cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Roll oscillation modulated turning in dynamic millirobots

As we seek to develop more maneuverable legged robots, we need to understand the dynamics of legged turning in an approachable fashion. In this work, we analyze the dynamic turning motion of a dynamic hexapedal millirobot. We explore a family of phase locked turning gaits where all legs of the robot move at the same speed. These gaits are highly periodic, allowing the vertical height and roll angle of the robot to be approximated by single harmonic sinusoidal functions. We demonstrate that oscillations in height and roll angle determine the robot’s turning behavior. The phase between these oscillations (and therefore the turning behavior) was modulated by the phase between the left and right sets of legs. A simple model using compliant leg forces was shown to match turning behavior for a range of 5Hz turning gaits. Based on the finding that roll oscillations are major determinants of turning behavior, we modified the robot to create a new high speed turning gait (forward velocity: 0.4 m/s, turn rate 206◦/s).
A model of surfactant-induced surface tension effects on the parenchymal tethering of pulmonary airways.

We developed a computational model of lung parenchyma, which is comprised of individual alveolar chamber models. Each alveolus is modeled by a truncated octahedron. Considering the force balance between the elastin and collagen fibers laying on the alveolar membrane and the pressures acting on the membrane, we computed the deformations of the parenchyma with a finite element method. We focused on the effect of surfactant on the force of parenchymal tethering an airway. As the lung inflates, the parenchyma becomes stiffer and the tethering force becomes stronger. As the alveolar surfactant concentration is reduced, the lung volume at a fixed alveolar pressure decreases, and thus, the tethering force becomes weaker. The distortion of parenchyma caused by the deformation of an airway extends widely around the airway. The displacement of parenchyma decays with distance from the airway wall, but deviates from the prediction based on a theory for a continuum material. Using results obtained from the present lung parenchyma model, we also developed a simple 1-dimensional model for parenchyma tethering force on an airway, which could be utilized for the analysis of liquid/gas transports in an axis-symmetric elastic airway. The effective shear modulus was calculated from the pressure–volume relation of parenchyma. By manipulating the pressure–volume curve, this simple model may be used to predict the parenchyma tethering force in diseased lungs.
Interlaboratory measurement comparison to determine the attenuation and bandwidth of graded-index optical fibers

An interlaboratory measurement comparison was conducted by the National Bureau of Standards in cooperation with the Electronic Industries Association. Participants included NBS and nine optical fiber and cable manufacturers. Four graded-index fibers having lengths of 2, 2, 2, and 0.9 km were used. Measurements of attenuation at 850 nm, using both beam optics and mode filter approaches to achieve a restricted launch, gave one standard deviation spreads of 0.24, 0.12, 0.12, and 0.43 dB/km for an overall average of 0.23 dB/km. Best measurement agreement was obtained for a fiber having little differential mode attenuation. Measurements of -3-dB bandwidth from time domain acquired data at 90 nm gave an average one standard deviation spread of 12% with poorer agreement on the higher frequency portion of the frequency response.
Distribution of precision UHF and timing signals with fiber optic transmission lines

Previous experiments have shown that fiber-optic technology is capable of UHF (5 MHz) signal transmission having a single-sideband phasenoise of - 120 dBc/Hz in a one Hertz bandwidth. These experiments also demonstrated that radar chirp signals distributed by these fiber-optic links meet system requirements with respect to flatness and stability. The major drawback of a fiber-optic system appears to be the high insertion loss. This paper reports on progress made in the developments of fiber-optic links as well as the adaptation of fiber optics for the transmission of precise timing pulses (1 pps) and 5-MHz UHF signals generated by an atomic hydrogen maser over distances of several thousand feet. A fiber-optic system which transmits these precision time and frequency signals from an atomic frequency standards laboratory to a satellite tracking station has been implemented. This system will play an active part in the tracking of spacecraft. Details on its performance are presented and comparisons between systems using laser diode and LED sources are briefly discussed.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Semiparametric maximum likelihood estimation of polychotomous and sequential choice models

Abstract This article considers semiparametric estimation of discrete choice models. The estimation method is a semiparametric maximum likelihood method which generalizes Klein and Spady (1993) to the estimation of polychotomous choice and sequential choice models. Special emphasis is on the estimation of models with indices of which the density function is not bounded away from zero, issues on trimming indices, the correction of asymptotic bias, and issues of negative kernel density estimation. A semiparametric efficiency bound is derived for the polychotomous choice model with index restrictions. Our estimator is shown to be √n-consistent, asymptotically normal, and almost asymptotically efficient. Monte Carlo experiments are provided to evaluate the finite-sample performance of the estimator.
Outcome-Asset Impact Model: Linking Outcomes and Assets.

Abstract Two shifts are occurring in the delivery of health and human services. First, pressures for accountability increasingly focus on the benefits individuals receive as a result of program interventions. Second, interventions are increasingly framed within the context of the strengths that are built in individuals, rather than focusing on the deficits ameliorated. Visualizing ‘healthy’ individuals allows practitioners to better articulate the positive statuses and conditions they seek with and within their clients. Combining elements of both trends—client-centered outcomes and asset orientations—within a systems approach provides a powerful way to understand, plan and evaluate program interventions. This article introduces the Outcome–Asset Impact Model (OAIM), a tool that can be used to enact this approach, and articulates its application through three case studies.
Intrathecal GABA, glycine, taurine or beta-alanine elicits dyskinetic movements in mice

Dyskinetic, writhing-like movements, similar to those produced in mice after an intraperitoneal (IP) injection of acetic acid, were elicited by intrathecal (IT) injection of GABA, glycine, taurine or beta-alanine. Baclofen and muscimol failed to produce this behavior. While acetic acid-induced writhing is inhibited by narcotic and nonnarcotic compounds, GABA-induced writhing was found to be insensitive to pretreatment with either morphine or capsaicin. Moreover, acetic acid-induced writhing does not appear to involve GABAergic transmission as IT injections of nipecotic acid did not alter the intensity of response to IP acetic acid while it enhanced the response to IT GABA. Writhing induced by glycine was not inhibited by strychnine at subconvulsive doses, suggesting that it involves an action at strychnine-insensitive receptors. Together these data suggest that while the dyskinetic movements produced by inhibitory amino acids do not appear to reflect an alteration in nociception, they may mimic either the motor response to abdominal pain or spasticity.
Purification and properties of Cauliflower mosaic virus.

STRAINS of cauliflower mosaic virus occur very commonly throughout North America and Europe. Previous attempts to determine the morphology of the virus1, and to obtain an antiserum to it2, were unsuccessful. Following the recent purification of cucumber mosaic virus3, an attempt was made to purify cauliflower mosaic virus using similar procedures.
Switching asthma patients to a once-daily inhaled steroid improves compliance and reduces healthcare costs.

Abstract Objective: To determine the costs and consequences of switching asthma patients, managed in primary care, from a twice-daily inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), to either a once-daily or another twice-daily ICS. Design: This was a case-control study based on an interrogation of the General Practice Research Database in the UK, for patients with a Read code of asthma who were managed between 1990 and 2001, and who had received at least two prescriptions for a twice-daily ICS within 12 months, before switching to a once-daily ICS (cases) or another twice-daily ICS (controls). Data on resource use was collected for one year before and after the switch. Patients were stratified according to whether their treatment step had been stepped up, stepped down or remained unchanged. Setting: A modelling study performed from the perspective of the UK's National Health Service (NHS). Main outcome measures: Compliance with ICS, and the cost of drug and non-drug resource use, for the year before and after the switch. Results: Switching patients managed in primary care to a once-daily ICS increased compliance and reduced NHS costs, irrespective of whether patients’ treatment had been stepped up or down. Switching patients to another twice-daily ICS increased compliance to a lesser extent, and increased NHS costs. We believe that this paper offers the first documented association between compliance in asthma and NHS management costs. Conclusions: Compliance and management costs among patients with asthma managed in primary care appear to be related to both changing treatment and dosing regimen. Within the limitations of our study, the results suggest that patients who are switched to a once-daily ICS rather than another twice-daily preparation are better compliers with their ICS medication. Additionally, patients who become high-compliers after being switched to a once-daily ICS incur lower management costs than patients who become high-compliers after being switched to another twice-daily ICS. These findings should now be investigated further under more controlled conditions.
Pinch-off syndrome: A rare etiology for central venous catheter occlusion

Background: Catheter pinch-off syndrome is a rare and often misdiagnosed complication of tunneled Silastic central venous catheters. Pinch-off syndrome occurs when the catheter is compressed between the first rib and the clavicle, causing an intermittent mechanical occlusion for both infusion and withdrawal. We report its incidence in a large series of catheter insertions and describe the clinical presentation, radiographic findings, and recommended treatment. Methods: A total of 1457 tunneled Silastic central venous catheters that were inserted using the percutaneous subclavian approach were prospectively studied. Indications for catheter placement included bone marrow transplant, continuous or intermittent chemotherapy, long-term antibiotics, and parenteral nutrition. Catheters were evaluated for clinical presentation of an occlusion relieved by postural changes and radiographic findings of luminal narrowing. Results: Pinch-off syndrome was identified in 16 (1.1%) catheters. Radiographic findings were p...
On limiting spectral distribution of product of two random matrices when the underlying distribution is isotropic

Let X be distributed independent of a nonnegative definite symmetric random matrix T, where X = [x1,…,xn]: p × n and x1,…,xn is a sample from an isotropic population and the second moments of the norm |xi| (i = 1,2,…,n) exist. In this paper, the authors prove that the limit of the spectral distribution of STn exists where S = XX′.
Diversity, Leadership, and the Community College: A Case Study

In Grutter v. Bollinger (2003), the U.S. Supreme Court emphatically affirmed the value of diversity, and argued that the state has a compelling interest to promote diversity on college campuses. The nature of the Supreme Court's argument in the majority decision clearly acknowledged that there remains important work still left to do. The court also took the unusual step of establishing a timeline and “end point” for this work. Because community colleges traditionally serve a more culturally and ethnically diverse population than our 4-year sister institutions, we will no doubt need to play a vital role in this endeavor. There are many models in the literature related to diversity leadership that we may wish to consider as we move forward with this work. But we shouldn't discount the long-term value of optimism, determination, and perseverance as essential leadership tools. A case study of one community college's work related to diversity is offered as an example of how this important work might be accompl...
Aortic sinus fistula--surgical considerations and results of operation.

Abstract From 1956 to 1971, 21 Mayo Clinic patients underwent surgical correction of aortic sinus fistula. The 12 male and 9 female patients were from 3 to 52 years old (median 27 years). In 16 patients the right aortic sinus had ruptured into the right ventricle, and in 1, into the right atrium; in 4 patients a noncoronary sinus fistula communicated with the right atrium. The appearance of 4 fistulas was related to trauma, but all 21 fistulas were basically congenital in origin. Associated lesions were common; 15 patients had one or more of the following: ventricular septal defect (VSD) (14 patients), aortic insufficiency (7 patients), and pulmonary stenosis (3 patients). All patients survived operation. Three required reoperation: 1 for closure of a recurrent VSD (deterioration of an Ivalon sponge patch), 1 for recurrence of the fistula and VSD, and 1 to replace a malfunctioning Teflon cusp with a prosthetic valve. Follow-up has been carried out for as long as fourteen years (median seven years) after operation. One patient has moderate aortic insufficiency but remains well compensated; the remaining patients are free of symptoms and clinical signs of cardiac dysfunction. Currently, an aortic sinus fistula should be repaired when it is diagnosed because the disability is progressive, operative risk is negligible, and long-term results are excellent.
Using representations of practice to elicit mathematics teachers’ tacit knowledge of practice: a comparison of responses to animations and videos

This study compared conversations among groups of teachers of high school geometry that had been elicited by a representation of instruction (either a video or an animation) and facilitated with an open-ended agenda. All artifacts used represented instruction scenarios that departed from what, according to prior work, had been hypothesized as normative. We used as the dependent variable the proportion of modal statements about instructional practice made by a group, which we argue is a good quantitative indicator that the statement appeals to the group’s knowledge of the norms of practice. Animations and videos produced similar proportion of modal statements, but the types of modal statements differed—with animations being associated with more statements of probability and obligation and videos being associated with more statements of inclination. Overall, the results suggest that animations are just as useful as videos in eliciting these sorts of orientational meanings.
Compressive Properties of Whey Protein Composite Gels Containing Fractionated Milkfat

Compressive properties of composite gels consisting of 13% whey protein isolate (WPI) and 10% to 30% selected milkfat fractions were investigated at different temperatures. Compressive properties of gels were significantly affected by melting properties of the filler. Maximum compressive strength of composite gels was proportional to filler load and proportion of solid lipids. Compressive strength of composite gels was higher than that of WPI-only gels, and the relative increase in hardness ranged from about 5% to 91%. Results indicated that compressive properties of gels were affected by a combined effect of filler load and temperature-dependent influence on compressive properties of matrix, interface, and filler particles.
Large-Eddy Boundary Layer Entrainment.

Abstract A series of large-eddy simulations have been performed to explore boundary layer entrainment under conditions of a strongly capped inversion layer with the boundary layer dynamics driven dominantly by buoyant forcing. Different conditions explored include cloud-top cooling versus surface heating, smoke clouds versus water clouds, variations in cooling height and optical depth of longwave radiation, degree of cloud-top evaporative instability, and modest wind shear. Boundary layer entrainment involves transport and mixing over a full range of length scales, as warm fluid from the region of the capping inversion is first transported into the boundary layer and then mixed throughout. While entrainment is often viewed as the small-scale process of capturing warm fluid from the inversion into the top of the boundary layer, this need not be the physics that ultimately determines the entrainment rate. In these simulations the authors find instead that the entrainment rate is often limited by the boundar...
A culturally responsive counter-narrative of effective teaching

How do you recognize an effective teacher’s sociocultural consciousness? Tamara Wallace’s and Brenda Brand’s argument that sociocultural consciousness is the “brain” of effective culturally responsive instruction for students of color comes at a time when the system of teacher evaluation is being overhauled nationwide. Teacher observation tools are being piloted to develop a common language of effective instruction but often there is little attention given to sociocultural consciousness in these frameworks. This article develops a culturally responsive counter-narrative to explore the complexity of a teacher’s racial consciousness during a teaching episode.
Topiramate's effects on cocaine-induced subjective mood, craving and preference for money over drug taking

Topiramate, presumably through antagonism of excitatory glutaminergic pathways and facilitation of inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid neurons in the cortico-mesolimbic system, might reduce cocaine’s abuse liability. We tested whether topiramate (100 mg twice daily) would reduce the euphoria, subjective mood, craving, and preference for cocaine over money induced by low and high doses (0.325 and 0.650 mg/kg i.v., respectively) of experimentally administered cocaine in 24 male and female, cocaine-dependent, non-treatment-seeking research volunteers in a university inpatient laboratory. We utilized a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject, Latin-square crossover design in which 3 experimental challenge doses of low-dose cocaine, high-dose cocaine, and placebo were administered in counterbalanced order after 5 days of topiramate or matching placebo pretreatments separated by a 1-week washout period (2006–2009). After placebo pretreatments, cocaine produced dose-related increases in euphoria, stimulant effects, craving for more cocaine, and monetary value of cocaine in a behavioral preference test of cocaine vs. money choice. Topiramate pretreatment reduced the cocaine-related craving and monetary value of high-dose cocaine while increasing the monetary value, euphoria, and stimulant effects of low-dose cocaine. Validated and standardized human experimental methods evaluating the potential for topiramate to alter cocaine’s abuse liability suggest that topiramate may reduce the reinforcing effects and craving induced by higher cocaine doses. Low-dose cocaine might appear to have some enhancement of its stimulant properties in the presence of topiramate’s prominent sedative effects.
Pharmacokinetic Modeling of the Subcutaneous Absorption of Therapeutic Proteins

Subcutaneous injection is an important route of administration for therapeutic proteins that provides several advantages over other modes of parenteral delivery. Despite extensive clinical use, the exact mechanism underlying subcutaneous absorption of proteins is not completely understood, and the accuracy of prediction of absorption of biotherapeutics in humans remains unsatisfactory. This review summarizes a variety of models that have been developed for describing the pharmacokinetics of therapeutic proteins administered by subcutaneous injection, including single- and dual-pathway absorption models. Modeling of the lymphatic uptake and redistribution, absorption of monoclonal antibodies and insulin, and population analysis of protein absorption are discussed. The review also addresses interspecies modeling and prediction of absorption in humans, highlights important factors affecting the absorption processes, and suggests approaches for future development of mechanism-based absorption models.
A hierarchical account-aided Reputation Management system for large-scale MANETs

Encouraging cooperative and deterring selfish behaviors are important for proper operations of MANETs. For this purpose, most previous efforts either rely on reputation systems or price systems. However, both systems are neither sufficiently effective in providing cooperation incentives nor efficient in resource consumption. Nodes in both systems can be uncooperative while still being considered trustworthy. Also, information exchange between mobile nodes in reputation systems and credit circulation in price systems consume significant resources. This paper presents a hierarchical Account-aided Reputation Management system (ARM) to efficiently and effectively provide cooperation incentives. ARM builds a hierarchical locality-aware DHT infrastructure for efficient and integrated operations of both reputation and price systems. The infrastructure helps to globally collect all reputation information in the system, which helps to calculate more accurate reputation and detect abnormal reputation information. Also, ARM coordinately integrates resource and price systems by enabling higher-reputed nodes to pay less for their received services. Theoretical analysis demonstrates the properties of ARM. Simulation results show that ARM outperforms both a reputation system and price system in terms of effectiveness and efficiency.
A new shield from the double-edged sword of reperfusion in STEMI

This editorial refers to ‘Cardioprotection by combined intrahospital remote ischaemic perconditioning and postconditioning in ST-elevation myocardial infarction: the randomized LIPSIA CONDITIONING trial’[†][1], by I. Eitel et al ., on page 3049. Beginning with the ‘open artery theory’ in the 1970s, the field of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) management has been dominated by the fundamental principle that ‘time is muscle’, reflecting that prolonged coronary occlusion leads to myocardial injury.1 For this reason, contemporary management of STEMI focuses on rapid coronary reperfusion via balloon angioplasty and stenting to limit myocardial damage. The metric for success in STEMI therapy is a door to balloon (DTB) time of <90 min, which is defined as the interval from the first ECG showing STEMI to mechanical reperfusion of the occluded coronary artery. The DTB time is a standard part of ACC/AHA/ESC guidelines and a core quality measure of hospital and operator performance. However, recent data suggest that there may not be an incremental mortality benefit to a DTB time of <90 min in the setting of an anterior STEMI or cardiogenic shock.2 Furthermore, despite timely reperfusion, nearly 10% of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients die during their index hospitalization and two-thirds of survivors progress to develop chronic heart failure.3 These findings suggest that a re-examination of therapeutic priorities in the setting of AMI may be necessary. While coronary reperfusion to restore myocardial oxygen supply is ultimately necessary, the next generation of interventionalists will need to focus on alternative approaches both to improve survival and to reduce the burden of ischaemic heart failure. Described best by Braunwald and Kloner in 1985, myocardial reperfusion is a ‘double-edged … [1]: #fn-2
Shadows no. 4: belly dance and interactive electroacoustic musical performance

Shadows no. 4 is a piece for a tribal-fusion belly dancer, wireless sensor network, and electronics. The movement vocabulary is derivative of Raqs al-Sharqi, commonly known as danse orientale (Middle Eastern dance). This dance form involves slow and languid movement and controlled isolations. The piece experiments with of notions of gesture (dance and musical) in the performance of electroacoustic music. During the performance, sensors translate the dancer's movements into subtle and salient variations of the sonic texture.
The Legality of Solitary Confinement Under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals with “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities” (ADA Sec. 12102) are protected from discrimination and offered reasonable alternatives to navigate their physical spaces. Mentally ill prisoners fall under the protection of the ADA, making the use of solitary confinement as a punitive tool a violation of the ADA for this population. Solitary confinement is capable of shattering any healthy mind, and is associated with higher rates of self-harm. In addition, the use of solitary confinement denies confined prisoners several benefits accessible by the general prison population, ranging from access to emergency services to proper therapy and treatment. In this paper, I examine the history of solitary confinement in the United States, and assert that imposing it on the mentally ill is illegal. I conclude by presenting alternatives for addressing mentally ill prisoners in the United States, focusing on the New York and Pennsylvania prison systems.
Cyclosporin A, FK506, rapamycin: the use of a quantitative analytic tool to discriminate immunosuppressive drug interactions.

Potent immunosuppressive agents display toxic complications at full therapeutic doses: cyclosporin A (CsA) produces pleiotropic mesenchymal effects with prominent vasculopathy, whereas FK506 displays severe neurotoxicity associated with a similar range of mesenchymal and possibly vasculitic reactions. The concept of drug synergy seeks to exploit combinations of agents that promote each other9s immunosuppressive effects. This article presents a quantitative method to assess synergy in vitro and in vivo--the median-effect analysis. Application of this method revealed synergistic interactions of CsA with steroids, an additive effect with azathioprine, and antagonistic effects with FK506 and enisoprost. Clearly, a synergistic therapeutic combination can be clinically useful only if it is not associated with a similar potentiation of toxic complications. Clinical practice has documented the synergistic relation of CsA plus steroids and the antagonistic relation of CsA with FK506 or enisoprost. Clinical trials of rapamycin, which displays extremely potent synergistic effects with CsA both in vitro with human and in vivo with animal immune responses, may afford important new insights for clinical immunosuppression.
The Social Utility of Informal Institutions: Caucuses as Networks in the 110th U.S. House of Representatives

This article challenges the existing state-of-knowledge about legislative caucuses by arguing that the caucus system reflects and reinforces formal organizing institutions, such as parties and committees, rather than counterbalancing them. We argue that legislators engage in the caucus system to maximize the social utility of their relationships. Using a social network framework, we develop and test hypotheses that seek to ascertain the types of legislators that assume elevated positions in the caucus network. We collect data on the complete population of caucuses and their members from the first session of the 110th U.S. House of Representatives and conduct social network analyses to find evidence that the caucus system supports the hierarchical structure of existing formal institutions.
Can Eddies Set Ocean Stratification

Abstract A simple theory is presented for the buoyancy anomaly and depth of penetration of a warm lens created by a surface buoyancy flux and Ekman pumping in an initially homogeneous, rotating fluid. It is assumed that the overturning of isopycnals induced by pumping and differential heating balances the counteroverturning tendency of baroclinic instability. Baroclinic eddies not only develop on the stratified lens, but also play a fundamental role in setting its stratification. The theory is successfully tested against numerical and laboratory experiments in which the mechanically induced deepening of a buoyant lens is arrested by its baroclinic instability. Finally the possibility is discussed that the eddy transfer process studied here might play a role in setting the stratification and depth of the main thermocline in the ocean.
Experimental determination of equilibrium nickel isotope fractionation between metal and silicate from 500 C to 950 C

Abstract The geochemical implications of mass-dependent fractionation of stable Ni isotopes in natural materials are difficult to assess because the inter-mineral equilibrium fractionation factors for Ni are unknown. We report experimentally determined equilibrium fractionation of Ni isotopes between Ni-metal and Ni-talc from 500 °C to 950 °C and 8 to 13 kbar using the three-isotope method. While significant isotope exchange was observed between metal and talc, little or no exchange occurred between Ni-metal and Ni-oxide under similar conditions. These results demonstrate the importance of chemical potential differences between the initial and final phase assemblages in facilitating isotope exchange in the experiments. Metal had greater 62 Ni/ 58 Ni than talc in all experiments and the equilibrium temperature dependence may be described by the relation Δ 62 Ni metal-talc = 0.25 ( ± 0.02 ) × 10 6 / T 2 (±2se). Kinetic fractionation resulting from diffusion appeared to perturb isotopic equilibration at long time scales and/or high temperatures. These experiments place constraints on Ni isotope variations observed in natural systems. For example, Ni isotope fractionation between alloy and chondrule in the Ausson meteorite is larger than predicted for an equilibrium process at the canonical metamorphic temperatures of L5 chondrites. At 2500 K, the results imply a difference of 0.04‰ between equilibrated bulk silicate Earth and chondrites, indicating that Ni isotopes are not likely to be useful as tracers of planetary differentiation, unless fractionation occurred by a Rayleigh distillation process involving a well-mixed silicate reservoir.
Store separation from cavities at supersonic flight speeds

An experimental investigation has been conducted to determine the aerodynamic characteristics of a typical wing-control missile configuration during separation from a box-type cavity having depth to length ratios (D/L) ranging from 0.088 to 0.225. The cavity was located in a splitter plate that spanned the low Mach number test section of the Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel. Aerodynamic characteristics are presented for Mach 2.36 and a free-stream unit Reynolds number of 2,000,000/ft. For the shallow cavity (D/L = 0.088), large interactions existed between the cavity and the flat plate flow field, which resulted in unfavorable separation characteristics for the missile model. For the deep cavity (D/L = 0.225), the flat plate flow field essentially bridged the cavity, resulting in minor interactions and favorable separation characteristics for the missile model.
The Linear Quadratic Tracker on time scales

In this work, we study a natural extension of the Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) on time scales. Here, we unify and extend the Linear Quadratic Tracker (LQT). We seek to find an affine optimal control that minimises a cost functional associated with a completely observable linear system. We then find an affine optimal control for the fixed final state case in terms of the current state. Finally we include an example in disturbance/rejection modelling. A numerical example is also included.
Window clipping methods in graphics accelerators

How some recently introduced graphics accelerators address window clipping is discussed. Some graphics accelerators can download the window-clip rectangle data structures used to represent the visible areas of a window to specialized RAM or hardware registers. These accelerators have special hardware and/or software to hold the clipping information and to properly clip graphics primitives. Others use window clip planes, which allow easy hardware representation of windows with arbitrary shape and complexity. They are ideal for clipping graphics output to nonrectangular windows because graphics output performance does not degrade as the number of rectangles needed to represent the window increases. CPU-based window clipping is examined. Devices in each of these classes are described. >
F-box and Leucine-rich Repeat Protein 5 (FBXL5) Is Required for Maintenance of Cellular and Systemic Iron Homeostasis

Maintenance of cellular iron homeostasis requires post-transcriptional regulation of iron metabolism genes by iron regulatory protein 2 (IRP2). The hemerythrin-like domain of F-box and leucine-rich repeat protein 5 (FBXL5), an E3 ubiquitin ligase subunit, senses iron and oxygen availability and facilitates IRP2 degradation in iron replete cells. Disruption of the ubiquitously expressed murine Fbxl5 gene results in a failure to sense increased cellular iron availability, accompanied by constitutive IRP2 accumulation and misexpression of IRP2 target genes. FBXL5-null mice die during embryogenesis, although viability is restored by simultaneous deletion of the IRP2, but not IRP1, gene. Mice containing a single functional Fbxl5 allele behave like their wild type littermates when fed an iron-sufficient diet. However, unlike wild type mice that manifest decreased hematocrit and hemoglobin levels when fed a low-iron diet, Fbxl5 heterozygotes maintain normal hematologic values due to increased iron absorption. The responsiveness of IRP2 to low iron is specifically enhanced in the duodena of the heterozygotes and is accompanied by increased expression of the divalent metal transporter-1. These results confirm the role of FBXL5 in the in vivo maintenance of cellular and systemic iron homeostasis and reveal a privileged role for the intestine in their regulation by virtue of its unique FBXL5 iron sensitivity.
Indications and Considerations in Minimally Invasive Video-Assisted Thyroidectomy

thyroid gland (about < 25 cubic cm), no evidence of severe thyroiditis, and no previous neck surgery or radiation. Results: The advantages of MIVAT compared with conventional thyroidectomy include improved cosmetic results, less postoperative pain and reduced hospital stay without any difference in safety, completeness or morbidity compared with the conventional approach. The primary drawback appears to be an increased operative time, which can be reduced as the surgeon becomes more comfortable with the procedure. Conclusions: As shown in the literature, MIVAT is a safe and effective alternative in the treatment of some thyroid diseases within the selection criteria. With the same level of complications, it offers a few significant advantages over the conventional thryoidectomy.
Stroop interference associated with efficient reading fluency and prelexical orthographic processing

The Stroop Color-Word Test involves a dynamic interplay between reading and executive functioning that elicits intuitions of word reading automaticity. One such intuition is that strong reading skills (i.e., more automatized word reading) play a disruptive role within the test, contributing to Stroop interference. However, evidence has accumulated that challenges this intuition. The present study examined associations among Stroop interference, reading skills (i.e., isolated word identification, grapheme-to-phoneme mapping, phonemic awareness, reading fluency) measured on standardized tests, and orthographic skills measured on experimental computerized tasks. Among university students (N = 152), correlational analyses showed greater Stroop interference to be associated with (a) relatively low scores on all standardized reading tests, and (b) longer response latencies on orthographic tasks. Hierarchical regression demonstrated that reading fluency and prelexical orthographic processing predicted unique and significant variance in Stroop interference beyond baseline rapid naming. Results suggest that strong reading skills, including orthographic processing, play a supportive role in resolving Stroop interference.
Affirmation and Resistance of Dominant Discourses: The Rhetorical Construction of Pregnancy

AbstractThis study investigates the origins of subversiveness and innovation with regard to existing master narratives on the topic of pregnancy. Two interviews of pregnant women who are defined as "at risk" are analyzed for how these two women positioned themselves discursively vis-a-vis others, particularly other pregnant women and the group of medical experts. Furthermore, the discourse was examined with regard to the moral positions and identity claims that were drawn upon in their claims of how their personal experience counters those that are considered "normal." (Discursive Psychology, Identity Claims, Positioning)
Energy Use in Broiler Hatcheries and Feed Mills

Abstract Energy surveys showed that broiler hatcheries used 78% of their total electricit y for setting and hatching the eggs. Total energy purchased was 369 MJ/1000 chicks hatched. Electricity accounted for 59% of total energy purchased by the hatcheries. Energy used in feed mill pelleting accounted for over 42% of the total electricity used. Total energy purchased was 210 MJ/Mg of feed processed. Electricity accounted for 33% of the total energy purchased by the feed mills.
Recurrent diseases following liver transplantation: current concepts.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Liver transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with chronic end-stage liver disease. The posttransplant setting is complex, and an improved long-term graft and patient survival adds to the complexity. There are often multiple causes of graft dysfunction and the associated morbidity and disorder are varied. This review focuses on the current concepts of several recurrent diseases, emphasizing the interpretation of the posttransplant liver biopsies in long-term survivors as challenging and clinically more relevant then ever. It confirms the importance and the necessity of clinico-pathologic correlation in the posttransplant setting. RECENT FINDINGS The long-term graft and patient survival following liver transplantation has improved significantly over the past decade. The spectrum of histopathologic patterns seen in liver biopsies and our understanding of them have evolved and expanded considerably, so much so, that both pathologists and clinicians alike now recognize new and emerging disease patterns not previously encountered in the nontransplant setting. SUMMARY Typical histopathologic features are usually easily identified and interpreted in liver biopsies. There are, however, a number of atypical histopathologic patterns, especially in the setting of recurrent diseases, often modified by immunosuppression, or altered by other immune-mediated processes, autoimmunity, or hepatotoxicity. Several conditions and entities, especially in the late posttransplant setting, including atypical allograft rejection, idiopathic posttransplant hepatitis, the spectrum of changes seen in recurrent hepatitis C, nodular regenerative hyperplasia, and de-novo disease occurrence, to name a few, have all been recognized in the past several years.
Differential Expression of IR-A, IR-B and IGF-1R in Endometrial Physiology and Distinct Signature in Adenocarcinoma.

Context: Type 2 diabetes and obesity are risk factors for endometrial hyperplasia and cancer, suggesting that hyperinsulinemia contributes to pathogenesis. Insulin action through insulin receptor (IR) splice variants IR-A and IR-B regulates cellular mitogenesis and metabolism, respectively. Objective: We hypothesized that IR-A and IR-B are differentially regulated in normal endometrium, according to mitogenic and metabolic requirements through the menstrual cycle, as well as in endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. Design: IR-A, IR-B, and IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) mRNA was quantified in endometrium, endometrial epithelial and stromal cells, and in vitro after hormone stimulation. Setting: Academic center. Patients: Endometrium was collected from women with regular cycles (n = 71), complex hyperplasia (n = 5), or endometrioid adenocarcinoma (n = 11). Intervention(s): In vitro sex-steroid treatment. Main Outcome Measure(s): IR-A and IR-B expression Results: IR-A increased dramatically during the early prolifera...
Protein Biomarkers for Breast Cancer Risk Are Specifically Correlated with Local Steroid Hormones in Nipple Aspirate Fluid.

The local endocrine environment of the breast may have stronger relations to breast cancer risk than systemic hormones. Nipple aspiration fluid (NAF) provides a window into this milieu. We hypothesized that the correlations between proteins and steroid hormones in NAF are stronger, and specific relationships may reveal links to breast cancer risk. NAF and blood samples were obtained simultaneously from 54 healthy women and from the contralateral unaffected breast of 60 breast cancer patients. The abundance of five proteins, superoxide dismutase (SOD1), C-reactive protein (CRP), chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL40), cathepsin D (CatD), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in NAF was measured using ELISA. The NAF and serum concentrations of estradiol, estrone, progesterone, androstenedione, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrostrerone (DHEA) were measured using ELISA or RIA. The correlations between proteins and hormones revealed that NAF proteins correlated with each other: SOD1 with CRP (R = 0.276, P = 0.033) and CatD (R = 0.340, P = 0.0036), and bFGF with CRP (R = 0.343, P = 0.0021). NAF proteins displayed significant correlations with NAF steroids, but not with serum steroids: SOD1 with DHEA (R = 0.333, P = 0.019), YKL40 with testosterone (R = 0.389, P = 0.0012), and bFGF negatively correlated with testosterone (R = −0.339, P = 0.015). The regulation of YKL40 and bFGF by testosterone was confirmed in breast cancer cell lines. In summary, NAF proteins were more strongly related to local hormone levels than to systematic hormone levels. Some proteins were specifically correlated with different NAF steroids, suggesting that these steroids may contribute to breast cancer risk through different mechanisms.
A Study on Using Word-Level HMMs to Improve ASR Performance over State-of-the-Art Phone-Level Acoustic Modeling for LVCSR.

In this paper, we propose word-level hidden Markov models (HMMs) to supplement state-of-the-art phone-based acoustic modeling in order to enhance the performance of automatic speech recognition (ASR) system. Each word in a vocabulary is initially modeled by well-trained triphone models. Maximum a posteriori adaptation is then applied to generate models for words with a large number of occurrences in the training set so that the acoustic distribution of the words can be modeled more precisely. Experimental results show that the proposed wordbased systems outperform phone-based systems on the TIMIT task with a small training corpus. While in tasks with plenty of training data, word-based systems still show improvements over phone-based systems, such as the WSJ task. Furthermore the word-based systems have a better discriminating ability on short words and homophones. They are also more robust to language model weight variation than conventional phone-based systems.
Restoration of normal pH triggers ischemia-reperfusion injury in lung by Na+/H+ exchange activation.

The effects of acidotic extracellular pH and Na+/H+ exchange inhibition on ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced microvascular injury were studied in the isolated, buffer-perfused rat lung. When lungs were subjected to 45 min of ischemia followed by 30 min of reperfusion, the capillary filtration coefficient (Kfc) increased significantly, resulting in a change in Kfc (delta Kfc) of 0.360 +/- 0.09 ml.min-1.cmH2O-1.100 g-1. Addition of hydrochloric acid to the perfusate before ischemia at a concentration sufficient to reduce perfusate pH from 7.38 +/- 0.03 to 7.09 +/- 0.04 completely prevented the increase in Kfc associated with I/R (delta Kfc = 0.014 +/- 0.034 ml.min-1.cmH2O-1.100 g-1). Addition of a Na+/H+ exchange inhibitor, 5-(N,N-dimethyl)-amiloride, to the perfusate either before ischemia or at reperfusion also prevented the I/R-induced permeability increase (delta Kfc = 0.01 +/- 0.02 and -0.001 +/- 0.02 ml.min-1.cmH2O-1.100 g-1, respectively). We conclude that restoration of flow at physiological pH to the postischemic lung activates the Na+/H+ exchange system, which may represent the "triggering mechanism" responsible for initiating reperfusion-induced microvascular injury.
The Role of Dysfunctional Voiding in Failure or Complication of Ureteral Reimplantation for Primary Reflux

AbstractDetrusor and/or urethral sphincter dysfunction is associated with increased failure or complication of ureteral reimplantation. A group of 400 children who underwent ureteral reimplantation was reviewed and the failure rate was determined. Those patients in the primary reflux category who failed were reviewed in detail for voiding dysfunction. Excluding technical error or ureteral dysfunction, the greatest risk for failure or complication of ureteral reimplantation seems to be related to detrusor and/or urethral sphincter dysfunction. Voluntary detrusor-sphincter discoordination seems particularly prevalent in this high risk group. The findings are discussed in relation to the over-all management of these patients.
PREFERENTIAL REPRESENTATION OF INSTRUCTED TARGET LOCATION VERSUS LIMB TRAJECTORY IN DORSAL PREMOTOR AREA

Shen, Liming and Garrett E. Alexander. Preferential representation of instructed target location versus limb trajectory in dorsal premotor area. J. Neurophysiol. 77: 1195–1212, 1997. The dorsal pre...
Flunitrazepam Conversion by CYP3A4 is Altered by Caffeine and Ethanol

Flunitrazepam (FNTZ) is prescribed to treat insomnia due to its sedative effects. These effects have been abused in cases of drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA), where the drug is slipped into a drink, typically containing the compounds ethanol and caffeine. Both of these compounds have been shown to interact with CYP3A4, a liver enzyme responsible for the metabolism of FNTZ. Steady-state kinetics of CYP3A4 conversion of FNTZ were measured to evaluate what effects caffeine and/or ethanol have on enzyme activity. The rate of formation for the two metabolites, 3-hydroxyflunitrazepam (3-OH FNTZ) and desmethylflunitrazepam (DM FNTZ), was shown to decrease in the presence of caffeine or ethanol. The conversion rate of 3-OH FNTZ had a reduction in kcat of about 77% when incubated with 14 mM caffeine. DM FNTZ had similar but less drastic effects, with a kcat reduction of about 19% with 14 mM caffeine. After a replot, the Kis of 3-OH were determined to be 9.1 mM and 224.1 mM for caffeine and ethanol, respectively. Alprazolam (ALP) and diazepam (DZ), two other drugs in the family that includes FNTZ were also analyzed. ALP to 4-hydroxy alprazolam (4-OH ALP) conversion was found to be reduced by 40%, and DZ to nordiazepam conversion was found to be reduced by 20% in the presence of 200 μM and 20mM ethanol. When taken together, the combination of the inhibitory potential of these compounds can begin to provide an explanation of the effects in cases of DFSA.