cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A General Mathematical Theory of Depreciation

In the older treatments of depreciation the cost, or “theoretical selling price” of the product of a machine, was conceived of as determined causally by the addition of a number of items of which depreciation is one. In other words, depreciation was first computed by some rather arbitrary formula not involving the theoretical selling price, which was then found by the addition of depreciation to operating costs and division by quantity of output. It will be shown in this paper that depreciation and theoretical selling price must be computed simultaneously from a pair of equations which are frequently a bit complicated. The differences in the results obtained from the arbitrary and mathematical formulae are often very large.
Effects of antihypertensive therapy on intrarenal angiotensin and bradykinin levels in experimental renal insufficiency.

Effect of antihypertensive therapy on intrarenal angiotensin and bradykinin levels in experimental renal insufficiency. Background Whereas angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin type 1 receptor antagonists have beneficial effects in the remnant model of renal failure, calcium channel blockers do not consistently improve renal disease in this model. This study examined whether these different means of blood pressure reduction have different effects on renal levels of angiotensin (Ang) and bradykinin peptides. Methods Rats subjected to five-sixths nephrectomy were divided into groups with similar hypertension and proteinuria at 4 to 5Weeks. They then received either no treatment, or enalapril, losartan or nifedipine for 2Weeks. Following repeat measurements of proteinuria and blood pressure, Ang II and bradykinin peptides were measured in the remnant kidney and renin, Ang II, and aldosterone were measured in the plasma. Results All three drugs had equivalent blood pressure-lowering effects. Enalapril and losartan reduced proteinuria but nifedipine did not. Reduction of proteinuria in rats treated with enalapril and losartan was associated with a reduction in Ang II levels in both the peri-infarct and intact portions of the remnant kidney. By contrast, nifedipine increased Ang II levels in the intact portion of the remnant kidney. Losartan reduced bradykinin levels in the peri-infarct portion of the remnant kidney while enalapril reduced bradykinin levels in the intact portion of the remnant kidney. Nifedipine had no effect on intrarenal bradykinin levels. Conclusions The differential effects of enalapril, losartan and nifedipine on proteinuria and intrarenal Ang II and bradykinin levels suggest that the ability of an antihypertensive to decrease proteinuria may depend on its ability to decrease kidney Ang II and bradykinin levels.
Comparative Study of Ride Quality Measuring Devices

State highway agencies (SHAs) in New England have an ongoing interest in providing the public with smoother rides. As an incentive to contractors, some SHAs include a bonus and penalty clause for new construction based on profile measurements and smoothness indices. These states are considering the use of high-speed profilers for profile measurements and quality control/quality assurance implementation. Therefore, an assessment of the accuracy and repeatability of these devices is essential. A comparative study of high-speed profilers owned by the New England SHAs was conducted in Worcester, Massachusetts. Two sites were profiled using the dipstick and the high-speed profiling devices. Statistical analysis of International Roughness Index measurements were used for evaluation of precision and bias, profiler speed, and sensor type. The repeatability for the profilers was good, especially for combined wheel paths (standard deviation between 0.016 and 0.079 m/km). The accuracy for the profilers varied depending on profiler type.
Spin-transfer excitations of permalloy nanopillars for large applied currents

Using measurements of the spectra of microwave-frequency resistance oscillations, we determine the roomtemperature phase diagram of magnetic excitations caused by torques from dc spin-polarized currents in thin permalloy/copper/thick permalloy multilayer samples. We extend the measurements to larger values of current than have been reported previously. We find several additional modes that we are able to identify with motion of the thick magnetic layer as well as the thin one. Peaks in the microwave spectra at multiple frequencies suggest that spatially nonuniform dynamical states can be important in some circumstances. We compare the experimental phase diagram with simple theoretical models and achieve a good qualitative agreement.
Imidazoline Receptor Agonist Drugs: A New Approach to the Treatment of Systemic Hypertension

The imidazoline receptors have recently been discovered to be involved in central nervous system control of blood pressure (I-1 receptor) and in neuroprotection for cerebral ischemia (I-2 receptor). A new class of central-acting antihypertensive agents has been developed, the imidazoline receptor agonists (rilmenidine and moxonidine), which control blood pressure effectively without the adverse effects of sedation and mental depression that are usually associated with central-acting antihypertensives. This new generation of central-acting antihypertensive agents are highly selective for the imidazoline receptor, while having a low affinity for alpha 2-adrenergic receptors.
Modeling the seasonal and interannual variability of the northern Gulf of California salinity

[1] The 7 years (2003–2009) of output from a regional version of the Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) nested in global HYCOM are used to study the seasonal and interannual variability of the salinity in the northern Gulf of California (NGOC). Previous studies illustrate that the NGOC is characterized by an annual evaporation of ∼0.9 m/yr. This evaporation generates high-sea-surface-salinity (SSS) water, which reaches a maxima in the NGOC (>37) and decreases to ∼35 toward the entrance of the Gulf of California. The NGOC surface water is interannually modulated by fluctuations in evaporation and by fluctuations in the low-salinity water transported into the region by poleward eastern boundary currents. The fluctuations in the transport of low-salinity water are linked to the arrival of equatorially originated coastally trapped waves. The crucial role of the transport of low-salinity water for the interannual variability of SSS is illustrated by the 2006 and 2008 fall seasons, which include the lowest simulated salinity of the period 2003–2009. The lowest salinity in 2006 and 2008 cannot be explained solely by evaporation because 2006 was characterized by the largest evaporation of the period 2003–2009. However, the presence of the lowest-salinity environment can be attributed to the evaporation in conjunction with the largest upper ocean transport of low-salinity water carried to the NGOC by the 2006 and 2008 coastally trapped waves intensified poleward eastern boundary currents.
Continuous wave dye laser excitation spectroscopy CaF A2Πr-X2Σ+☆

Abstract Excitation spectra for the CaF A 2 Π- X 2 Σ(0, 0), (1, 1), and (1, 0) bands have been observed and assigned. The rotational analysis of the CaF A - X and B - X bands by B. S. Mohanty and K. N. Upadhya [ Ind. J. Pure Appl. Phys. 5 , 523 (1967)] is shown to be incorrect. Because it is possible to make independent rotational assignments of each line in an excitation spectrum by observing frequency differences and relative intensities in photoluminescence spectra, tunable laser excitation spectroscopy promises less ambiguity than traditional techniques for assignment of dense, badly overlapped spectra. The following spectroscopic constants (in cm −1 ) are obtained for the CaF A 2 Π and X 2 Σ states. Numbers in parentheses correspond to three standard deviations uncertainty in the last digit. X 2 Σ A 2 Π ν 00 0 2 Π 1 2 16493.1(6) 2 Π 1 2 16565.6(6) Δ G( 1 2 ) 581.1(9) 2 Π 1 2 586.8(9) B e 0.3385(11) 0.3436(12) B e ( Ω = 3 2 ) − B 3 ( Ω = 1 2 ) — 0.00312(21) α 0.00255(48) 0.00283(45) D( estimated ) 4.44 × 10 −7 4.55 × 10 −7 γ(spin-spin) |γ| −3 — A 0 ( spin-orbit ) — 73.4(9) p( lambda doubling ) — −0.045(4) The origin of the A 2 Π 1 2 -X 2 Σ (1, 1) subband is measured 5.54(15) cm −1 to the blue of the corresponding (0, 0) subband origin. The (0, 0) band Q 2 head is observed to form at J = 26 ± 0.5. The difference of A 2 Π 1 2 and A 2 Π 3 2 effective rotational constants is 2B 2 A . The A 2 Π lambda doubling constant p agrees well with the pure precession estimate of the interaction between the A 2 Π and B 2 Σ states.
Acoustic correlates of breathy and clear vowels: the case of Khmer

Abstract This study investigates acoustic correlates of the putative breathy and clear phonation type contrast in a dialect of Khmer (Cambodian) spoken in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand. The goal is to determine whether this Khmer dialect still preserves this historical contrast. Out of seven acoustic parameters measured, four, namely * H 1 − * H 2 , * H 1 −A 1 , * H 1 − * A 3 , and vowel RMS amplitude successfully distinguished between breathy and clear vowels, with * H 1 − * H 2 measured at the beginning of the vowel being the most robust cue. However, the use of these cues varied from speaker to speaker. The * H 1 − * H 2 measurement obtained from male speakers’ production suggested that the contrast being realized may be that of a tense versus lax voice rather than a breathy versus clear voice. It is concluded that the historical breathy and clear phonation distinction in Khmer is preserved among female speakers, but this distinction may be disappearing or have become a tense versus lax distinction among male speakers.
The effect of twins on dechanneling a charged particle beam

Abstract We have used implanted and annealed Si to evaluate the influence of twin structures (extended defects) on dechanneling rates. Transmission electron microscopy measurements showed the presence of twins lying along {111} planes. Calculations and experimental measurements show that the primary contribution of twinned regions is an increase in the dechanneling rate. These results demonstrate that the standard method of analysis for isolated scattering centers imbedded in a perfect lattice tends to overestimate the amount of disorder at depth if twinned regions are present.
Bacterial molecular epidemiology based on a non-radioactive probe complementary to ribosomal RNA

Abstract The use of plasmid pKK3535 (a pBR322-derived plasmid containing a ribosomal RNA operon) is described for determining rRNA gene restriction patterns. The plasmid allowed the use of both radioactive as well as non-radioactive procedures and provided features that are necessary for the inclusion of internal and/or external standards that facilitate comparison of strains. The patterns generated are identical to those obtained by hybridization with 32 P-labelled rRNA.
Tetracyclines and the treatment of corneal stromal ulceration: a review.

Purpose To demonstrate the potential value of tetracyclines in the treatment of corneal ulceration after moderate to severe ocular chemical injuries. Methods Review of published materials describing landmarks in the development of tetracyclines as matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors in ophthalmology and related disciplines. Results Tetracyclines can protect the cornea against proteolytic degradation after moderate to severe ocular chemical injury. They inhibit matrix metalloproteinases by mechanisms independent of their antimicrobial properties, primarily through restriction of the gene expression of neutrophil collagenase and epithelial gelatinase, suppression of alpha1-antitrypsin degradation, and scavenging of reactive oxygen species. Conclusion Oral tetracyclines can be used along with topical tetracycline preparations and other therapeutic agents to inhibit collagenolytic degradation of the cornea after moderate to severe ocular chemical injuries.
Precision laser-ultrasonic velocity measurement and elastic constant determination

Abstract A laser-ultrasonic method to measure the acoustic velocities and the elastic constants of solid materials based on the crosscorrelation of successive echoes is presented. Measurements are performed in the thermoelastic regime or slight ablation regime, which permits simultaneous measurement of longitudinal shear velocities and an unlimited number of shots at the specimen. Diffraction corrections are calculated, and dispersion effects are evaluated by frequency analysis. The precision and accuracy of the technique are estimated in terms of sampling rate, thickness of the sample, signal-to-noise ratio, frequency bandwidth and laser-beam alignment. Examples of applications of the technique are given for PZT ceramic, metal-ceramic composites and single crystal germanium.
Why is the positron an ideal particle for studying surface structure

We show that because forward focusing does not occur in low-energy positron diffraction (LEPD), it is valid to use the linear method in LEPD to find the global minimum in situations where the method fails for low-energy electron diffraction (LEED). Low-energy e+ diffraction combines the advantages of high surface sensitivity, smooth and slowly varying scattering factor, and no forward focusing, making it a very attractive technique for studying surface structure.
Aquifer Analysis and Modeling in a Fractured, Heterogeneous Medium

A ground-water flow and contaminant transport modeling study was performed at a proposed low-level radioactive waste disposal site on the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge Reservation to assess the accuracy of a computer simulation of the flow field in the shallow water-table aquifer. The migration of a ground-water tracer, under controlled field conditions, was used as a comparative benchmark of solute transport simulations assuming different aquifer characteristics. A conventional approach to aquifer analysis and modeling, which assumed the domain to be homogeneous with low anisotropy, resulted in an inaccurate simulation of tracer migration. Alternative conceptual models were formulated which considered the effects of geologic heterogeneities on tracer migration which could be verified by additional data acquisition and analysis. Application of the alternative concepts in numerical modeling resulted in more accurate simulations of tracer migration. These results suggested that local geology created discrete flow pathways oriented oblique to the maximum gradient which were unresolved in conventional aquifer analysis. Results of the study showed that standard approaches to aquifer analysis and computer modeling are crudely representative of the flow field and provide nonconservative estimates of contaminant transport at the scale of a waste disposal unit. By adopting an iterative approach to site characterization, conceptual model formulation, and numerical modeling, the level of resolution provided by a ground-water tracer was accurately simulated.
At the Garden Gate: Community Building Through Food: Revisiting the Critique of “Food, Folk and Fun” in Multicultural Education

This essay takes up a re-evaluation of the ossified view of food events that have circulated in the canonical texts of multicultural education. While agreeing with the critique by progressive multiculturalists against a “touristic” approach to diversity, the author argues that such a conception of food-centered events in schools has obscured how such activities can foster multi-ethnic and multicultural community building. By looking at popular discourses such as newspapers which describe school gardens in particular, the author identifies how school-community partnerships centered on food are developing in multi-ethnic contexts to promote progressive ideals such as volunteerism, civic engagement and environmental awareness.
Crystallization-Induced Asymmetric Transformation vs Quasi-Racemate Formation in Tetravalent Boron Complexes

Crystallization-induced asymmetric transformation (AT) has been achieved with the salicaldimine complexes 8/9, 11/12, and 14a/15a and with the oxazaborolidinone complexes 22b/23b and 22c/23c. In the case of 22a and 23a, the initially formed 3:1 mixture of diastereomers crystallizes under equilibrium conditions to afford a quasi-racemate 24, containing both diastereomers in the unit cell. Enolate formation from ent-22b is demonstrated, and methylation occurs to give 26a. Aldol condensation of the enolate is also feasible, and hindered aldehydes afford adducts such as 27a or 27b with good diastereoselectivity. Factors that contribute to quasi-racemate formation are discussed.
Growth of polyoma virus in lungs of C3H mice and susceptibility of other host systems to infection.

A very useful model demonstrating the relationship of viruses and neoplasia has been derived from investigations of the polyoma virus of Stewart et al (1957). This work has been extended by Rowe et al (1960) who have shown that virus infection can precede tumor production and result in neoplastic change without the continued presence of the causative agent. Hemagglutination by polyoma virus was first noted by Eddy et al (1958), and subsequent work by Fogel and Sachs (1959) included details of adsorption and elution. Classical antibody can be formed which will specifically inhibit this phenomenon (Rowe et al, 1960), and the antigen-antibody system will fix complement (Rowe et al, 1958). Specific tissue culture cytopathogenicity has been observed after several successive passages (Eddy and Stewart, 1959). Dulbecco and Freeman (1959) as well as Wincour and Sachs (1959) have described plaque formation techniques with the virus. Therefore, besides its oncogenic capacities this agent has physical properties that are common to a wide variety of viruses that affect man, and it is interesting to speculate whether many of these could modify host cells in
Costs and benefits of bilingual education in Guatemala : a partial analysis

The benefits of compensatory bilingual education for a disadvantaged, poor indigenous population as an investment in human capital is significant. Students of bilingual schools in Guatemala have higher attendance and promotion rates and lower repetition and dropout rates. A very important finding is that bilingual students receive higher scores on all subject matters, including mastery of Spanish. The efficiency of bilingual education in Guatemala is confirmed by a crude cost-benefit exercise. A shift to bilingual schooling in Guatemala would result in considerable cost savings as a result of reduced repetition. The higher quality of education generating higher promotion rates will probably help students to completed the primary education cycle, and will substantially increase total educational levels at a lower cost. The costs savings due to bilingual education are equivalent to the cost of providing primary education to about 100,000 students per year.
BRAND USAGE AND GENDER AS MODERATORS OF THE POTENTIAL DECEPTION ASSOCIATED WITH PARTIAL COMPARATIVE ADVERTISING

Previous research (Barone and Miniard 1999) has demonstrated that brand usage can moderate the extent to which comparative ad information has the potential to deceive consumers. The current study extends that research by considering how gender interacts with brand usage to moderate the susceptibility of consumers to copy × copy interactions, a potentially deceptive effect associated with partial comparative advertising. Results from the present investigation indicate that, for comparison brand users, males were more susceptible than females. In contrast, for nonusers of the comparison brand, females exhibited greater evidence of this effect than did male nonusers. Implications of these findings for public policy and directions for future research are discussed.
Generic 3D face pose estimation using facial shapes

Generic 3D face pose estimation from a single 2D facial image is an extremely crucial requirement for face-related research areas. To meet with the remaining challenges for face pose estimation, suggested Murphy-Chutorian et al. [13], we believe that the first step is to create a large corpus of a 3D facial shape database in which the statistical relationship between projected 2D shapes and corresponding pose parameters can be easily observed. Because facial geometry provides the most essential information for facial pose, understanding the effect of pose parameters in 2D facial shapes is a key step toward solving the remaining challenges. In this paper, we present necessary tasks to reconstruct 3D facial shapes from multiple 2D images and then explain how to generate 2D projected shapes at any rotation interval. To deal with self occlusions, a novel hidden points removal (HPR) algorithm is also proposed. By flexibly changing the number of points in 2D shapes, we evaluate the performance of two different approaches for achieving generic 3D pose estimation in both coarse and fine levels and analyze the importance of facial shapes toward generic 3D pose estimation.
ENSO's impact on the annual cycle: The view from Galápagos

UHF profiler observations of lower tropospheric winds at San Cristobal in Ecuador's Galapagos Islands commenced in October 1994. The available data give a detailed picture of the lower troposphere‧s annual cycle over this portion of the East Pacific cold tongue. The profiler tracks the low-level southerly wind maximum from its weakest state in austral summer, when it may briefly rise above 1 km, to its strongest state mid-year, when it is often found below 400 m. The profiler operated during much of the 1997–98 El Nino and gives us an unprecedented look at dramatic changes in the flow over the cold tongue during a warm event. The seasonal deepening of the low-level flow was enhanced as the ITCZ moved into the Southern Hemisphere for a few months and the lower tropospheric winds became northerly.
Parenting by Cell Phone: Parental Monitoring of Adolescents and Family Relations

Cellular phones provide a means for parents to monitor and request information about whereabouts, associates, and current activities from adolescents. Simultaneously, adolescents can communicate with parents to inform them of activities and to solicit support or they can also choose to nondisclose. The frequency, duration, and nature of calls may relate to parents’ and to adolescents’ perceptions of truthfulness and family relationships. 196 dyads (13% father–son, 11% father–daughter, 30% mother–son, and 46% mother–daughter) completed a questionnaire indicating cell phone use, their truthfulness of activities, the nature of their calls to one another, and family relationships. The parents were, on average, 45.38 years old (SD = 6.35) and were 83% Euroamerican, 9% Asian American, 3% Latino, 3% African American, 2% Mixed ethnicity, and 1% American Indian. The adolescents were, on average, 16.25 years old (SD = 1.17) and were 77% Euroamerican, 9% Asian American, 4% Latino, 3% African American, 8% Mixed ethnicity, and .5% American Indian. Correlational analyses revealed that parents who called more frequently reported less truthfulness when speaking to their adolescents via cell phone. Greater frequency in parental calls also was associated with less adolescent-reported truthfulness. From multiple regression analyses, for parents, calls when upset were associated with less parental knowledge and poorer family relations. For adolescents, the same was true; however, adolescents who made calls seeking social support and to ask and confer with parents reported greater perceived parental knowledge and better family relationships.
Theoretical approach to the excitonic response of GaAs nanomembranes in the averaged-strain approximation

GaAs nanomembranes are thin crystalline GaAs semiconductor structures that can be bent or otherwise elastically deformed from their natural shape. We present a microscopic theory of the linear optical response of such deformed structures. Our approach combines conventional structural analysis (based on the theory of elasticity), the valence band Hamiltonians (Luttinger and Pikus–Bir) for III–V semiconductors, and the semiconductor Hamiltonian including Coulomb interaction. We formulate the general equation of motion for the interband polarization for thin elastically deformed nanomembranes. A simple limiting case results from the single-subband approximation and the averaged-strain approximation. Within this approximation scheme, we present numerical results for excitonic spectra for a cylindrically deformed membrane.
A structured approach for customised production in SME collaborative networks

This research aims to provide a model for SMEs to address needs and expectations of specific target groups – such as elderly, obese, disabled, or diabetic persons – to customise functional and fashionable clothes and footwear of high quality, affordable price and eco-compatible. This will be achieved by the development of a new framework for the textile, clothing and footwear industry (TCFI) based on methods and tools for (co-)design, development, configuration, production, and distribution of small order quantities in collaborative networks. The aim of this paper is to describe the reference model depicting its structure and the related tools for collaborative networks enabling products to stay as long as possible digital in order to be produced on-demand.
Bilaterality of idiopathic macular holes

• Background: There has been wide variation in estimates of the incidence of bilateral idiopathic macular holes in the literature. This report of a large series of patients with macular holes provides further information regarding incidence of bilaterality, interval between onset in the first and the second eye, and visual outcome. • Methods: A retrospective chart review was done of 550 patients with idiopathic macular holes examined at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between 1968 and 1994. The incidence of bilaterality was estimated from 365 patients in whom the fellow eye was normal at the initial examination. The rate of onset in the fellow eye was evaluated by survival analysis. Mean follow-up was 31 months (median 17 months). • Results: Patients with incomplete macular holes (stage 1, aborted stage 1, lamellar) or full-thickness holes had a 19% incidence of bilaterality at 48 months follow-up. In the subset of 32 patients with full-thickness macular holes in the first eye, 13% developed full-thickness holes in the fellow eye within 48 months. The median interval between the onset in the first and in the second eye was 17.5 months. Visual acuity was excellent and stable in eyes with aborted stage 1 and lamellar holes. The visual acuity in the first eye with full-thickness macular hole decreased to 20/200 or worse in 79% of cases within 36 months' follow-up. • Conclusions: The incidence of bilaterality and poor visual function in the majority of full-thickness idiopathic macular holes by 3 years' duration should be considered when advising patients and planning management.
In Brief: Fractures in Brief: Intertrochanteric Hip Fractures

Intertrochanteric (IT) femur fractures comprise approximately ½ of all hip fractures caused by a low-energy mechanism such as a fall from standing height. These fragility hip fractures occur in a characteristic population with risk factors including increasing age, female gender, osteoporosis, a history of falls, and gait abnormalities [3]. Surgery is almost always the recommended treatment as the morbidity and mortality associated with nonoperative treatment historically have been high. Patients often have preexisting comorbidities that dictate the ultimate outcome.
A TRAIL to Chinese herbal medicine

Comment on Fas et al, page [3700][1] With apoptosis-targeting therapies coming of age, the report by Li-Weber and colleagues provides a novel molecular rationale for the evaluation of substances derived from traditional medicinal herbs in combination with biologicals to achieve a better response
Cardiovascular effects of dopexamine HCI in conscious and halothane‐anaesthetised horses

The cardiovascular effects of serial increasing infusions of dopexamine HCl were investigated in six conscious (1, 2, 4, 6, 10 micrograms/kg bodyweight [bwt]/min) and eight (0.5, 1, 5, 10, 20 micrograms/kg bwt/min) halothane-anaesthetised horses. Dopexamine produced dose-dependent increases in heart rate, +dP/dtmax' -dP/dtmax and cardiac output, and a decrease in systemic vascular resistance in conscious and halothane-anaesthetised horses. Mean arterial blood pressure did not change in conscious horses but increased to a maximum value at 10 micrograms/kg bwt/min in halothane-anaesthetised horses. Thereafter, median artery blood flow decreased. Ventricular arrhythmias occurred in two conscious horses during the infusion of 10 micrograms/kg bwt/min dopexamine HCl. No cardiac arrhythmias other than sinus tachycardia were observed in halothane-anaesthetised horses. The administration of propanolol eliminated the haemodynamic response to the infusion of 5 and 10 micrograms/kg bwt/min dopexamine HCl in halothane-anaesthetised horses. The haemodynamic effects of dopexamine HCl offer specific advantages over dopamine and dobutamine for the treatment of low cardiac output states in horses.
Observation of the Grand Canyon wall structure with an airborne imaging radar

The paper reports on radar images of the Grand Canyon region obtained with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory L-band (25 cm wavelength) airborne synthetic aperture radar in order to determine the capability of such a system to observe wall stratifications compared with optical sensors. Comparisons are made between these and Landsat images of the same area. Finally, it is noted that the observations do not furnish any new information on the geology of the Grant Canyon, rather, they add to the data base which is required in the interpretation of radar images from unknown remote regions such as the surface of Venus.
Reliability of a staging assessment system for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

Introduction: A staging system for the assessment of severity of disease and response to the therapy in recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) was proposed several years ago. It includes both a subjective functional assessment of clinical parameters and an anatomic assessment of disease distribution. The anatomic score can then be used in combination with the functional score to measure an individual patient's clinical course and response to the therapy over time. In using this system, it would be of benefit to know what level of variability can be expected from one surgeon to another in the assessment of an RRP patient and the assignment of a score. Design: Ten videotaped recordings of endoscopic assessments of patients with RRP were reviewed by 15 pediatric otolaryngologists and scored based on the criteria of the staging assessment system. Results: Analysis was conducted for 15 raters of scoring severity over 25 sites of 10 patients. The total score is the addition of scores over the 25 sites with a score equal to or greater than 20 representing high risk. For 8/10 (80%) of the subjects, there was a complete agreement about risk categorization (low risk) and agreement by 14/15 (93%) raters for categorization of one other patient. For 9/10 (90%) of subjects, the standard errors of the mean total scores were less than 1, meaning a low variance and subsequent high reliability of the total score. Conclusions: This staging system was able to achieve agreement by 15 pediatric otolaryngologists on 9 of 10 subjects in terms of degree of severity of RRP.
Target-Hardening Decisions Based on Uncertain Multiattribute Terrorist Utility

We present a game-theoretic model to explore how uncertainty about terrorist preferences can affect optimal resource allocations for infrastructure protection. We consider a dynamic game with incomplete information, in which the defender chooses how to allocate her defensive resources, and then an attacker chooses which target to attack according to a multiattribute utility function. Our model constructs a prior distribution representing both defender uncertainty about the attacker weights on the various attributes in the attacker utility function and also defender ignorance about unobserved attributes that may be important to the attacker but have not been identified by the defender. The incorporation of unobserved attributes is a novel feature of our model and allows every target to have a positive prior probability of being attacked when the defender is sufficiently uncertain about the attacker preferences. In a dynamic environment, the defender then has an opportunity to jointly update her knowledge about both the attribute weights and unobserved attributes in a Bayesian manner, based on actual (or attempted) attacks observed in a previous period of the game. In general, defender uncertainty has a greater impact on defensive resource allocations in our model than in much of the previous work.
Analytical derivation of at-a-station hydraulic–geometry relations

This paper uses generalized expressions for both cross-section geometry and hydraulics (generalization of the Chezy and Manning relations) to derive explicit equations for the exponents and coefficients in the power-law at-a-station hydraulic-geometry relations. The exponents are shown to depend only on the depth exponent in the hydraulic relation (p) and the exponent that reflects the form of the cross-section (r). The coefficients depend on p and r, but also on the slope exponent in the generalized hydraulic relation and on the physical characteristics of the section: bankfull width, bankfull maximum depth, hydraulic conductance, and slope. The theoretical ranges of coefficient and exponent values derived herein are generally consistent with the averages and individual observed values reported in previous studies. However, observed values of the exponents at particular cross-sections commonly fall outside the theoretical ranges. In particular, the observed value of the velocity exponent m is commonly greater than the theoretical value, suggesting that hydraulic conductance often increases more strongly with discharge than predicted by the assumed hydraulic relations. The developments presented here provide new theoretical insight into the ways in which hydraulic and geometric factors determine hydraulic geometry. This insight should help to explain the variation of at-a-station hydraulic geometry and may facilitate prediction of hydraulic geometry at river reaches where detailed measurements are unavailable.
Reputation and Interstate Conflict

In international politics, states learn from the behavior of other nations, including the reputations states form through their actions in the international system. This article presents a model of how states process this information and examines how this learning affects international conflict. The model builds off of cognitive balance theory and foreign policy learning models and breaks new ground in its ability to provide a contextual assessment of reputation in world politics. The article then investigates whether a dyad is more likely to experience conflict if at least one state has a reputation for hostility. This hypothesis is tested empirically across all dyads in the international system from 1817 to 2000. The results indicate that states do engage in this learning behavior and that the information generated by extra-dyadic interaction of states has a significant bearing upon the likelihood of dyadic conflict.
Theory of the free-electron laser based upon a coaxial hybrid wiggler

Abstract A 3D nonlinear FEL formulation based upon a Coaxial Hybrid Iron (CHI) wiggler is described. The CHI wiggler is created by insertion of a central rod and an outer ring (composed of alternating ferrite and nonferrite spacers) along the axis of a solenoidal. Relatively high field strengths can be achieved with the CHI wiggler at shorter wiggler periods than is possible in many other conventional wiggler designs. The formulation is a slow-time-scale analysis of the interaction of an annular electron beam with the CHI wiggler in a coaxial waveguide. Simulations are presented for W-band operation. The results indicate that operation over a wide bandwidth is practical, and that the uniform- and tapered-wiggler bandwidths are comparable.
Elevated defibrillation thresholds in patients undergoing biventricular defibrillator implantation: Incidence and predictors

Background The biventricular implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is an important therapy for select patients with severe heart failure. Given reported risk factors for elevated defibrillation thresholds (DFTs), patients undergoing biventricular ICD placement would be suspected of having a higher incidence of elevated DFT. Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical predictors and mortality risk of elevated DFTs in patients receiving a biventricular ICD. Methods Characteristics of patients undergoing biventricular ICD placement with an elevated DFT were compared to those without an elevated DFT. Results An elevated DFT was found in 14 (12%) of 121 patients. Mean QRS duration was 210 ± 50 ms in the elevated DFT group and 171 ± 36 ms in the normal DFT group ( P = .01). Patients with a QRS duration ≥200 ms were more likely to have an elevated DFT than those with a duration P Conclusion Patients with a biventricular ICD had a 12% incidence of elevated DFT in our sequential patient cohort. QRS duration prior to biventricular ICD placement is the most powerful predictor of patients at risk for an elevated DFT. An elevated DFT does not have an impact on mortality, perhaps because of successful implementation of system modifications to ensure an adequate defibrillation safety margin.
Involvement of de Novo Ceramide Biosynthesis in Tumor Necrosis Factor-α/Cycloheximide-induced Cerebral Endothelial Cell Death

Cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), may elicit cytotoxic response through the sphingomyelin-ceramide signal transduction pathway by activation of sphingomyelinases and the subsequent release of ceramide: the universal lipid second messenger. Treatment of bovine cerebral endothelial cells (BCECs) with TNF-alpha for 16 h followed by cycloheximide (CHX) for 6 h resulted in an increase in ceramide accumulation, DNA fragmentation, and cell death. Application of a cell permeable ceramide analogue C2 ceramide, but not the biologically inactive C2 dihydroceramide, also induced DNA laddering and BCEC death in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. TNF-alpha/CHX-mediated ceramide production apparently is not a result of sphingomyelin hydrolysis because sphingomyelin content does not decrease in this death paradigm. In addition, an acidic sphingomyelinase inhibitor, desipramine, had no effect on TNF-alpha/CHX-induced cell death. However, addition of fumonisin B1, a selective ceramide synthase inhibitor, attenuated TNF-alpha/CHX-induced intracellular ceramide elevation and BCEC death. Together, these findings suggest that ceramide plays at least a partial role in this paradigm of BCEC death. Our results show, for the first time, that ceramide derived from de novo synthesis is an alternative mechanism to sphingomyelin hydrolysis in the BCEC death process initiated by TNF-alpha/CHX.
The Inland Niger Delta before the Empire of Mali: Evidence from Jenne-Jeno*

The dates and circumstances of early references to Jenne have led historians to conclude that the city originated relatively late in time. It is widely believed that the city developed simultaneously with Timbuktu in the mid-thirteenth century as an artifact of trans-Saharan trade. Persistent oral traditions of the foundation of Jenne in the eighth century are generally discounted.Recent archaeological excavations at the ancestral site of Jenne-jeno have established that iron-using and manufacturing peoples were occupying the site in the third century B.C. The settlement proceeded to grow rapidly during the first millennium a.d., reaching its apogee between a.d. 750 and 1100, at which time the settlement exceeded 33 hectares (82 acres) in size. The archaeological data are supported by the results of site survey within a 1,100-square-kilometre region of Jenne's traditional hinterland. During the late first millennium a.d., several nearby settlements comparable in size to Jenne-jeno existed, and the density of rural settlements may have been as great as ten times the density of villages in the hinterland today.Evidence from excavation and survey indicates that Jenne participated in inter-regional exchange relations far earlier than previously admitted. The stone and iron in the initial levels at Jenne-jeno were imported from outside the Inland Delta; levels dated to c.a.d. 400 yield copper, presumably from distant Saharan sources. The importance of the abundant staple products of Jenne's rural hinterland, including rice, fish and fish oil, is examined in a reassessment of the extent of inter-regional commerce and the emergence of urbanism during the first millennium a.d. Jenne-jeno may have been a principal participant in the founding of commercial centres on the Saharan contact zone of the Bend of the Niger, rather than a product of the luxury trade serviced by those centres.
Transcription rate of noncoding roX1 RNA controls local spreading of the Drosophila MSL chromatin remodeling complex

The dosage compensation complex in Drosophila is composed of at least five MSL proteins and two noncoding roX RNAs that bind hundreds of sites along the single male X chromosome. The roX RNAs are transcribed from X-linked genes and their RNA products "paint" the male X. The roX RNAs and bound MSL proteins can spread in cis from sites of roX transcription, but the mechanism controlling spreading is unknown. Here we find that cis spreading from autosomal roX1 transgenes is coupled to the level of roX transcription. Low to moderate transcription favors, and vigorous transcription abolishes local spreading. We constructed a roX1 minigene one third the size of wild type as a starting point for mutagenesis. This allowed us to test which evolutionarily conserved motifs were required for activity. One short repeat element shared between roX1 and roX2 was found to be particularly important. When all copies were deleted, the RNA was inactive and unstable, while extra copies seem to promote local spreading of the MSL complex from sites of roX1 synthesis. We propose that assembly of the MSL proteins onto the extreme 3' region of elongating roX1 transcripts determines whether the MSL complex spreads in cis.
Molecular Basis of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration and Herniations: What Are the Important Translational Questions?

Intervertebral disc degeneration is a common condition with few inexpensive and effective modes of treatment, but current investigations seek to clarify the underlying process and offer new treatment options. It will be important for physicians to understand the molecular basis for the pathology and how it translates to developing clinical treatments for disc degeneration. In this review, we sought to summarize for clinicians what is known about the molecular processes that causes disc degeneration. A healthy disc requires maintenance of a homeostatic environment, and when disrupted, a catabolic cascade of events occurs on a molecular level resulting in upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, increased degradative enzymes, and a loss of matrix proteins. This promotes degenerative changes and occasional neurovascular ingrowth potentially contributing to the development of pain. Research demonstrates the molecular changes underlying the harmful effects of aging, smoking, and obesity seen clinically while demonstrating the variable influence of exercise. Finally, oral medications, supplements, biologic treatments, gene therapy, and stem cells hold great promise but require cautious application until their safety profiles are better outlined. Intervertebral disc degeneration occurs where there is a loss of homeostatic balance with a predominantly catabolic metabolic profile. A basic understanding of the molecular changes occurring in the degenerating disc is important for practicing clinicians because it may help them to inform patients to alter lifestyle choices, identify beneficial or harmful supplements, or offer new biologic, genetic, or stem cell therapies.
Second-order Rytov approximation

We obtain an explicit and useful formulation of the solution for the second-order Rytov approximation for an arbitrary source geometry. From this solution a condition of validity for the Rytov solution is obtained. We conclude that both the Born and the Rytov approximations have the same domain of validity.
Renal cystic disease associated with orofaciodigital syndrome.

Three families affected by the rare genetic disorder orofaciodigital syndrome, type I (OFD-1) were screened by computed tomography (CT) to determine the presence of cysts in the kidneys and liver, an association known to occur but not previously described in the radiologic literature. Renal cystic changes in four females with oral, facial, and digital malformations were variable and not distinguishable from other inherited cystic kidney diseases. One patient had biliary ectasia and hepatic cysts. “Polycystic” kidneys occurring only in female members of a family should suggest OFD-1, an X-linked dominant disorder that is lethal in utero in males. Patients known to have the syndrome should be screened for cystic renal disease.
A note on secondary flow of a non-Newtonian fluid in a non-circular pipe

If an incompressible Newtonian fluid of viscosity 1/2 flows in a straight pipe of uniform non-circular cross-section under a constant pressure gradient P, then, unless the velocity is so large that the flow becomes turbulent, each fluid particle moves down the tube in a rectilinear path with velocity v 3 which depends on its position on the transverse cross-section and is given by the solution of the equation:
Lead-acid battery energy-storage systems for electricity supply networks

Abstract This paper examines the development of lead–acid battery energy-storage systems (BESSs) for utility applications in terms of their design, purpose, benefits and performance. For the most part, the information is derived from published reports and presentations at conferences. Many of the systems are familiar within the energy-storage community; others have appeared in numerous tabulations of such systems, but little is known about them beyond the basic descriptive parameters such as energy and power ratings. As a consequence, some are simply cited without comment while others are described in appreciable detail. It is found that a progression in the maturity and applications of battery energy-storage is evident in these systems.
Salience of race in young children's cognitive, affective, and behavioral responses to social environments

Abstract Children's cognitive, affective, and behavioral responses to racial differnces were analyzed to assess the salience of race in each process and the extent to which racial responses are related across dimensions. The subjects were 41 preschool and kindergarten children in racially integrated classrooms. The measures included children's categorizations of themselves and others, their same- and cross-race friendship choices, and their racial contact patterns. The results showed that race was a factor when the children categorized people and chose friends, although its salience varied across tasks and across dimensions. Children's racial self-categorizations and their explicit references to race were correlated with their affective and behavioral preferences. Black and white subjects showed similar levels of racial salience on the cognitive tasks but differed in their affective and behavioral patterns. White children showed stronger and more consistent same-race preferences than their black peers did.