cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Serum albumin and kidney function decline in HIV-infected women.

Background Serum albumin concentrations are a strong predictor of mortality and cardiovascular disease in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. We studied the longitudinal associations between serum albumin levels and kidney function decline in a population of HIV-infected women. Study Design Retrospective cohort analysis. Setting & Participants Study participants were recruited from the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS), a large observational study designed to understand risk factors for the progression of HIV infection in women living in urban communities. 908 participants had baseline assessment of kidney function and 2 follow-up measurements over an average of 8 years. Predictor The primary predictor was serum albumin concentration. Outcomes We examined annual change in kidney function. Secondary outcomes included rapid kidney function decline and incident reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Measurements Kidney function decline was determined by cystatin C–based (eGFR cys ) and creatinine-based eGFR (eGFR cr ) at baseline and follow-up. Each model was adjusted for kidney disease and HIV-related risk factors using linear and relative risk regression. Results After multivariate adjustment, each 0.5-g/dL decrement in baseline serum albumin concentration was associated with a 0.56-mL/min faster annual decline in eGFR cys ( P 2 after adjustment for albuminuria. Results were similar whether using eGFR cys or eGFR cr . In adjusted analyses, each 0.5-g/dL lower baseline serum albumin level was associated with a 1.71-fold greater risk of rapid kidney function decline ( P P Limitations The cohort is composed of only female participants from urban communities within the United States. Conclusions Lower serum albumin levels were associated strongly with kidney function decline and incident reduced eGFRs in HIV-infected women independent of HIV disease status, body mass index, and albuminuria.
Observation of Resonances Associated with Stereo and Regio Defects in the Crystalline Regions of Isotactic Polypropylene: Toward a Determination of Morphological Partitioning

We report defect-resonance patterns associated with two kinds of low-concentration defects typically found in metallocene-synthesized isotactic polypropylenes (iPP's). These defects are the simple mrrm stereo defect and the regio 2,1-erythro defect. This work is a critical part of our effort to determine the extent to which various defects, typically found in isotactic polypropylene (iPP) samples, are incorporated into the crystalline regions of this semicrystalline polymer. The relationship between defect concentrations and mechanical (as well as thermal) properties is quite dependent on the extent of incorporation of defects into the crystalline regions. Several melt-crystallized (at a cooling rate of 1 °C/min) iPP samples, whose concentrations of various stereo and regio defects are known from high-resolution NMR, have been examined in the solid state by 13C NMR. Using a method based on differences in the rotating-frame proton relaxation times of the crystalline (CR) and the noncrystalline (NC) regions...
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: an initial report

Sixty consecutive patients underwent an elective attempt at laparoscopic cholecystectomy between March 15 and July 31, 1990 at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. Fifty-two patients had successful completion of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy (87%). The reasons for conversion to open cholecystectomy were acute cholecystitis (four patients), inability to define the cystic duct-common duct junction (three patients), and one patient with an unexpected choledochal cyst variant. Forty patients (77%) were discharged on the first post-operative day, and the remaining 12 patients on the second post-operative day. Thirty-three patients (63%) required only oral pain medication, and 11 patients (21%) needed no pain medication post-operatively. Fifty-one patients (98%) had resumed normal activities by the seventh post-operative day. Cholecystectomy remains the treatment of choice for biliary colic. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy minimizes length of stay in the hospital, lessens post-operative pain, allows quicker return to normal activities, and has a superior cosmetic result.
A comparison of computer administration with standard administration of the MMPI

Abstract Administration of the MMPI by microcomputer was compared with administration by standard pencil-paper format. One hundred fifty undergraduate students were given the MMPI twice with an average test-retest interval of one week under one of the following conditions: twice by pencil-paper format, twice by computer, or once by each of these modes of administration. Generally, the computer and pencil-paper formats proved comparable in terms of mean scale scores, test-retest correlations, and stability of high-point codes. Availability of a cannot say (“?”) response key on the computer yielded a significantly greater usage of this response but did not adversely affect clinical scores. Computer administration required substantially less time than pencil-paper administration, and subjects showed a preference for the computer format. Relatively poor high-point code stability was found, regardless of format. In general, computerized administration of the MMPI offers several advantages. There remains a need to extend this investigative methodology to clinical populations.
Dispersed phase mass transfer during drop formation under jetting conditions

A recent design procedure for perforated plate extraction columns requires extension to include jetting conditions at each perforation. For this purpose, correlations are obtained for jet length, jet contraction, drop size, and mass transfer coefficients in disperse phase controlled liquid-liquid systems. Experimental variables include nozzle size, flow velocity, and physical properties.
Optical conductivity of bcc transition metals: V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W

The optical constants $n$ and $k$ were determined for the bcc transition metals of the V and Cr groups from reflection and transmission measurements in the spectral range 0.5-6.5 eV. The optical measurements were made at room temperature on polycrystalline thin films, vacuum evaporated rapidly onto high-temperature (700-1000\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C) fused-quartz substrates. The films were found to be well crystallized, and the reflectance of opaque films agreed with previous bulk values. For the thin-film results to be representative of bulk crystals, high substrate temperature was essential for the Cr group, and rapid evaporation rate for the V group. The values for Cr are a significant improvement over earlier results of Johnson and Christy, but those for V are only a slight improvement. Some recent calculations of the interband optical-conductivity agree reasonably well with our results for V, Cr, Nb, and Mo. Direct transitions between $d$ bands seem to account for the optical structure.
An ultrasonic frequency sweep interferometer for liquids at high temperature: 2. Mechanical assembly, signal processing, and application

Received 2 March 2004; revised 25 June 2004; accepted 6 August 2004; published 4 December 2004. [1] The design and application of a frequency sweep (FS) interferometer for sound speed measurements on high-temperature silicate liquids, with the potential to be applied to liquids at high pressure, are presented. FS interferometry differs from variable path length interferometry in that no mechanical movement of a buffer rod is required. Instead, a wideband pulse spanning 1–2 MHz is transmitted down the upper buffer rod, which allows maxima/minima in the returned signal to be evaluated as a periodic function of frequency. Measurements may be made at several different centered frequencies (from 3 to 7 MHz with the transducer used in this apparatus) in order to test whether the liquid sound speed is frequency-independent and thus relaxed. This paper describes the mechanical assembly and the algorithms for signal and data processing, which are based on the solutions to the wave equations in a rod-liquid-rod interferometer. The precision and accuracy of the FS interferometer is demonstrated by measuring the relaxed sound velocities in six liquids (NaCl, a sodium silicate, two sodium aluminosilicates, CaMgSi2O6, and Fe2SiO4) with well-known sound speeds from the literature. INDEX TERMS: 3994 Mineral Physics: Instruments and techniques; 3919 Mineral Physics: Equations of state; 3939 Mineral Physics: Physical thermodynamics; 3999 Mineral Physics: General or miscellaneous; 5102 Physical Properties of Rocks: Acoustic properties; KEYWORDS: frequency sweep interferometry, compressibility, silicate liquids
Icilin evokes a dose- and time-dependent increase in glutamate within the dorsal striatum of rats.

Icilin, the peripheral cold channel agonist, activates TRPM8 and TRPA1, localized on dorsal root ganglia and trigeminal neurons in rats. Icilin precipitates immediate wet-dog shakes in this species, which are antagonized by centrally acting mu and kappa opioid agonists, implicating the central nervous system in the behavioral response. We studied the effect icilin has on glutamate levels in the dorsal striatum, a brain region involved in movement. Icilin (0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 mg/kg, i.p.) elicited a dose- and time-dependent increase in glutamate within the striatum, indicative of icilin’s neurochemical effect in rats.
Smart drug delivery using electrospun hollow nanofibers

This paper report on a novel nano-electro-mechanical systems (NEMS) technology - nanoscale coaxial soft smart system (nCS3) that enables radial displacements of a multi-layered coaxial hollow fiber (CHF) and controlled modulations of a nanofluidic flow patterns inside the CHF responding to changes in local environments. The nCS3 has a unique nanostructure that consists of a liquid core and multiple layers of polymer and stimuli-responsive hydrogel. Smart and controlled release of drug molecules is realized using the nCS3.
Quantification of Plasma miRNAs by Digital PCR for Cancer Diagnosis.

Analysis of plasma microRNAs (miRNAs) by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) provides a potential approach for cancer diagnosis. However, absolutely quantifying low abundant plasma miRNAs is challenging with qPCR. Digital PCR offers a unique means for assessment of nucleic acids presenting at low levels in plasma. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of digital PCR for quantification of plasma miRNAs and the potential utility of this technique for cancer diagnosis. We used digital PCR to quantify the copy number of plasma microRNA-21-5p (miR-21–5p) and microRNA-335–3p (miR-335–3p) in 36 lung cancer patients and 38 controls. Digital PCR showed a high degree of linearity and quantitative correlation with miRNAs in a dynamic range from 1 to 10,000 copies/µL of input, with high reproducibility. qPCR exhibited a dynamic range from 100 to 1×107 copies/µL of input. Digital PCR had a higher sensitivity to detect copy number of the miRNAs compared with qPCR. In plasma, digital PCR could detect copy number of both miR-21–5p and miR-335–3p, whereas qPCR was only able to assess miR-21–5p. Quantification of the plasma miRNAs by digital PCR provided 71.8% sensitivity and 80.6% specificity in distinguishing lung cancer patients from cancer-free subjects.
Coumaphos as a Feed Additive for the Control of House Fly Larvae in Cow Manure

The mortality of first-stage larvae of the house fly, Musca domestica L., seeded into the manure of dairy cows consuming 0.144 ppm coumaphos in their ration increased as the concentration of coumaphos in the ration was increased. At the 144 ppm level, larval mortality approached 100%. Although coumaphos residues were found in the feces no residues 0.002 ppm) appeared in the milk of cows at any level of coumaphos fed. Neither feed intake nor milk production was affected by the feeding of coumaphos. The blood chokinesterase of 1 cow fed 150 ppm couma-phos. over a 6-week period dropped to 20% of pre-experi mental levels.
968 LYSIS OF VARICELLA ZOSTER VIRUS (VZV) INFECTED CELLS BY ANTIBODY-DEPENDENT CELLULAR CYTOTOXICITY (ADCC)

968 LYSIS OF VARICELLA ZOSTER VIRUS (VZV) INFECTED CELLS BY ANTIBODY-DEPENDENT CELLULAR CYTOTOXICITY (ADCC)
“It's not Really a Nickname, it's a Method”: Local Names, State Intimates, and Kinship Register in the Irish Gaeltacht

Naming systems in Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) communities in western Ireland produce different sociolinguistic registers. I argue that the use of a person's ainm aitiuil (“local name”) establishes and enlists a generalized register of kinship and social intimacy in the Gaeltacht. Local agents of the state (“state intimates”) articulate local names with official state-recognized names, operating between the registers these names represent. The ways in which local names are used, the knowledge about persons they produce, and the social relations they represent draw together personal identity, spoken practice, and kinship values in this particular Gaeltacht community. [Ireland; Irish language; kinship; names; register]
Direct product decompositions of lattices, closures and relation schemes

Abstract In this paper we study the direct product decompositions of closure operations and lattices of closed sets. We characterize the direct product decompositions of lattices of closed sets in terms of closure operations, and find those decompositions of lattices which correspond to the decompositions of closures. If a closure on a finite set is represented by its implication base (i.e. a binary relation on the powerset), we construct a polynomial algorithm to find its direct product decompositions. The main characterization theorem is also applied to define direct product decompositions of relational database schemes and to find out what properties of relational databases and schemes are preserved under the decompositions.
Intracranial aneurysms and cocaine abuse: analysis of prognostic indicators.

OBJECTIVE: The outcome of subarachnoid hemorrhage associated with cocaine abuse is reportedly poor. However, no study in the literature has reported the use of a statistical model to analyze the variables that influence outcome. METHODS: A review of admissions during a 6-year period revealed 14 patients with cocaine-related aneurysms. This group was compared with a control group of 135 patients with ruptured aneurysms and no history of cocaine abuse. Age at presentation, time of ictus after intoxication, Hunt and Hess grade of subarachnoid hemorrhage, size of the aneurysm, location of the aneurysm, and the Glasgow Outcome Scale score were assessed and compared. RESULTS: The patients in the study group were significantly younger than the patients in the control group (P < 0.002). In patients in the study group, all aneurysms were located in the anterior circulation. The majority of these aneurysms were smaller than those of the control group (8 +/- 6.08 mm versus 11 +/- 5.4 mm; P = 0.05). The differences in mortality and morbidity between the two groups were not significant. Hunt and Hess grade (P < 0.005) and age (P < 0.007) were significant predictors of outcome for the patients with cocaine-related aneurysms. CONCLUSION: Cocaine use predisposed aneurysmal rupture at a significantly earlier age and in much smaller aneurysms. Contrary to the published literature, this group did reasonably well with aggressive management.
Radiation properties of an integrated optical leaky wave antenna with periodic silicon perturbations

We propose a highly directive optical leaky wave antenna (OLWA) radiating at 1550 nm composed of a dielectric waveguide comprising periodic silicon (Si) perturbations. The antenna working principle is based on the excitation of a leaky wave guided mode in the perturbed waveguide. Here we study the radiation properties for two sets of perturbation dimensions, and show beam scanning capabilities of the antenna (radiation level and direction) at broadside by varying the free space wavelength. Moreover, the use of Si offers the electronic/optical tunability of its complex refractive index by excess electron-hole carrier density generation via current injection (electronic control) or optical absorption (optical control). Therefore, by changing the Si refractive index we vary the leaky wave attenuation constant and the input impedance of the antenna, which in turn allow for beam control capabilities.
Loss of continuum Lorentz invariance in gauge theories on a triangular lattice

Abstract On a triangular lattice, a weakly chiral lagrangian of interacting bosons and fermions is constructed to be naturally invariant under the triangular symmetry. The continuum limit of the resulting field theory is not Lorentz invariant. We explicitly show this for the propagator of the massive Schwinger model.
The role of the teacher in moral education

(1977). The role of the teacher in moral education. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 16, Moral Development, pp. 73-80.
Immunohistochemical analysis of 3‐b‐3(–) and 7‐d‐4 epitope expression in canine osteoarthritis

Objective. To examine the distribution of the 3-B-3(–) and 7-D-4 epitopes in proteoglycans from morphologically normal and osteoarthritic (OA) canine articular cartilage. Methods. Cartilage samples from the femurs of stable and destabilized stifle joints of 9 dogs that had undergone transection of the cranial cruciate ligament were examined by immunohistochemistry. Results. The 3-B-3(–) and 7-D-4 epitopes were expressed in the superficial zone of cartilage from the destabilized femorotibial joints in the early stages of developing OA. The staining patterns with these two antibodies differed, with 3-B-3(–) reactivity confined to the superficial and upper middle zones of the articular cartilage, and 7-D-4 reactivity more prominent in the matrix, extending into the deeper zones and increasing with progression of the lesion. Both epitopes were also expressed in the superficial and upper middle zones of areas peripheral to the lesions and were detectable before the loss of matrix and proteoglycans could be identified by histochemical staining with toluidine blue. Conclusion. In this study, the expression of atypical chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans was demonstrated in osteoarthritic canine cartilage, and the pattern of expression changed as the lesions progressed. The occurrence of 3-B-3(–) and 7-D-4 epitopes appears to be associated with changes in chondrocyte metabolism in the early stages of cartilage degeneration in experimental osteoarthritis.
Special feature: The spook solution - Now open for business

For many years, defence intelligence and government organizations have been using highly specialized security technologies to control access to sensitive information and to protect the integrity of information. In The face of increasing insider trading and industrial espionage, this paper describes how business can exploit technology that has previously been available only to spooks and is now available in open systems products.
Identification of sunfish species by muscle protein isoelectric focusing.

Abstract 1. 1. Muscle protein phenotypes of nine recognized Lepomis species were developed by isoelectric focusing. 2. 2. Four classes were described based on putative parvalbumin patterns. 3. 3. All nine species could be distinguished by their protein phenotypes. 4. 4. Natural hybrids and their parentage were also identified, and the utility of this technique in studying natural sunfish hybridization is discussed.
Simple neural networks for the amplification and utilization of small changes in neuron firing rates.

I describe physiologically plausible “voter-coincidence” neural networks such that secondary “coincidence” neurons fire on the simultaneous receipt of sufficiently large sets of input pulses from primary sets of neurons. The networks operate such that the firing rate of the secondary, output neurons increases (or decreases) sharply when the mean firing rate of primary neurons increases (or decreases) to a much smaller degree. In certain sensory systems, signals that are generally smaller than the noise levels of individual primary detectors, are manifest in very small increases in the firing rates of sets of afferent neurons. For such systems, this kind of network can act to generate relatively large changes in the firing rate of secondary “coincidence” neurons. These differential amplification systems can be cascaded to generate sharp, “yes–no” spike signals that can direct behavioral responses.
Does total quality management affect applicant perceptions of recruitment and selection processes

Abstract 145 job seeking engineers were surveyed to determine whether applicants who interviewed at Total Quality Management (TQM) organizations perceived any differences in the way they were recruited or selected as compared with those who interviewed at non-TQM firms. TQM firms were identified in two ways: “explicit TQM” (where applicants were specifically told that the firm was a TQM employer) and “inferred TQM” (where TQM was inferred on the basis of specific reported practices). Results showed that there were significant differences between TQM firms (regardless of classification) and non-TQM firms, and between explicit TQM firms and inferred TQM firms. For example, explicit TQM firms screened more stringently, whereas inferred TQM status was predictive of positive applicant reactions to the people met during the site visit. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Characterization of Arsenic Contamination on Rust from Ton Containers

The speciation and spatial distribution of arsenic on rusted steel surfaces affect both measurement and removal approaches. The chemistry of arsenic residing in the rust of ton containers that held the chemical warfare agents bis(2-chloroethyl)sulfide (sulfur mustard) and 2-chlorovinyldichloroarsine (Lewisite) is of particular interest, because while the agents have been decontaminated, residual arsenic could pose a health or environmental risk. The chemistry and distribution of arsenic in rust samples were probed using imaging secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Auger electron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX). Arsenic in the III and or V oxidation state is homogeneously distributed at the very topmost layer of the rust samples and is intimately associated with iron. Sputter depth profiling followed by SIMS and XPS shows As at a depth of several nanometers, in some cases in a reduced form. The SEM/EDX ...
Angiographic technics in assessing the patency of portacaval anastomoses.

Conventional tests to determine the patency of portacaval anastomoses (PCA) are indirect, inferential, and inaccurate. Superior mesenteric arteriography and percaval catheterization of the portal vein are two direct methods of evaluating shunt patency. Thirty-four patients who had had PCA constructed 6 months to 12 years previously had superior mesenteric arteriograms and portacavanastomosograms (shuntograms) which were compared with the results of esophagoscopy, esophagography, and ammonia tolerance tests (ATT). The two angiographic technics each established the correct diagnosis in 97% compared with 83% for esophagoscopy, 81% for barium contrast esophagography, and 71% for ATT's. The presence of aneurysms of the inferior vena cava was associated with patent shunts in 91% of the patients. Aneurysms were absent in patients with occluded or narrowed anastomoses.
The Defenders: A Case Study of an Informal Police Organization

The failure of law enforcement agencies in a Southern community to play their role to the satisfaction of Negroes results in the formation of a private organization to perform certain police duties. Because such an organization violates the dictates of traditional Southern mores which give a monopoly of power to whites, the issue becomes a wider one than merely the proper performance of the police role. It is translated into a confrontation between a force for social change opposed by counter-forces dedicated to maintaining traditional mores and the existing distribution of power. This confrontation results in a more satisfactory role performance by police, a redistribution of power, and a lessening of the authority of traditional mores in the community.
Relation between network structure and gas transport in crosslinked poly(propylene glycol diacrylate)

Abstract A series of crosslinked poly(propylene oxide) rubbers was prepared by UV photopolymerization of poly(propylene glycol) diacrylate (PPGDA) in the presence of varying amounts of poly(propylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate (PPGMEA). The polar ether oxygen linkages in the resulting copolymers interact favorably with CO 2 , imparting a high selectivity for CO 2 over light, non-polar gases as required for CO 2 separation applications. The introduction of mono-functional PPGMEA in the polymerization reaction mixture resulted in the insertion of short side branches along the copolymer network and a corresponding reduction in the effective crosslink density; the concentration of propylene oxide (PO) segments in the networks ranged from 60 to 85 wt.%, depending upon the initial reaction composition. The effect of PPGMEA content on the mass density, free volume, and viscoelastic relaxation properties of the polymer networks was studied, and these results were related to the gas transport performance of the rubbery films. Permeability measurements (35 °C) are reported for H 2 , N 2 , CH 4 , CO 2 , C 2 H 6 , and C 2 H 4 ; solubility and diffusivity data are presented for CH 4 , CO 2 , C 2 H 6 , and C 2 H 4 . The physical and gas transport characteristics of the crosslinked PPGDA polymers were compared with those obtained for rubbery networks based on poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate.
Intraerythrocytic precipitations of haemoglobins S and C.

HEINZ bodies—intraerythrocytic aggregations of denatured haemoglobin—are characteristically associated with the unstable haemoglobins (Hb), but not with other variants, such as Hbs S or C. In electron microscopy1, the initial Heinz body lesion consists of small precipitations of relatively unaltered haemoglobin. As these enlarge, coalesce and are fixed to erythrocyte membrane, they can be demonstrated by vital staining; eventually they lead to fragmentation of the cell. Precipitations of the unstable Hb Sabine—even those not visible in vital staining—are easily seen in dark field microscopy of unfixed erythrocytes, especially with illumination from a mercury burner2. We now report on such precipitations of Hbs S or C.
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with talc pleurodesis in the management of symptomatic hepatic hydrothorax.

Abstract OBJECTIVES: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with talc pleurodesis is a therapeutic option for patients with hepatic hydrothorax that is refractory to medical therapy. We report the outcomes of 15 patients who underwent this procedure for significantly symptomatic disease. METHODS: Data on 15 consecutive patients presenting to our institution between November, 1996, and June, 2000, with refractory hepatic hydrothorax was retrospectively collected. Baseline demographical and clinical characteristics and outcomes after the procedure were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of our cohort was 51.5 yr, and eight (53%) of the 15 patients were male. The etiologies of liver disease were hepatitis C virus and/or alcohol (n = 12) and cryptogenic cirrhosis (n = 3). Nine patients were Child-Pugh class C and six class B. Success defined as control of symptomatic hydrothorax in the first 30 days after the procedure was achieved in 11 of 15 patients (73%). Eight of these patients remained asymptomatic at a median follow-up of 5.5 months after the procedure, but three patients experienced symptomatic fluid reaccumulation 45, 61, and 62 days after the initial procedure. After a second VATS procedure, control was achieved in two of these three patients. Complications included pain around the chest tube site, low grade fever with leukocytosis, pleurocutaneous fistula and empyema, all of which responded to medical therapy. Four patients did not respond to the procedure. There were no procedure-related deaths. Overall mortality and baseline clinical characteristics were similar between responders and nonresponders to VATS with pleurodesis. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic hepatic hydrothorax can be controlled with a single VATS with pleurodesis in as many as 53% of patients and with two procedures in 73% with no procedure-related mortality. The procedure may be considered as a palliative alternative in patients needing frequent thoracocentesis. It also provides an alternative to transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts and is a bridge toward liver transplantation.
LaCl3:Ce coincidence signatures to calibrate gamma-ray detectors

Abstract Calibrating the gamma-ray detection efficiency of radiation detectors in a field environment is difficult under most circumstances. To counter this problem we have developed a technique that uses a Cerium doped Lanthanum-Tri-Chloride (LaCl 3 :Ce) scintillation detector to provide gated gammas (Guillot-Noel et al. (1999) [1] and van Loef et al. (2001) [2] ). Exploiting the inherent radioactivity of the LaCl 3 :Ce due to the long-lived radioactive isotope 138 La ( t 1/2 =1.06×10 11 yr) allows the use of the 788 and 1436 keV gammas as a measure of efficiency. In this paper, we explore the effectiveness of using the beta-gamma coincidences radiation LaCl 3 :Ce detector to calibrate the energy and efficiency of a number of gamma-ray detectors.
Development of a framework for assessing the benefits of airport surface traffic automation

Explores the nature and evaluation of the benefits that can be expected from increasing the level of automation of airfield surface traffic control, based on a study of the proposed FAA Airport Surface Traffic Automation (ASTA) program. The evolution of the ASTA concept is described, and supporting technology and implementation issues are discussed. The nature of the expected benefits are identified. Some of the critical issues that arise in attempting to assess the magnitude of these benefits are examined. The methodology and preliminary results of two analyses performed thus far are described. The first consists of a study of the pattern of taxi delays incurred by aircraft at Boston's Logan Airport during a busy period for which detailed movement data was available. The second consists of a review of data and previous findings on airfield traffic incidents from the NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System, and the development of two approaches to assess the potential for ASTA functions to reduce such incidents. The critical questions identified by the work to date and the nature of the continuing research required to quantify the benefits of increased automation of airfield surface movement control are discussed. >
Sensitivity Analysis of a Solar-Driven Chemical Heat Pump System

A new technique is devised to make quantitative estimates of the value of the three major components of a solar-driven chemical heat pump, i.e., the solar collector, the thermodynamic machine used to pump heat or cool (the chemical heat pump), and storage (assumed to be chemical). The analysis is based on the results of a TRNSYS simulation of a chemical heat pump system in a New York climate. For a typical system involving a solar-driven heat pump contributing 50% to the heating load, the analysis indicates that the chemical heat pump is worth about half the total system value. The solar collectors represent about one-third the system value and the remaining one-sixth system value is associated with storage. The results also confirm the importance of an all-year system capable of both winter heating and summer cooling. A formal approach based on differential analysis is developed to help indicate the most fruitful avenue to a higher value system. It is shown that the coefficient of performance is the most important parameter.
Distributed space-time codes in wireless relay networks

We apply the idea of space-time coding devised for multiple antenna systems to the communication over a wireless relay network. We use a two stage protocol, where in one stage the transmitter sends information and in the other, the relay nodes encode their received signals into a "distributed" linear dispersion code, and then transmit the coded signals to the receiver. We show that for high SNR the pairwise error probability (PEP) behaves as (log P/P)/sup min{T,R}/ with T the coherence interval, R the number of relay nodes and P the total transmit power. Thus, apart from the log P factor and assuming T/spl ges/R, the system has the same diversity as a multi-antenna system with R transmit antennas, which is the same as assuming that the R relay nodes can fully cooperate and have full knowledge of the transmitted signal. We further show that for a fixed total transmit power across the entire network, the optimal power allocation is for the transmitter to expend half the power and for the relays to collectively expend the other half. We also show that at low and high SNR, the coding gain is the same as that of a multi-antenna system with R antennas. At intermediate SNR, it can be quite different, which has implications for the design of distributed space-time codes.
Nutritional Habits & Knowledge in the Division I Collegiate Football Player

Objectives: Athlete’s nutritional habits and knowledge can directly affect their performance. The purpose of this study is to investigate the nutritional habits and knowledge of the Division I collegiate football player. Methods: The participants of this study are male Division I college football players at Utah State University. The athletes included 45 players ranging from 18-26 and include freshman through seniors. Results: Over eighty six percent of the athletes were unaware that a nutritionist was readily available to them. Sixty percent of the athletes were interested in meeting with the nutritionist. Forty percent of the athletes ate at a fast-food restaurant daily while 31.5% ate at these restaurants three to five days a week. Fifty one percent of the athletes answered “yes” to trying to “gain weight” while 40% answered “no”. Over forty six percent of the athletes rely on “strength coaches” for guidance and 25.5% for teammates &/or friends & family. Conclusion: Continued research on dietary interventions would be helpful to determine the ideal way to improve nutrition knowledge on an individual and team basis. Given the proper guidance, the team would be able to see the benefits of proper nutrition and dietary habits both on and off the field.
Assessment of a Probabilistic Scheme for Flood Prediction

This study presents the development of a probabilistic discharge prediction scheme based on an uncertainty framework called generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation ~GLUE!. By being explicit about a hydrologic model's parameter uncertainty, historical data is used adaptively on a storm-to-storm basis to derive ensembles of representative parameter sets, along with the corresponding likelihood weights of discharge prediction quantiles. The quantile with highest likelihood weight represents the most probable discharge hydrograph, with upper/lower uncertainty limits represented by the various upper/lower likelihood weight quantiles. On the basis of new data, the Bayesian theorem is used to update for the posterior representative parameter sets and likelihood weights of prediction quantiles. The probabilistic scheme is evaluated using 15 flood-inducing storms over a medium-sized watershed in northern Italy. The scheme's dis- charge predictions on the basis of its highest likelihood quantile are evaluated comparatively to the conventional single optimum parameter set prediction. It is observed that the two methods have comparable accuracy in terms of the overall hydrograph prediction, but the probabilistic scheme is subject to 50% less variability in time to peak error. The probabilistic scheme has an added value important to decision making and risk assessment, which is its ability to provide consistent assessment of uncertainty in such major flood parameters as peak runoff and time-to-peak. The procedure is simple in design, model-independent, and can be easily implemented in real-time for computationally efficient rainfall-runoff models. DOI: 10.1061/~ASCE!1084-0699~2005!10:2~141! CE Database subject headings: Floods; Predictions; Uncertainty analysis; Probabilistic methods; Decision making .
Foreshock Occurrence Rates before Large Earthquakes Worldwide

—Global rates of foreshock occurrence involving shallow M≥ 6 and M≥ 7 mainshocks and M≥ 5 foreshocks were measured, using earthquakes listed in the Harvard CMT catalog for the period 1978–1996. These rates are similar to rates ones measured in previous worldwide and regional studies when they are normalized for the ranges of magnitude difference they each span. The observed worldwide rates were compared to a generic model of earthquake clustering, which is based on patterns of small and moderate aftershocks in California, and were found to exceed the California model by a factor of approximately 2. Significant differences in foreshock rate were found among subsets of earthquakes defined by their focal mechanism and tectonic region, with the rate before thrust events higher and the rate before strike-slip events lower than the worldwide average. Among the thrust events a large majority, composed of events located in shallow subduction zones, registered a high foreshock rate, while a minority, located in continental thrust belts, measured a low rate. These differences may explain why previous surveys have revealed low foreshock rates among thrust events in California (especially southern California), while the worldwide observations suggest the opposite: California, lacking an active subduction zone in most of its territory, and including a region of mountain-building thrusts in the south, reflects the low rate apparently typical for continental thrusts, while the worldwide observations, dominated by shallow subduction zone events, are foreshock-rich.
Partial iterative decoding for binary turbo codes via cross-entropy based bit selection

Near-capacity performance of turbo codes is generally achieved with a large number of decoding iterations. Various iteration stopping rules introduced in the literature often induce performance loss. This paper proposes a novel partial decoding iteration scheme using a bit-level convergence test. We first establish decoding optimality of windowed partial iteration for non-converged bits given that convergence has been achieved on window boundaries. We next present two criteria for testing bit convergence based on cross-entropy, and propose a windowed partial iteration algorithm. The overall complexity and memory requirements of the new algorithm are evaluated and compared with known algorithms. Simulations reveal that the proposed scheme suffers essentially no performance loss compared to full iterations, while reducing the decoding complexity. We also briefly discuss possible extensions of the proposed scheme to general iterative receivers.
How should federal policy reflect recent research in the area of intrauterine exposure to environmental hazards

Abstract Present policy neither evaluates nor adequately protects the fetus from the effects of intrauterine exposure to environmental hazards. Some examples are intrauterine lead and methylmercury exposure and intrauterine PCB exposures. A sound policy based on a few basic principles can be developed to protect the fetus from harm from intrauterine exposures.
Oxygen and resuscitation: beyond the myth.

Perhaps nothing in medicine is more steeped in myth than oxygen. From its initial success in treating pulmonary tuberculosis to its failure in treating cholera, oxygen has fallen in and out of style. Only gradually did oxygen gain favor as a treatment for respiratory distress with even the likes of Osler doubting its effectiveness. But by the early 1900s, treatment of patients with pulmonary parenchymal disease was so convincing that a lack of appreciation for oxygen’s potentially harmful effects led to its eventual widespread acceptance.a We started using oxygen for resuscitation because it seemed like a good idea. Now we use it because we always have. The use of 100% oxygen in resuscitation is intuitively appealing. Maximizing the gradient driving oxygen into hypoxic cells may speed recovery. However, it is well known that long-term exposure to 100% oxygen is toxic. The proponents of oxygen therapy argue that toxicity simply does not occur during the short period of resuscitation. Although this may be true with respect to effects like fibrosis and pulmonary edema, the real concern is for reperfusion injury. In reperfusion injury, hypoxic cells appear to undergo metabolic changes that prime them to create free radicals when oxygen is reintroduced.1–3 Experimental resuscitation with 100% oxygen has been associated with a variety of concerning physiologic changes when compared with room air resuscitation. They include increased generation of oxygen radicals,4 decreased central nervous system sodium-potassium ATPase function,5 and decreased dopamine metabolism.6 Although there is no data on the safety or danger of short-term exposure to 100% oxygen, the reperfusion injury literature suggests that resuscitation from hypoperfusion states (ie, sudden cardiac arrest, hypovolemic, or distributive shock) is precisely the time when oxygen toxicity from free radicals is likely to occur. Given the potential harm of supplemental … Address correspondence to William Lefkowitz, MD, Department of Pediatrics, Room C-1066, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, MD 20814. E-mail: wlefkowitz{at}usuhs.mil
Process technology scaling in an increasingly interconnect dominated world

The RC delay and power restrictions imposed by the interconnect system can contribute to poor circuit performance in an increasingly severe manner as dimensions shrink. Resistances are increasing faster than the scale factor of the technology and capacitance improvements are constrained by mechanical requirements of the assembled stack. Collectively, these cause a bottleneck in both local and global information transfer on a chip. Novel deposition methods and novel conductor materials are being explored as means to increase conductive cross sectional area. Molecular ordering is an opportunity to simultaneously deliver capacitance and mechanical strength. Despite these improvement paths, a more holistic approach to interconnect design is needed, where the application and micro architecture are more tolerant of RC scaling constraints.
Survey of Academic Field Experiences (SAFE): Trainees Report Harassment and Assault

Little is known about the climate of the scientific fieldwork setting as it relates to gendered experiences, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. We conducted an internet-based survey of field scientists (N=666) to characterize these experiences. Codes of conduct and sexual harassment policies were not regularly encountered by respondents, while harassment and assault were commonly experienced by respondents during trainee career stages. Women trainees were the primary targets; their perpetrators were predominantly senior to them professionally within the research team. Male trainees were more often targeted by their peers at the research site. Few respondents were aware of mechanisms to report incidents; most who did report were unsatisfied with the outcome. These findings suggest that policies emphasizing safety, inclusivity, and collegiality have the potential to improve field experiences of a diversity of researchers, especially during early career stages. These include better awareness of mechanisms for direct and oblique reporting of harassment and assault and, the implementation of productive response mechanisms when such behaviors are reported. Principal investigators are particularly well positioned to influence workplace culture at their field sites.
Reciprocal Regulation of Endothelial Substrate Adhesion and Barrier Function

Objective:To examine how cell-substrate adhesion is regulated during barrier changes produced by exposure to inflammatory mediators. Methods:Lung microvascular endothelial monolayers were treated with test agents ± blockers, and barrier was measured by transendothelial resistance; cell-substrate adhesion was assessed by surface area conservation after trypsin treatment of monolayers. Protein phosphorylation and distribution were assayed by immunoblotting and fluorescent microscopy, respectively. Results:H2O2, histamine, bradykinin, and thrombin, decreased endothelial barrier function, and enhanced adhesion to the substratum. H2O2enhanced cell adhesion to the substrate in a concentration (0–1 mM)- and time (0–60 minutes)- dependent fashion. This effect of H2O2reversed within 120 minutes of removal of H2O2and was blocked by the mean arterial pressure (MAP) kinase inhibitor, PD98059 and by chelating cytoplasmic Ca2+but not PKC or PKG inhibition. H2O2also stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of several protein...
Asymptotic results in search theory

This article addresses a basic problem in search theory concerning the future distribution of a target's location. Given an initial distribution of a target's location and a distribution for its constant velocity, what will its future distribution be? Asymptotics are used to obtain closed-form solutions to that question. We also extend and generalize certain results from the classic search theory text by Koopman.
Selection for fenpropathrin and fenpropathrin + acephate resistance in the silverleaf whitefly (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae).

A large, genetically diverse pool of Bemisia argentifolii Bellows & Perring was collected in 1994 from different crops, and a mixed colony was established in the laboratory. Subsets of this colony were reared on cotton plants held in large Plexiglas cages, and adult whiteflies were selected for resistance to fenpropathrin and to fenpropathrin1acephate (1:5). Selection was per- formed by exposing adults to treated glass vials at doses sufficient to give 60—80% mortality. Thirteen generations of adult selection with fenpropathrin1acephate yielded 856.3- and 1,289.3-fold tolerance (using lethal concentration ratio), respectively, to fenpropathrin and to fenpropathrin1acephate, indicating additive genetic variation for resistance in the source population. Selection with fen- propathrin alone yielded only a 10.9-fold increase in tolerance to fenpropathrin at the end of the selection period. There was no significant change in tolerance to fenpropathrin1acephate in this strain. Contrary to expectations, the early onset and the magnitude of resistance attained on selection with fenpropathrin1acephate compared with fenpropathrin alone indicates that this mixture evi- dently possesses a high degree of selectivity for development of resistance in B. argentifolii. Estimates of realized heritability of resistance to fenpropathrin and to fenpropathrin1acephate in B. argen- tifolii (in the fenpropathrin1acephate-selected strain) showed that they were significantly higher in the first half of selection (six generations), in both instances. Rearing of the fenpropathrin1acephate-resistant strain under conditions free of insecticides for six generations did not result in any significant decline in resistance, indicating that resistance is fairly stable.