact that computer professionals must often interact with end-users who have limited knowledge of computer jargon (Hughes C.T., J. Systems Mgmt 37 , 15 (1986); Ref. [1]). What seems to be lacking is the ability to narrate technological notions in a concise, businesslike fashion, as some have suggested (Benjamin R.I., Dickinson Jr C. and Rochhart J.F., MIS Q. 177 (September 1985); Ref. [2] and Rockhart J.F. amd Flannery, Commun. ACM 776 (October 1983); Ref. [3]). In order to adequately respond to the challenge of being able to communicate effectively, a binding together of the technology and ability to express oneself must take place. Professors could help business students avoid this potential problem by integrating oral communication skills into a MIS course. Studies consistently document that oral communication skills are important for career success (Behnke R.R., Sawyer C.R. and King P.E., Commun. Educ. 36, 140 (April 1987); Ref. [4]). This paper describes cooperative efforts between instructors and students to enhance the communication skills of information systems majors.
Actin mediated regulation of muscle contraction

Abstract Striated and smooth muscles have different mechanisms of regulation of contraction which can be the basis for selecive pharmacological alteration of the contractility of these muscle types. The progression in our understanding of the tropomyosin-troponin regulatory system of striated muscle from the early 1970s through the early 1990s is described along with key concepts required for understanding this complex system. This review also examines the recent history of the putative contractile regulatory proteins of smooth muscle, caldesmon and calponin. A contrast is made between the actin linked regulatory systems of striated and smooth muscle.
Consensus as shared agreement and outcome of inquiry

When two or more agents disagree concerning what is true, concerning how likely it is that a hypothesis is true or concerning how desirable it is that a hypothesis be true, they may, of course, be prepared to rest content with the disagreement and treat each other's views with contemptuous toleration. The mere fact that someone disagrees with one's judgments is insufficient grounds for opening up one's mind. Most epistemologists forget that it is just as urgent a question to determine when we are justified in opening up our minds as it is to determine when we are justified in closing them. Nonetheless, the context of disagreement sometimes offers good reasons for the participants initiating some sort of investigation to settle their dispute. When this is so, an early step in such a joint effort is to identify those shared agreements which might serve as the noncontroversial basis of subsequent inquiry. Once this is done, investigation may proceed relative to that background of shared agreements according to those methods acknowledged to be appropriate to the problem under consideration. On this view of disagreement and its resolution through inquiry, the notion of consensus may be used in two quite distinct ways: (a) One can speak of that consensus of the participants at the beginning of inquiry which constitutes the background of shared agreements on which the investigation is initially grounded, (b) Sometimes inquiry of this kind may terminate with a satisfactory conclusion. We may then say that a consensus has been reached as to the outcome of inquiry.
The Feeding of Amoeba proteus on Paramecium aurelia

SYNOPSIS. Density of prey (Paramecium aurelia) and predator (Amoeba proteus) were varied while volume of inorganic medium was kept constant. Variations in density of prey had little effect on the rates of feeding and reproduction of the amoebae; but with increasing predator density the amoebae captured the paramecia less rapidly and ingested fewer before dividing, altho division size did not change appreciably. Therefore, amoebae of a low density population with a constant food supply carry more nutritional reserves from generation to generation than do those in a denser population.
Studying COPD in African-Americans: better late than never.

In this month's issue of the Journal of COPD, Criner and colleagues publish the results of the first ever randomized placebo-controlled trial of a COPD treatment (inhaled tiotropium) performed excl...
Effect of acetylglyceryl ether phosphocholine (platelet-activating factor) and thrombin on acylation of exogenous lysophosphoglycerides in rabbit platelets.

Abstract Exogenous lysophosphoglycerides such as 1-O-acyl-2-(lyso)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (lysoPC), 1-O-acyl-2-(lyso)-sn-grycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (lysoPE) and 1-O-alkyl-2-(lyso)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (lysoGEPC) radiolabelled on the 1-O-aryl moiety were found to be acylated to the corresponding phosphoglycerides by rabbit platelets at different initial rates and to different extents. LysoPC and lysoGEPC were found to be the best precursors for specifically labelling the corresponding phosphoglyceride pool. Interestingly, synthetic 1-O-hexadecyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (AGEPC) and thrombin were able to increase the initial rate of acylation of all these lysophosphoglycerides up to 4–6-fold in a concentration-dependent manner. The finding that stimulation of the acylation rate of the various lysophosphoglycerides was relatively independent of the stimuli used supports the hypotheiss that this activation could be a new phenomenon associated with the reversible shape change observed in platelets after stimulation with AGEPC or thrombin.
Hmong Food Helps Us Remember Who We Are: Perspectives of Food Culture and Health among Hmong Women with Young Children

Abstract Objective To examine perspectives on food habits, acculturation, and health among Hmong women with young children in northern California. Methods Qualitative interviews were conducted with 15 Hmong mothers with young children in a low-income community of northern California. The interviews were transcribed and coded based on the principles of grounded theory. Results The main themes that emerged from the interviews included comparisons between American and Hmong food cultures, food culture preservation, obesity issues, diverse acculturation processes, and intergenerational food habits. Hmong food culture has been identified as the representation of their healthful lifestyle, self-identity, and social support. At the same time, mothers are facing enormous challenges in bridging 2 extreme generations; the less acculturated, immigrant adults and the highly acculturated, US-born children in their households. Conclusions and Implications Addressing the healthful aspects of Hmong food culture and healthful options of American food should be a focus of nutrition-related programs.
Locus of Control in Children with Epilepsy

The present study evaluated the effect of health education on locus of control for 13 children with epilepsy. 7 participated in an epilepsy education program. All children were administered pre- and posttests on the Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale. No significant effect of the health education program was noted. Further research with disabled children requires a larger sample and a larger, more intensive training period among other things.
Center-Line Velocity Decay in Coaxial Free Jets

The effects of initial nonuniformities in the exit velocity profiles of incompressible coaxial air jets expelled into free air on the fully developed region of the jets is studied experimentally. The primary and annular jet exit velocities were nonuniform, and the average velocity of the primary jet was greater than that of the annular jet. The center-line velocity of the jet in the fully developed region is found to depend on the primary jet exit velocity profile and on the ratio of the central to annular jet average velocities.
The development of vibrissae representation in subcortical trigeminal centers of the neonatal rat.

In every station of the trigeminal system of the young rat, the segmented activity of the mitochondrial enzyme succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) clearly delineates the representation of the mystacial vibrissae. In the trigeminal complex of the medulla, three parallel representations can be seen, two in the spinal trigeminal nucleus and one in the principal trigeminal nucleus. In the next station, the ventrobasal complex of the thalamus, a single representation occurs. Likewise, layer IV of somatosensory cortex contains one representation of the vibrissae. Further, neonatal damage to the mystacial vibrissae results in anomalies within each representation. The present study delineates both the normal development of subcortical trigeminal stations and the aberrant organization seen after vibrissae removal. The results of a similar study on somatosensory cortex (Killackey and Belford, '79) and the present data allow the comparison of the development of each of the five vibrissae representations in the trigeminal system. In the brainstem, each of the three trigeminal complex representations are present at birth, although the pattern becomes more distinct over the first several days of life. Interestingly, vibrissae removal at birth induces an aberrant pattern that is distinct by postnatal Day 3. Although details are not equally discernible in each representation, the abnormalities appear to be similar. The SDH segmentation in the ventrobasal complex develops during postnatal Days 1 through 4. At Day 1, portions of the matrix of high density SDH activity break up into bands. Clusters can be discerned within these bands on Day 2. By Day 4 the pattern is sharply delineated. Vibrissae removal at birth results in anomalies that are a part of the initial development of segmentation, not a later reorganization. Comparison of the present data with that of our previous studies indicates that there is a sequential development of the central somatosensory structures related to the vibrissae, beginning with the most peripheral station. Further, there are many similarities in the development of each station. There are also differences which are particularly important in comparing the trigeminal nuclei with the later stations. The unique features in the abnormal development of the trigeminal nuclei are likely due to their direct connections with the periphery.
Simulation of comma free synchronization scheme and expected error span in variable length codes

The use of variable-length code to achieve the optimum data rate is suggested. A comma insertion scheme is recommended to circumvent the limitation of loss of synchronization in variable-length coding. Algorithms are given to calculate the expected error span due to single or multiple bit inversions. A numerical approach is developed and simulated to determine error span for single bit inversion, and results are compared with previous results. >
Pharmacotherapeutic Options for Overweight Adolescents

Objective:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of current pharmacotherapeutic options for weight loss in overweight adolescents.Data Sources:Literature was obtained through MEDLINE Ovid (1996–April 2007) and EMBASE Drugs and Pharmacology (1991–2nd quarter 2007) searches and a bibliographic review of published articles. Key words included adolescents, overweight, obesity, anti-obesity agents, drug therapy, orlistat, sibutramine, and metformin.Study Selection and Data Extraction:All studies published in the English language that evaluated the use of pharmacotherapy for the treatment of overweight adolescents were critically analyzed; pertinent articles were selected for this review.Data Synthesis:Orlistat has been approved for use in adolescents between the ages of 12 and 16 years. The most frequently reported adverse effects of orlistat were gastrointestinal; reduced concentrations of fat-soluble vitamins were also observed. Of the 6 clinical trials published, 5 have shown statistically significant reductio...
Thermodynamics of the extended Hubbard model in high dimensions.

The extended Hubbard model with on-site interaction U and nearest-neighbor interaction V/d is studied at half filling in high dimensions (d\ensuremath{\gg}1). At small U and V the critical temperature and the order parameter are calculated including the 1/d corrections. The results differ from those obtained in the Hartree approximation by a factor of order unity.$---- At V/U=1/2 a transition is found from an antiferromagnetic to a charge-density-wave phase. A similar transition is found at large U and V, suggesting that the transition is present for all U and V satisfying V/U=1/2.
A fast parasitic extractor based on low-rank multilevel matrix compression for conductor and dielectric modeling in microelectronics and MEMS

Parasitic parameter extraction is a crucial issue in Integrated Circuit design. Integral equation based solvers, which guarantee high accuracy, suffer from a time and memory bottleneck arising from the dense matrices generated. .
Ultrastructural localization of carbonic anhydrase in gastric parietal cells with the immunoglobulin-enzyme bridge method

Ultrastructural immunostaining of carbonic anhydrase in gastric parietal cells was accomplished with the immunoglobulin-peroxidase bridge procedure applied to cryostat sections of fixed guinea-pig stomach prior to dehydration and embedment. Of a variety of fixatives tested, only freshly prepared paraformaldehyde buffered with calcium acetate provided both immunostaining and adequate preservation of ultrastructural morphology. Delipidization or exposure of specimens to detergent prior to staining enhanced the intensity of the immunostaining and increased the sensitivity of the method. Increased diaminobenzidine concentration in the peroxidase substrate appeared also to intensify the densification at the reactive site. Carbonic anhydrase was localized ultrastructurally with this pre-embedment immunobridge procedure in the hyaloplasm of gastric parietal cells and less consistently in the superficial surface epithelium. The basal portion of the parietal cells stained more intensely than the apical region and immunoreactivity appeared concentrated at the plasmalemma and around mitochondria.
A 140-Mb/s, 32-state, radix-4 Viterbi decoder

A 140-Mb/s, 32-state, radix-4, R=1/2, eight-level soft-decision Viterbi decoder has been designed and fabricated using 1.2- mu m double-metal CMOS. The architecture of the add-compare-select (ACS) array is based on a restructuring of the conventional radix-2 trellis into a radix-4 trellis. Radix-4 units, consisting of four 4-way ACS units, process two stages of the constituent radix-2 trellis per iteration. A four-way ACS circuit achieves an iteration delay 17% longer than comparable two-way ACS circuits, resulting in a factor of 1.7 increase in throughput. A ring-based ACS placement and state metric routing topology achieves an area efficiency comparable to radix-2 designs. In a process referred to as pretrace-back, one stage of lookahead is applied to the trace-back recursion, combining two radix-4 trace-back iterations into a single radix-16 iteration based on 4-b decisions. This allows implementation of trace-back using one compact, single-ported decision memory, organized as a cyclic buffer. A 7.30-mm*8.49-mm chip containing 146000 transistors achieves a radix-4 iteration rate of 70 MHz. >
Utilizing Information Theoretic Diversity for SVM Active Learn

Incrementally learning from a large number of unlabeled examples continues to be an active area of research in pattern recognition. Active Learning has made great strides in recent years to address this problem, taking advantage of SVMs to develop robust learning systems. Recently, diversity sampling for SVM active learning has garnered much attention. In this work we propose a fundamentally motivated view of diversity for SVM active learning based on an information-theoretic diversity measure. Comparative testing on a database from the small-sample learning problem of image retrieval is done and thoughts for future work are presented.
Diffuse reflectance from rough surfaces

A comprehensive model that predicts reflectance from rough diffuse surfaces is presented. It is shown that diffuse reflectance from rough surfaces increases as the viewing direction approaches the source direction. This is in contrast to Lambertian surfaces, where radiance is independent of the viewing direction. The new model is a generalization of the Lambertian model, and has significant implications for machine vision, graphics, and remote sensing. >
Nonlinear pattern selection in explosive crystallization

It is shown analytically, in a suitable limit, that a sharp pattern-selection mechanism exists in driven explosive crystallization: after the onset of a morphological instability of the steady-state crystallization front, nonlinear effects cause the front to develop a spatial pattern with a definite wavelength. The amplitude, wavelength, and shape of the selected pattern are calculated analytically.
Identification of a nucleotide pyrophosphohydrolase from articular tissues in human serum

Objective. To characterize the nucleotide pyro-phosphohydrolase (NTPPHase) in human serum. Methods. NTPPHase activity and kinetic analysis were performed using thymidine monophosphate paranitrophenyl ester (TMPNP) or 32Pγ-labeled ATP as substrate. Sera were chromatographed (dye column), and peak fractions were analyzed kinetically and by immunoblot using antibodies to 127-kd articular cartilage vesicle (ACV) NTPPHase as well as to PC-1 and to 58 kd, two plasma membrane ecto-NTPPHases. Enzyme activity was measured before and after sample ultracentrifugation. Results. NTPPHase activity was found in all sera tested (2 normal subjects, 9 arthritis patients). Specific activity was increased 9–32-fold after chromatography; 60–80% of total activity was recovered in a single peak containing an ∼100-kd soluble peptide related to the 127-kd ACV enzyme. The apparent Km of this peptide (TMPNP) was virtually identical to that of the porcine ACV 127-kd enzyme. No immunoreactivity against PC-1 or 58-kd NTPPHase was found. Conclusion. Human serum NTPPHase is derived from 127-kd ACV-related enzyme.
Selecting the best system: Theory and methods

This paper provides an advanced tutorial on the construction of ranking-and-selection procedures for selecting the best simulated system. We emphasize procedures that provide a guaranteed probability of correct selection, and the key theoretical results that are used to derive them.
Natriuretic peptide receptors and neutral endopeptidase in mediating the renal actions of a new therapeutic synthetic natriuretic peptide dendroaspis natriuretic peptide.

Abstract Objectives The objectives of the current study were to define for the first time the roles of the natriuretic peptide (NP) receptors and neutral endopeptidase (NEP) in mediating and modulating the renal actions of Dendroaspis natriuretic peptide (DNP), a new therapeutic synthetic NP. Background Recent reports have advanced the therapeutic potential of a newly described synthetic NP called DNP. Dendroaspis natriuretic peptide is a 38-amino acid peptide recently isolated from the venom of Dendroaspis augusticeps (the green mamba snake). Methods Synthetic DNP was administered intra-renally at 5 ng/kg/min to 11 normal anesthetized dogs, 5 of which received the NP receptor antagonist HS-142-1 (3 mg/kg intravenous bolus) while the remaining 6 dogs received an infusion of the NEP inhibitor, candoxatrilat (8 and 80 μg/kg/min) (Pfizer, Sandwich United Kingdom). Results Intra-renal DNP resulted in marked natriuresis associated with increased urinary cyclic guanosine monophosphate excretion (UcGMPV), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and renal blood flow (RBF) and decreased distal fractional sodium reabsorption (FNaR) compared with baseline. HS-142-1 attenuated the natriuretic response to DNP, resulting in decreased UcGMPV, GFR, and RBF and increased distal FNaR. In contrast, low and high doses of NEP inhibitor did not potentiate the renal actions of DNP. Conclusions We report that the NP receptor blockade attenuated the renal actions of synthetic DNP and that the NEP inhibitor did not alter the renal response to DNP. This latter finding is a unique property of synthetic DNP, as distinguished from other known NPs, supporting its potential as a therapeutic agent.
Revision of the North American species of the genus Entomacis (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae)

La revision des especes du genre Entomacis Foerster d'Amerique du Nord au nord du Mexique contient des cles d'identification, ainsi que les descriptions et les illustrations de dix-neuf especes (dont 12 nouvelles), y compris les 8 especes du groupe d'especes de perplexa dont la repartition s'etend a toute la region holarctique. Ces taxons sont E. ambigua (Brues), E. apopkaensis sp. nov., E. arctica sp. nov., E. cellaria sp. nov., E. cepa sp. nov., E. eoraria sp. nov., E. floridana (Ashmead), E. grandiclava sp. nov., E. longii (Ashmead), E. mellipetiola (Ashmead), E. parambigua sp. nov., ainsi que les membres du groupe de perplexa, E. californica (Ashmead), E. microbipunctata sp. nov., E. notioxera sp. nov., E. oula sp. nov., E. parva sp. nov., E. perplexa (Haliday), E. saprata sp. nov. et E. subemarginata (Ashmead). Hemilexodes canadensis (Harrington) devient un synonyme d'Entomacis mellipetiola (Ashmead) (syn. nov.). Le statut d'Entomacis latipennis (Ashmead), celui d'E. filiformis (Ashmead) et celui d'Hemilexis jessei Mann sont revus. De nouveaux complexes de caracteres, particulierement de chetotaxie, sont mis en valeur dans la taxonomie des especes de diapriides.
Mechanical properties and real-time damage evaluations of environmental barrier coated SiC/SiC CMCs subjected to tensile loading under thermal gradients

SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) require new state-of-the art environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) to withstand increased temperature requirements and high velocity combustion corrosive combustion gasses. The present work compares the response of coated and uncoated SiC/SiC CMC substrates subjected to simulated engine environments followed by high temperature mechanical testing to asses retained properties and damage mechanisms. Our focus is to explore the capabilities of electrical resistance (ER) measurements as an NDE technique for testing of retained properties under combined high heat-flux and mechanical loading conditions. Furthermore, Acoustic Emission (AE) measurements and Digital Image Correlation (DIC) were performed to determine material damage onset and accumulation.
From Dual-Earner to Dual-Career Families and Back Again:

HISTORICAL data indicate that dual-earner families are not a new phenomenon. Reasons for the apparent failure to take this tradition into account in the literature, as well as the interest in the dual-career segment among these families are discussed. Women's continuing commitment to family roles, as shown by their lesser attachment to the labor market in terms of full-time employment, is shown. The implications of this commitment to the issue of household division of labor is examined, along with the contributions the following articles make to the literature.
Transportation and Economic Development: A Review

This article summarizes recent literature from several different disciplines in two new ways, first identifying six mechanisms through which transportation policy and investment could promote econo...
Plant Community Change Following Fifty-years of Management at Kalsow Prairie Preserve, Iowa, U.S.A

Over the last 200 y the tallgrass prairie of the Midwestern United States has experienced widespread conversion to agricultural production. Today, the few remaining tracts of unplowed grassland persist as small isolated patches within a landscape of row-crop agriculture. The small size and isolation of these prairie remnants raises concerns over their long-term sustainability. In this study I examined changes in the upland plant community that have occurred since state acquisition of one of Iowa's oldest prairie preserves. I found that 50 y of management has succeeded in reducing the frequency of exotic species and, thus, improved the overall integrity of the native plant community. However, during this same period dramatic changes in the frequency of many native species have also occurred. A general increase by mesic and late flowering species and a decrease by xeric natives was observed. Changes coincided with a documented shift in management from mid-summer haying prior to state ownership to spring burning, suggesting that burning may have exerted selective forces altering the composition of the native community over the past 50 y. My results emphasize the need to merge our current understanding of the processes that help sustain diversity into implemented management practices that will prolong the diversity of our remaining small isolated prairie preserves.
A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Perceptions of Interprofessional Education in Medical Students

Background and Objectives: With the recent paradigm shift in medicine away from traditional hierarchies and patient-physician dyads, there is increased interest in training students to work interprofessionally. A primary focus for improving collaboration in health care is increasing exposure to formalized interprofessional education (IPE) across health professions during training. This study focuses on the effect of formal and informal curricula on medical student attitudes toward IPE. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of all undergraduate medical students was conducted using the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS). Results: Throughout all years of medical school, students agreed with the importance of interprofessional education. Fourth-year medical students had higher total RIPLS scores (64.29 versus 61.0; p=0.007), as well as higher scores on multiple individual RIPLS questions than first-year students. Conclusions: Medical students become more enthusiastic about IPE as their training progresses. Both formal and informal educational opportunities contribute to this effect.
Individual GaN nanowires exhibit strong piezoelectricity in 3D

Semiconductor GaN NWs are promising components in next generation nano- and optoelectronic systems. In addition to their direct band gap, they exhibit piezoelectricity, which renders them particularly attractive in energy harvesting applications for self-powered devices. Nanowires are often considered as one-dimensional nanostructures; however, the electromechanical coupling leads to a third rank tensor that for wurtzite crystals (GaN NWs) possesses three independent coefficients, d33, d13, and d15. Therefore, the full piezoelectric characterization of individual GaN NWs requires application of electric fields in different directions and measurements of associated displacements on the order of several picometers. In this Letter, we present an experimental approach based on scanning probe microscopy to directly quantify the three-dimensional piezoelectric response of individual GaN NWs. Experimental results reveal that GaN NWs exhibit strong piezoelectricity in three dimensions, with up to six times the ef...
Studies of fractionated HeLa cell metaphase chromosomes

Abstract We have developed a method for fractionating isolated HeLa cell metaphase chromosomes on the basis of sedimentation velocity. The method employs low-speed centrifugation of isolated chromosome preparations through glycerolsucrose density gradients. We have purified DNA from the various chromosome fractions and tested the ability of this DNA to form hybrids with ribosomal RNA and with cytoplasmic messenger RNA. The results show that DNA complementary to ribosomal RNA is confined to the smaller HeLa cell chromosomes (which include those carrying a nucleolar organizer), whereas DNA complementary to cytoplasmic messenger RNA is distributed among chromosomes of various sizes.
Integrated All-Optical Devices Fabricated Using Area-Selective Disordering of Multiple Quantum Well Structures

We describe a method of silicon oxide capped disordering of GaAs /AlGaAs multiple quantum wells (MQW) and its application to the fabrication of passive waveguides integrated with nonlinear switching sections. The silicon oxide cap in this work was formed by spinning a solution of glass forming compound and curing it. The characteristics of the disordering process has been studied by monitoring the shift of the photoluminescence as a function of rapid thermal annealing temperature and fitting the n=1 electron heavy-hole level to that calculated from an error function diffusion profile. Our results indicate a Ga-Al inter-diffusion constant of 8×10−16 cm2s−1 at 980°C and an activation energy of 4.4eV which is similar to values reported by other researchers. The disordering process is then used to define selected areas of disordered and non-disordered MQWs and ridge waveguide structures were fabricated by conventional photolithography and wet chemical etching. Two structures have been studied. One is the nonlinear zero-gap directional coupler with disordered input and output branching waveguides, and the other is the symmetric nonlinear integrated Mach-Zehnder interferometer with one arm containing a non-intermixed MQW section. The devices investigated using a pump-probe set-up, exhibited strong all-optical switching behavior with a contrast ratio of 15:1.
Achlya Ambisexualis and a New Cross-Conjugating Species of Achlya

(1965). Achlya Ambisexualis and a New Cross-Conjugating Species of Achlya. Mycologia: Vol. 57, No. 4, pp. 493-501.
Glutamate receptors and excitotoxicity.

The features of central glutamate synapses are well suited to the spectrum of functions these elements serve in brain function. However, receptor-mediated mechanisms are only one facet of phenomena such as excitotoxicity or long-term potentiation, which almost certainly involve other neuronal components, e.g., other transmitter systems, voltage-gated channels, and biochemical mechanisms as well as possibly astrocytes in some cases. Nonetheless the rapid pace of progress in this field reinforces not only the diversity and complexity of the CNS, but suggests that it is not overly optimistic to think that understanding of these mechanisms will soon have an impact on neurological and mental illness.
Systematic Case Review Data and Child Protective Services Outcomes

SUMMARY Child welfare agencies have recognized the need for accountability and the value of using data for decision-making. However, there are few indicators that child welfare supervisors are using outcome data to make decisions affecting the performance of child welfare workers and/or client outcomes. Child welfare supervisors who are participating in the Mississippi QIC learning labs are using case review data summaries to compare outcomes for project evaluation purposes and to facilitate changes in supervisory practices. The supervisors' review of case review data and their discussion of the meaning of these data enable and encourage supervisors to use data driven supervisory techniques to improve outcomes
Californium-252 Production and Neutron Source Fabrication

The element californium was discovered in 1950 from the bombardment of helium ions on a 242Cm target in the 60-in. cyclotron at the Berkeley Crocker Laboratory. The reaction product, originally thought to be 244Cf, was later identified as 245Cf [1]. It was not until November 1952 that the isotope 252Cf was discovered in the debris from the MIKE thermonuclear test at Enewetak [2], Early investigations of its properties indicated a halflife of between 2 and 3 years (actually 2.645 years) and a significant branching fraction for decay by spontaneous fission, making 252Cf an especially good and compact source of neutrons.
QUANTITATIVE ISOLATION OF STEROLS.

Procedures are described for the quantitative gravimetric isolation of cholesterol and cholestan-3β-01 as the digitonides and for the quantitative recovery of these sterols from their digitonides in the range of 0.5-4.0 mg.
Abstract 4937: A Novel Molecular Imaging Sensor of Cellular Oxidative Stress

Increased oxidative stress has been suggested to play an important role in the biology of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, little is known of the effect of increased oxidative stress in-vivo, partly due to the lack of appropriate imaging technologies for monitoring of stem cell biology in the living subject. Recent developments in molecular imaging permit, for the first time, the longitudinal monitoring of stem cell biology in vivo. We hypothesize that changes in oxidative stress can be monitored using a reporter gene strategy (molecular imaging). Methods: We have developed a novel oxidative stress sensor, using a two-step transcriptional amplification strategy to enhance the expression of firefly luciferase (Fluc), driven by the pro-oxidant enzyme NAD(P)H promoter, and used to monitor oxidative stress in rMSCs. rMSCs was induced by hypoxia (1% O2 for 24 hours) and serum deprivation (SD) and confirmed using a dichlorofluorescein colorimetric assay (measures the production of hydrogen peroxide-H2O2-) and NAD(P)H protein expression. Results: Both serum deprivation and hypoxia led to a pro-oxidant state (Fig. A–B). Most importantly, increased oxidative stress led to increased activity of the novel reporter gene sensor (Fig. C) which was decreased in the presence of antioxidants (superoxide dismuatse mimetic Tempol, 5mM, SD+T, Fig D). Results were reproduced in a different cell type (rat cardiomyoblast, data not shown). Conclusion: Changes in oxidative stress in MSCs can be monitored using molecular imaging. Reporter Gene-based Molecular Imaging, a strategy that is clinically applicable, provides the opportunity to monitor stem cell survival in the living subject.
Measurement and/or processing of optical wave fronts using integrated guided-wave optics

Guided-wave optical devices formed from Ti-diffused LiNbO3 (Ref. 1) are being investigated for analog processing and/or measurement of optical wave fronts. Here we describe a concept to process an optical wave front with the conjugate of its phase distortion and present experimental results on a sensor to measure wave front distortion.
The Shari'a and Islamic Criminal Justice in Time of War and Peace

This innovative and important book applies classical Sunni Muslim legal and religious doctrine to contemporary issues surrounding armed conflict. In doing so it shows that the shari'a and Islamic law are not only compatible with contemporary international human rights law and international humanitarian law norms, but are appropriate for use in Muslim societies. By grounding contemporary post-conflict processes and procedures in classical Muslim legal and religious doctrine, it becomes more accessible to Muslim societies who are looking for appropriate legal mechanisms to deal with the aftermath of armed conflict. This book uniquely presents a critique of the violent practices of contemporary Muslims and Muslim clerics who support these practices. It rebuts Islamophobes in the West that discredit Islam on the basis of the abhorrent practices of some Muslims, and hopes to reduce tensions between Western and Islamic civilizations by enhancing common understanding of the issues.
Low-energy photoelectron dynamics in Kr 3 d 5 /2 photoionization followed by Auger decay

The effects induced during the process of inner-shell photoionization followed by Auger decay are investigated for the photoionization of Kr $3{d}_{5/2}$ in an extremely low photoelectron energy regime. Both the photoelectron energy and relative angular distributions are calculated with a recently developed quantum-mechanical method where all the Coulomb interactions between each pair of particles are fully considered. The photoelectron energy distribution is asymmetric with respect to the initial photoelectron energy, and its peak shifts to a lower energy. As the absorbed photon energy is reduced, the peak of the photoelectron energy distribution moves to the negative energy range. As a manifestation of these dynamics, peak structures are observed in the relative angular distribution. We also simulate the process with a classical-trajectory Monte Carlo method, obtaining similar results to the quantum-mechanical ones.