cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
US healthcare reform and the evidence gap: the need for high-quality research in paediatric preventive care.

In 2010, the US Congress passed landmark healthcare reform legislation known as the Personal Protection and Affordable Care Act.1 Although many aspects of the reform continue to provoke debate and face political challenges to implementation, one of the less-controversial provisions concerns the promotion of evidence-based preventive care. The explicit emphasis on expanded insurance coverage of proven clinical practice is intended to increase and standardise access to preventive services with the goal of improving individual and public health.2 At the same time, the evidence-based provisions in the bill reflect the existing evidence gap between paediatric and adult practice and reinforce the ongoing need for high-quality research in paediatric preventive care. In the Act, new insurance plans are required to provide coverage for selected preventive clinical services with no copayment on the part of the patient. The qualifying services are defined as: (1) services recommended with either an A or a B rating by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), (2) immunisations recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and (3) additional preventive care and screenings recommended for children and adolescents, as well as women, by the Health Resources and Services Administration. There are important differences between the recommendations of the USPSTF and the Health Resources and Services Administration with regards to paediatric services that highlight the challenges in providing evidence-based care in paediatrics. The recommendations of the USPSTF, which are …
The Moderating Effect of the Severity of Baseline Musculoskeletal Discomfort on the Effect of an Alternative Keyboard: A 5-Month Randomized Clinical Trial:

Objective: To determine if baseline discomfort severity would moderate differences in 5-month follow-up discomfort in those using a fixed split-angle (FSA) keyboard compared to those using a standard (ST) keyboard. Procedure: Computer operators with keyboard related musculoskeletal discomfort were randomly assigned to use an FSA keyboard or a ST keyboard in their workplace for 5 months. They reported weekly levels of discomfort using the Weekly Discomfort Survey. Result: The interaction between baseline severity and keyboard was significant. This significant interaction suggests that those who had moderate/severe baseline discomfort who used the FSA keyboard improved significantly more than: 1) those who had moderate/severe baseline discomfort who used the ST keyboard; or 2) those who had none/mild baseline discomfort and used either keyboard.
Goal Seeker and Persuasion Sentry: How Consumer Targets Respond to Interpersonal Marketing Persuasion

This article investigates how consumers respond to influence attempts by interpersonal marketing agents such as salespeople and service personnel. We conceptualize the consumer target as a goal-directed individual who attempts to manage a marketing interaction. Three qualitative data sets reveal 15 response strategies reflecting targets who are both goal seekers (i.e., attempting to utilize the agent to achieve own goals) and persuasion sentries (i.e., guarding against unwanted marketing persuasion). The target-agent relationship and the target's experience with persuasion emerge as factors that affect strategy use. An experimental study supports the proposition that the target-agent relationship interacts with persuasion experience to affect strategy usage.
Stress Impairs Prefrontal Cortical Function via D1 Dopamine Receptor Interactions With Hyperpolarization-Activated Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels.

Abstract Background Psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia are worsened by stress, and working memory deficits are often a central feature of illness. Working memory is mediated by the persistent firing of prefrontal cortical (PFC) pyramidal neurons. Stress impairs working memory via high levels of dopamine D 1 receptor (D 1 R) activation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate signaling, which reduces PFC neuronal firing. The current study examined whether D 1 R-cyclic adenosine monophosphate signaling reduces neuronal firing and impairs working memory by increasing the open state of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) cation channels, which are concentrated on dendritic spines where PFC pyramidal neurons interconnect. Methods A variety of methods were employed to test this hypothesis: dual immunoelectron microscopy localized D 1 R and HCN channels, in vitro recordings tested for D 1 R actions on HCN channel current, while recordings in monkeys performing a working memory task tested for D 1 R-HCN channel interactions in vivo. Finally, cognitive assessments following intra-PFC infusions of drugs examined D 1 R-HCN channel interactions on working memory performance. Results Immunoelectron microscopy confirmed D 1 R colocalization with HCN channels near excitatory-like synapses on dendritic spines in primate PFC. Mouse PFC slice recordings demonstrated that D 1 R stimulation increased HCN channel current, while local HCN channel blockade in primate PFC protected task-related firing from D 1 R-mediated suppression. D 1 R stimulation in rat or monkey PFC impaired working memory performance, while HCN channel blockade in PFC prevented this impairment in rats exposed to either stress or D 1 R stimulation. Conclusions These findings suggest that D 1 R stimulation or stress weakens PFC function via opening of HCN channels at network synapses.
Aliasing in 2n−k fractions in the case of a separation of factors

When studying a response as a function of several factors, engineering reasons or other deterministic considerations often imply that interactions between certain factors do not exist. This prompts advantageous exploitation of the aliasing pattern in fractional factorial designs. The general case when factors (each at two levels) can be partitioned into two classes, with no interactions present between the two classes, is treated in this paper.
Mice lacking Dlx1 show subtype-specific loss of interneurons, reduced inhibition and epilepsy.

Mice lacking Dlx1 show subtype-specific loss of interneurons, reduced inhibition and epilepsy
Fe-Mg order-disorder in orthopyroxenes

(Received March 31, 2005; accepted in revised form August 11, 2005) Abstract—Published data on the distribution of Fe and Mg between the two distinct octahedral sites (M1 and M2) in orthopyroxenes show that the equilibrium Fe-Mg distribution coefficient (KD) is roughly constant at intermediate ferrosilite content (XFs of 0.2 to 0.6) but at low XFs (0.2) is either anomalously high (Mossbauer data) or low (XRD data) compared to KD at intermediate XFs. We report an experimental study on the equilibrium KD values for two natural single crystals of orthopyroxene (with XFs of 0.011 and 0.160) using a high-sensitivity Mossbauer spectrometer. The KD values were determined at 1 bar and temperatures between 600 and 1000°C, and reversed at 600 to 900°C. The values are found to be independent of orthopyroxene composition at a given temperature within analytical uncertainties, and in agreement with KD values at intermediate XFs. A least-squares fit to the KD data yields: lnKD 0.391(0.131) 2205(141)/T, where T is temperature in K, and uncertainties are at the 2 level. This equation is valid for XFs values up to at least 0.6. We suggest that previous Mossbauer and XRD data at low XFs were compromised by analytical difficulties. The new result that KD is roughly independent of XFs greatly simplifies treatment of equilibrium and speedometry based on Fe-Mg order-disorder in orthopyroxene. Copyright © 2005 Elsevier Ltd
Use of dynamically coated capillaries with added cyclodextrins for the analysis of opium using capillary electrophoresis

A rapid, precise, accurate, and robust method using capillary electrophoresis (CE) with dynamically coated capillaries for the analysis of the major opium alkaloids in opium is presented. Dynamic coating of the capillary surface is accomplished using a commercially available reagent kit (polycation coating followed by polyanion coating). The addition of dual cyclodextrins (hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and dimethyl-β-cyclodextrin) to the run buffer imparts excellent selectivity for the opium alkaloids. For the determination of morphine, papaverine, codeine, noscapine and thebaine in opium gum and opium latex samples (using tetracaine as an internal standard) good agreement with values obtained by gradient high-performance liquid chromatography is obtained. Compared to the latter technique, CE affords better resolution with significantly faster analysis time (12 min versus 29 min). Dynamically coated capillaries, which give rise to a relatively high and robust electroosmotic flow (EOF) at the background electrolyte pH of 2.5, allow for rapid analysis and excellent migration time and peak area precision (RSDs≤0.12% and ≤1.2%, respectively). Reproducible separations (relative migration times) for over 500 samples have been obtained on a single capillary. The nature of the injection solvent, the injection time and the contents of the waste vials have a profound effect on the pressure injection precision of the relatively hydrophobic solutes. The CE conditions reported in this study are also applicable to the analysis of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) exhibits.
Effects of antireflux therapies on salivary function in normal humans

Saliva has received recent attention because of its potential role in esophageal clearance and neutralization of refluxed gastric contents. Gastric antisecretory drugs or promotility drugs used to treat reflux have not been studied for their ability to affect salivary function. We conducted a double-blind randomized study of four antisecretory drugs, two promotility drugs, and placebo (PL) on 12 healthy volunteers on seven different days. Following a 6-hr fast, accumulated saliva was expectorated at least once per minute. The initial 10-min sample was discarded and a baseline 20-min sample collected. One of the following was given per os: PL, pirenzepine (PIR), 50 mg; propantheline (PRO), 30 mg; cimetidine (CIM), 300 mg; ranitidine (RAN), 150 mg; bethanechol (BET), 25 mg; or metoclopramide (MET), 10 mg. Saliva was collected for 60 min. Saliva was then stimulated (STIM) by sucking a peppermint lozenge for 30 min. Specimens were collected under oil, kept on ice, and analyzed within 30 min. Saliva flow in milliliters per minute and capacity for acid neutralization (CAN) in microequivalents acid per milliliter saliva were analyzed on all samples. The known effect of PRO to inhibit both basal saliva flow and STIM flow and CAN was seen. In contrast, the selective antimuscarinic PIR did not significantly decrease saliva flow or CAN. CIM, RAN, and MET did not significantly effect salivary function, but both CIM and RAN showed a tendency to increase CAN. Oral BET had no detectable effect on salivary function.
An example of computational approach used for aerodynamic design of a rain disdrometer

The present work reports on the application of a computational fluid dynamics-based method as a tool to improve the aerodynamic design of rainfall measurement devices. The focus is on a new instrument, a two-dimensional video disdrometer that provides information about raindrop size distribution. The distorted wind field around and inside the instrument's body is simulated using a three-dimensional numerical model. A modified geometry of the instrument, suggested for operational purposes, is tested numerically. Trajectories of raindrops are simulated to investigate the wind effect on the catchment efficiency of the instrument. A stochastic Lagrangian particle-tracking model that accounts for the turbulence effect is examined. General guidelines related to aerodynamic aspects of the design of in-situ rainfall measuring devices are discussed.
Modeling challenges for CPS systems

Today's complex cyber-physical systems require the use of a variety of models to capture different aspects of these systems: physical models, software models, control models, and so on. A critical challenge is to ensure consistency and completeness of these models. In this talk we describe an approach that uses architectural models as the basis for reconciliation. Specifically, a base architecture of the system is used as a unifying representation to compare the structure and semantics of the associated models through a set of architectural projections, or views. Each model is related to the base architecture through the abstraction of a corresponding architectural view, which captures structural and semantic correspondences between model elements and system entities. The use of the architectural view framework to relate system models from different domains is illustrated in the context of a quad-rotor air vehicle and an on-going collaboration with Toyota on future braking system design. Additionally we sketch some new ideas on the use of probabilistic modeling techniques for reasoning about human-in-the-loop CPS tasks, where the system must decide how, and to what extent, to involve users in achieving system goals.
Sensor Placement for Urban Homeland Security Applications

We simulated a sensor network that detects and tracks the release of harmful airborne contaminants in an urban environment. The simulation determines sensor placement in that environment. The effort required integration of models from computational fluid dynamics (CFDs), combinatorial optimization, and population mobility dynamics. These CFD models, coupled with population mobility models, facilitate estimation of the effect of released contaminant on civilian populations. We studied the effects of a contaminant, chlorine gas, as a function of urban environment, prevailing winds, and likely attack locations. The models predictions optimized sensor node locations, providing mitigation of contaminant effects on human population. Results show that higher fidelity dispersal predictions increase sensor placement effectiveness. Incorporation of civilian evacuation models helps to minimize the overall impact of an attack when compared to a static population. Moreover, results show the benefits of using seasonal sensor configurations to maximize detection capabilities, taking into account prevailing seasonal wind conditions.
Mineral phases formed in anoxic sediments by microbial decomposition of organic matter

Microbial decomposition of organic matter in recent sediments of the Landsort Deep—an anoxic basin of the central Baltic Sea—resulted in the formation of a characteristic assemblage of authigenic mineral precipitates of carbonates, sulfides. phosphates and amorphous silica, The dominant crystalline phases are a mixed Mn-carbonate [(Mn0.85Ca0.10Mg0.05)CO3]. Mn-sulfide [MnS] and Fecarbonate [FeCO3]. Amorphous Fe-sulfide [FeS]. Mn-phosphate [Mn3(PO4)2] and a mixed Fe-Ca-phosphate [(Fe0.86Ca0.14)3(PO4)2] were identified by their chemical compositions only. The variability in composition of these solid phases and their mode of occurrence as a co-existing assemblage constrains the conditions and solution composition from which they precipitated. Estimates of activities for dissolved Fe. Mn. PO4, CO3 and S in equilibrium with such an assemblage are close to those found in recent anoxic interstitial water-sediment systems. It is important to have detailed knowledge of the composition and stability conditions of these solid precipitates in order to refine stoichiometric models of interstitial nutrient regeneration in anoxic sediments.
Surgical Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Despite advances in positive pressure therapy for obstructive sleep apnea, compliance continues to be a problem for many patients. Sleep apnea surgery is a viable option for patients who are intolerant of positive pressure therapy. This review presents the current state of the art in sleep apnea surgery, including airway evaluation with fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy and lateral cephalometric radiography, formulation of a surgical plan with selection of procedures to address specific sites of obstruction, as well as discussion of published surgical outcomes.
Concurrent validity of Holland's theory for non-college-degreed black women☆

Abstract This study, using the Vocational Preference Inventory (VPI) and the Self-Directed Search (SDS), explored the concurrent validity of Holland's theory for employed non-college-degreed black women. The VPI and the SDS were administered to 102 black women workers in occupational environments consistent with Holland's six vocational environments. The results revealed that four scales of the VPI and four scales of the SDS successfully differentiated the occupational groups consistent with Holland's theoretical notions. In general, the findings lend some support to the concurrent validity of Holland's theory for employed non-college-degreed black women.
Interactive computer analysis of nuclear backscattering spectra

Abstract A review will be made of a computer-based interactive nuclear backscattering analysis system. Users without computer experience can develop moderate competence with the system after only brief instruction because of the menu-driven organization. Publishable quality figures can be obtained without any computer expertise. Among the quantities which can be displayed over the data are depth scales for any element, element identification, relative concentrations and theoretical spectra. Captions and titling can made from a selection of 30 font styles. Lettering is put on the graphs under joy-stick control such that placement is exact without needing complicated commands.
Toward a History of Teaching the Mathematically Gifted: Three Possible Directions for Research

Abstract This article is devoted not so much to laying out the results of completed research as to indicating topics for research. The author presents what may be described as three case studies, focusing on people, on the government, and on mathematical problems. These microstudies draw on Russian (Soviet) material, but in the author's view they may be expanded and continued. An analysis of the history of mathematics education conducted along the same lines, but focused on other countries, would be of considerable interest.
Tandem mass spectrometry of peptides with N-terminal glutamine: Studies on a prion protein peptide

Abstract This paper reports the unusual collision-induced fragmentation of peptides having N-terminal glutamine. One of these glutamine-containing peptides was isolated from an endoproteinase Lys-C digest of the scrapie prion protein (PrP 27-30) with the predicted sequence QHTVTTTTK. Daughter ion mass spectra show predominant N-terminal an, bn, and, to a lesser extent, cn sequence ion series at 17 u less than the predicted masses. This is interpreted as arising from an ionic fragmentation that accompanies the peptide-backbone cleavage, glutamine losing ammonia to give pyroglutamic acid, a reaction that parallels the commonly observed solution-phase process. This behavior is less evident when strongly basic residues near the C-terminus cause the C-terminal fragments (xn, yn, and zn) to predominate.
Single-Shot Femtosecond Spectroscopy of Reactive Organic Molecular Crystals

Recent progress in single-shot femtosecond spectroscopy is described. This methodology is necessary for ultrafast time-resolved observation of solid-state chemical reactions, since the buildup of reaction products which cannot be flowed away or otherwise conveniently removed causes spectroscopic signals to change (and samples to undergo deterioration) as a particular region of the sample is irradiated many times. The first single-shot femtosecond observations of molecular vibrations and of short-time response in a photoreactive crystal are discussed.
Miniature Meander-Line Dipole Antenna Arrays, Designed via an Orthogonal-Array-Initialized Hybrid Particle-Swarm Optimizer

This paper introduces a powerful technique that utilizes a hybrid Particle-Swarm Optimization (PSO) method for the design optimization of aperiodic linear phased arrays of tightly packed miniature meander-line dipole elements. Miniaturization is achieved by first introducing a fixed grid of reduced length, and then employing a hybrid PSO to determine the optimum meander-wire shape on the grid and the optimal element spacing. The purpose was to achieve comparable performance in terms of voltage standing-wave ratio (VSWR) and sidelobe levels during scanning to conventional full-size periodic phased arrays of linear half-wave dipoles. This design technique is applicable in cases where the desire for aperture miniaturization takes precedence over the reduction in gain that comes as a consequence. As one of the design criteria, the same number of antenna elements was maintained and tightly packed into a smaller aperture area. This allowed the antenna elements to be driven by lower-power transmitting modules for a given effective radiated power (ERP), compared to a thinned array with the same aperture size. This method also provides flexibility in controlling the self impedance of individual elements and the mutual coupling among array elements. It is hence capable of evolving compact array configurations with meander-line dipole elements that have well-behaved driving-point impedances and low sidelobe levels over a prescribed scan range. In order to overcome the optimization difficulty of arrays with a large number of antenna elements, orthogonal design with quantization (OD/Q) was employed for this mixed-valued optimization problem to generate relatively fit particles at the initialization stage. Several design examples were considered with parallel or planar grids, and with identical or different element configurations. Included among these examples was a design with 32 identical elements that achieved a 42% array-length reduction and a 16% element-size reduction, while providing a relative sidelobe level less than -10 dB and a VSWR less than 2:1 for each element over the scan range of ±30° from broadside.
Targeted polymeric gene delivery for anti-angiogenic tumor therapy

Gene therapy has become a promising strategy for the treatment of genetically based diseases, such as cancer, which are currently considered incurable. A major obstacle in the field of cancer gene therapy is the development of a safe and efficient delivery system for therapeutic gene transfer. Non-viral vectors have attracted great interest, as they are simple to prepare, stable, easy to modify and relatively safe compared to viral vectors. In this review, an insight into the strategies developed for polyethylenimine (PEI)-based non-viral vectors has been provide, including improvement of the polyplex properties by incorporating hydrophilic spacer, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG).Moreover, this review will summarize the strategies for the tumor targeting. Specifically, a targeted polymeric gene delivery system, PEI-g-PEG-RGD, will be introduced as an efficient gene delivery vector for tumor therapy, including its functional analysis bothin vitro andin vivo.
Social media technology usage and customer relationship performance: A capabilities-based examination of social CRM

article i nfo This study examines how social media technology usage and customer-centric management systems contribute to a firm-level capability of social customer relationship management (CRM). Drawing from the literature in marketing, information systems, and strategic management, the first contribution of this study is the conceptu- alization and measurement of social CRM capability. The second key contribution is the examination of how social CRM capability is influenced by both customer-centric management systems and social media technolo- gies. These two resources are found to have an interactive effect on the formation of a firm-level capability that is shown to positively relate to customer relationship performance. The study analyzes data from 308 organizations using a structural equation modeling approach.
Three-dimensional distortion correction applied to tomographic reconstructions of sectioned crystals

Unaveraged tomograms of embedded and sectioned insect flight muscle show not only structural variation within the individual unit cells but also defects in the filament lattice such as lack of straightness of the filaments and wrinkling of the sections. Adaptation of conventional 2D crystal image processing methods usually average out these structural variations and lattice defects thereby reducing the resolution and information content of the 3D reconstructions. We present here a computational method to correct the reconstructed 3D object for these distortions to make it suitable for further analysis. The correction is an extension of conventional 2D cross-correlation techniques applied to a 3D image. These procedures determine the unit cell positions of the distorted crystal and use a spline-fitting approach to calculate a mapping function from the observed positions that is subsequently used to reinterpolate the image onto a regular grid. The resulting reinterpolated image is corrected for both filament straightening as well as section wrinkling.
Mechanical properties and scratch test studies of new ultra-hard AlMgB14 modified by TiB2

Abstract Nanoscale composites of AlMgB14 with AlN, TiC or TiB2 were prepared by mechanical alloying in a vibratory mill, followed by compression molding at 1400 °C. Determination of microhardness and fracture toughness indicated that TiB2 was an effective addition for increasing both quantities. The optimum percent TiB2 addition corresponding to the highest hardness and fracture toughness was 60–70 wt%. The abrasion resistance of AlMgB14 composites with varying amounts of TiB2 has been studied using single-point diamond scratch tests with loads ranging from 20 to 70 N in 10 N increments. The scratch width, as measured by stylus profilometer, increased almost linearly with the applied load and decreased with increasing TiB2 proportion up to 70 wt%. Furthermore, macroscopic abrasion resistance increased with both mean hardness and fracture toughness. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) revealed the presence of Al2MgO4 (spinel) and FeB4O7 in AlMgB14. Cracks were observed on the surface of AlMgB14−70 wt% TiB2 when scratched under 70 N load, but there was no cracking in the absence of TiB2.
Mutagenicity of nitroxide-free radicals.

Stable nitroxides were found to be mutagenic using Salmonella typhimurium tester strain TA 104, a strain chosen on the basis of its high sensitivity to oxidative damage. Nitroxide mutagenicity was dramatically increased in the presence of the superoxide radical generating system, xanthine oxidase/hypoxanthine, and it was suppressed in cells carrying the oxyR1 mutation, which causes induction of enzymes protecting against oxidative stress. As nitroxide-free radicals occur biologically, e.g., in the metabolism of aromatic amines, these radical-induced mutations could be a model for the carcinogenicity observed with these compounds.
St. Augustinegrass Fertilizer Trials

ABSTRACT Research was conducted to verify the current fertilization recommendations for St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum Walt. Kuntze) lawns. Currently, a range from 100 to 300 kg nitrogen (N) ha− 1 per growing season is suggested, based on factors such as location in the state, desired maintenance level, soil conditions, etc. Research was conducted at the G.C. Horn Turfgrass Field Laboratory in Gainesville, FL from 2000 to 2002, utilizing medium to high management levels and at a sod farm in Bradenton, FL from 2001 and 2002, under low management conditions. Nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications in both locations. In Gainesville, best visual quality was generally obtained with medium (MN) or high nitrogen rates (HN). In Bradenton, MN, and HN rates provided best visual quality responses in 2002 and 2003, but higher rates of N were required than in Gainesville to maintain acceptable quality. This higher N requirement ...
Baryons as Chiral Solitons

Topologically stable solitonic solutions to Skyrme's chiral-invariant Lagrangian have been obtained numerically. The single parameter in these solutions has been determined with the Goldberger-Treiman relation. The identification of these objects with baryons leads to sensible statements regarding the sizes and energies of baryons as well as the two- and three-body interactions between baryons at zero separation.
Use of rat models to mimic alterations in iron homeostasis during human alcohol abuse and cirrhosis.

Abstract With alcoholism, there are marked disturbances in iron homeostasis that are linked to alterations in serum transferrin and ferritin concentrations. This study identifies rat models of alcohol abuse that closely mimic these disturbances. Male rats were placed in one of the following three protocols: (1) pair-feeding of liquid diets for 1–8 weeks; (2) agar-block feeding for 8 weeks; or (3) generation of cirrhosis with CCl 4 . Serum samples were analyzed for ferritin, transferrin, and iron levels, and the transferrin iron saturation and ferritin/transferrin ratios were calculated. Liver iron concentrations were also determined. Serum transferrin levels were elevated in animals fed alcohol for 8 weeks in pair-feeding and agar-block feeding protocols, but reduced in rats with cirrhosis. Serum ferritin concentration was reduced in rats fed ethanol in the liquid diet, but increased in rats consuming ethanol in agar blocks, in rats pair-fed the liquid control diet, and in rats with cirrhosis. This finding was mirrored by liver nonheme iron concentrations in all experimental groups, but not in the corresponding control groups. Serum iron levels were significantly elevated only in rats fed the liquid control diet. There was a progressive decrease in transferrin iron saturation and ferritin/transferrin ratios for animals fed ethanol in the liquid diet, but not when ethanol was ingested from agar blocks. The development of cirrhosis resulted in elevated liver iron concentrations and doubled ferritin/transferrin ratios. It is concluded that these models may be used to study disturbances in iron homeostasis that occur during alcohol abuse and the (subsequent) development of liver disease.
An Uncommonly Open Approach

Stressing the links between infrastructure and commons, Frischmann explores what drives the demand for the former and how those drivers should affect public policy.
P2X2 and P2X3 receptor expression in postnatal and adult rat urinary bladder and lumbosacral spinal cord

P2X receptors mediate the effects of ATP in micturition and nociception. During postnatal maturation, a spinobulbospinal reflex and voluntary voiding replace primitive voiding reflexes. This may in...
Rapid desensitization of mice with anti-FcγRIIb/FcγRIII mAb safely prevents IgG-mediated anaphylaxis.

Background Stimulatory IgG receptors (FcγRs) on bone marrow-derived cells contribute to the pathogenesis of several autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. Monoclonal antibodies that block FcγRs might suppress these diseases, but they can induce anaphylaxis. Objective We wanted to determine whether a rapid desensitization approach can safely suppress IgG/FcγR-mediated anaphylaxis. Methods Mice were injected with serially increasing doses of 2.4G2, a rat mAb that blocks the inhibitory FcγR, FcγRIIb, and the stimulatory receptor, FcγRIII. Rectal temperature was used to detect the development of anaphylaxis. Passive and active IgG-mediated anaphylaxis were evaluated in mice that had been rapidly desensitized with 2.4G2 or mock-desensitized in mice in which monocyte/macrophages, basophils, or neutrophils had been depleted or desensitized and in mice in which FcγRI, FcγRIII, and/or FcγRIV had been deleted or blocked. Results Rapid desensitization with 2.4G2 prevented 2.4G2-induced shock and completely suppressed IgG-mediated anaphylaxis. Rapid desensitization of ovalbumin-sensitized mice with 2.4G2 was safer and more effective than rapid desensitization with ovalbumin. 2.4G2 treatment completely blocked FcγRIII and removed most FcγRI and FcγRIV from nucleated peripheral blood cells. Because IgG 2a -mediated anaphylaxis was partially FcγRI and FcγRIV dependent, the effects of 2.4G2 on FcγRI and FcγRIV were probably crucial for its complete inhibition of IgG 2a -mediated anaphylaxis. IgG 2a -mediated anaphylaxis was partially inhibited by depletion or desensitization of monocyte/macrophages, basophils, or neutrophils. Conclusion IgG-mediated anaphylaxis can be induced by ligation of FcγRI, FcγRIII, or FcγRIV on monocycte/macrophages, basophils, or neutrophils and can be safely suppressed by rapid desensitization with anti-FcγRII/RIII mAb. A similar approach may safely suppress other FcγR-dependent immunopathology.
Hyperspectral sounding: a revolutionary advance in atmospheric remote sensing

ABSTRACT Hyperspectral remote sounding was introduced with the High spectral resolution Interferomet er Sounder (HIS) that flew on the NASA ER-2 aircraft in the mid-1980s. The results from the HIS demonstrated that high vertical resolution sounding information could be achieved us ing quasi-continuous spectra of the atmosp heres radiance to space. This has led to a series of research and operational satellite instruments designed to exploit the hyperspectral resolution sounding approach. The experimental versions, the ADEOS IMG (Interferometer for the Measurement of trace Gases) and the Aqua AIRS (Atmospheric InfraRed Sounder) have already been orbited. The IASI (Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer) and the CrIS (Cross-track Infrared Sounder) instruments are soon to be orbited on the METOP and the NPP/NPOESS operational series of polar orbiting satellites, respectively. Geostationary satellite hyperspectral resolution sounding instrumentation was initiated with the experimental GIFTS (Geostationary Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer) instrument whose development is providing risk reduction for the next generation of operational geostationary satellite instruments (e.g., th e GOES-R Hyperspectral Environmental Suite, HES). This presentation traces the evolution of the hyperspectral resolution sounding program. Intercomparisons of the different satellite instrument approaches are discussed. Experimental results from the current aircraft and experimental satellite systems are presented to demonstrate the power of the hyperspectral resolution sounding technique. Key Words: Remote Sensing, Radiation, Interferometer, Spectrometer, Satellites, Aircraft
Mathematical model for non-linear standing waves in a tube

A mathematical model is developed to describe the behavior of one-dimensional, non-linear standing waves in a fluid-filled, rigid-wall tube. The tube is bounded on one end by a piston vibrating with periodic motion and terminated on the other end by an impedance boundary. A numerical procedure for calculations based on this model also is described. Calculations are carried out on a digital computer. The model and computer program are presently restricted to pre-shock conditions. Numerical results obtained for the special case of a rigid reflector and a sinusoidally moving piston are in excellent agreement with the results of Coppens and Sanders (private communication). The general approach is applicable to any one-dimensional system bounded by a velocity condition on one end and an impedance condition on the other end.
Relation of body mass index to sudden cardiac death and the benefit of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in patients with left ventricular dysfunction after healing of myocardial infarction.

Obesity has been identified as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and heart failure. However, data regarding the relation of body mass index (BMI) to outcome in patients with established heart failure are conflicting. We examined the risk of all-cause mortality and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in 1,231 patients after myocardial infarction with left ventricular dysfunction enrolled the Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial-II (MADIT-II). Interaction-term analysis was used to assess the benefit of the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in upper (obese > or =30 kg/m(2), n = 361) and lower (nonobese or =30 kg/m(2) (hazard ratio 0.73, p = 0.32; p = 0.86 for ICD-by-BMI interaction). In conclusion, our findings suggest an independent inverse association between BMI values and risk of all-cause mortality and SCD in patients after myocardial infarction with left ventricular dysfunction enrolled in the MADIT-II trial.
Variations in flow-velocity waveforms obtained by pulsed Doppler echocardiography in the normal human aorta.

Abstract To characterize the contour and duration of aortic flow-velocity waveforms in the normal human, the ascending aorta of 23 persons without evidence of cardiovascular disease was examined systematically with pulsed Doppler echocardiography. In 16 of the 23 subjects, measurements throughout the ascending aorta showed flow-velocity waveforms of similar contour and duration, characterized by flow-velocity peaking in early to midsystole, with most flow velocity (60 ± 4%) occurring in the first half of the available systolic ejection period, and then gradually decreasing to 0 baseline coincident with aortic valve closure. In the other 7 subjects, aortic flow-velocity waveforms recorded at most of the sampling sites also revealed a normal flow-velocity pattern; however, in each of these subjects, 1 to 3 sites that displayed a distinct alteration from the normal pattern were also identified. The waveforms recorded from these latter sites were characterized by flow-velocity peaking earlier in systole and decelerating to 0 baseline approximately 100 ms before aortic valve closure; consequently, a particularly large fraction of flow velocity (88 ± 9%) occurred in the first half of the systolic ejection period. These apparently shortened waveforms were always detected at sites near the medial aortic wall and often at or near the junction of the ascending and transverse aorta. Hence, aortic flow-velocity waveforms with altered contour and duration (resembling those recorded in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) were infrequently identified by pulsed Doppler echocardiography in subjects with normal hearts and were not characteristic of the overall aortic flow-velocity pattern in any of these subjects. The origin of these waveforms is uncertain, although it is likely that they reflect local aberrations in aortic flow velocity. Occasional detection of such isolated shortened waveforms by Doppler in a minority of normal subjects serves to emphasize the necessity for thorough investigation of the ascending aorta when characterizing aortic flow-velocity patterns.
Solid-state complexes of hexafluoro-2-propanol with benzophenone-containing polyimides

Films of benzophenone-containing polyimides were cast from hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) solutions and vacuum-dried just above the HFIP boiling temperature (59 °C) until a constant weight was achieved. Upon heating, the films exhibited 15% weight loss beginning around 150 °C. Using infrared spectroscopy, it was determined that the evolved gas was HFIP, and it formed a hydrogen-bonded solid-state complex with the polyimide. The films still contained nearly 15% HFIP 18 months after casting, a testament to the room temperature stability of the complex. The HFIP-complexed polyimide films exhibited higher gas permeabilities and reduced selectivities compared to the same polyimide cast from dimethylformamide. These transport properties were attributed to plasticization of the polyimide by the HFIP, as evidenced by a reduced storage modulus and glass transition temperature compared to the uncomplexed polyimide.
MSH/ACTH4–10 influences on the CAR in human subjects: A negative finding

Abstract Twenty normal, male, paid volunteers were randomly assigned to MSH/ACTH4–10 or diluent control groups. Following a subcutaneous injection of either 30 mg MSH/ACTH4–10 or diluent, all subjects were placed in an active conditioned avoidance response situation where they learned to avoid a painful electric shock by pressing a key during a safe interval between a warning signal (light) and shock onset. MSH/ACTH4–10 did not influence any parameter of the acquisition or extinction process. The between subjects' variability of autonomic variables was significantly less for the MSH/ACTH4–10 group. Results indicate that inhibition of extinction of conditioned avoidance responding does not generalize across species from rat to man.
Role of Gas Doping Sequence in Surface Reactions and Dopant Incorporation during Atomic Layer Deposition of Al-Doped ZnO

Aluminum incorporation into ZnO films during atomic layer deposition (ALD) is investigated using in situ quartz crystal microbalance and electrical conductance analysis. Chemical interactions between Zn and Al species during ZnO:Al ALD depend on the order of metal precursor exposure. Exposing the growing ZnO surface to trimethyl aluminum (TMA) impedes the subsequent ∼4 monolayers of ZnO growth. However, the extent of interaction can be reduced by performing the TMA exposure immediately following a diethyl zinc step, without an intermediate water exposure step, consistent with increased surface mixing of Zn and Al species. Infrared spectroscopy analysis of heavily aluminum doped ZnO shows features consistent with the presence of amorphous ZnAl2O4 bonding units. For more lightly doped films, mass spectroscopic depth profiling confirms nonuniform aluminum distribution, even after annealing at 500 °C. Film conductance measured during growth shows complex trends that are highly repeatable over multiple doping ...
Uma abordagem prática para a programação de setup e para o dimensionamento de lote em uma indústria têxtil

Estuda-se a programacao de preparacoes de maquinas e atividades produtivas de uma industria textil, localizada na Carolina do Norte, EUA. A firma enfrenta o problema de programar a producao das encomendas dos clientes em diversos teares circulares, que admitem diferentes configuracoes, mediante instalacao de diferentes cilindros, para tecer varios tipos de malha crua. Dado um conjunto de requisitos, para diferentes estilos de malha, o problema consiste em decidir quanto a configuracao especifica a ser usada em cada maquina e quanto aos especificos pedidos a serem processados nessas configuracoes. O problema e formulado como um modelo de programacao linear inteira. O objetivo e a maximizacao da contribuicao total de todos os pedidos programados sujeitos a restricoes impostas a capacidade de producao pelas maquinas e pelas operacoes de preparacao, considerando explicitamente os efeitos dos ajustes programados e das restricoes ao atendimento das encomendas dos clientes. Sao discutidas varias tentativas de solucao. Projeta-se um procedimento aproximado que progressivamente adiciona novos ajustes com base em varias heuristicas por meio das quais o "valor" das configuracoes candidatas as maquinas e avaliado. Essas heuristicas podem ser desenvolvidas tanto para um procedimento interno de programacao quanto para uso do programador humano, interativamente, num ambiente de microcomputador.
Melting Gel Films for Low Temperature Seals

Melting gels are silica-based hybrid gels with the curious behavior that they are rigid at room temperature, but soften around 110°C. A typical melting gel is prepared by mixing methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) and dimethyldiethoxysilane (DMDES). MTES has one methyl group substituted for an ethoxy, and DMDES has two substitutions. The methyl groups do not hydrolyze, which limits the network-forming capability of the precursors. To gain insight into the molecular structure of the melting gels, differential scanning calorimetry and oscillatory rheometry studies were performed on melting gels before consolidation. According to oscillatory rheometry, at room temperature, the gels behave as viscous fluids, with a viscous modulus, G″(t,ω0) that is larger than the elastic modulus, G′(t,ω0). As the temperature is decreased, gels continue to behave as viscous fluids, with both moduli increasing with decreasing temperature. At some point, the moduli cross over, and this temperature is recorded as the glass transition temperature Tg. The Tg values obtained from both methods are in excellent agreement. The Tg decreases from -0.3oC to -56oC with an increase in the amount of di-substituted siloxane (DMDES) from 30 to 50 mole %. A decrease of the Tg follows an increase of the number of hydrolytically stable groups, meaning a decrease in the number of oxygen bridges between siloxane chains.
Analysis automation with paving: A new quadrilateral meshing technique

Abstract This paper describes the impact of paving, a new automatic mesh generation algorithm, on the analysis portion of the design process. Paving generates an all-quadrilateral mesh in arbitrary 2D geometries. The paving technique significantly impacts the analysis process by drastically reducing the time and expertise requirements of traditional mesh generation. Paving produces a high quality mesh based on geometric boundary definitions and user specified element sizing constraints. In this paper we describe the paving algorithm, discuss varying aspects of the impact of the technique on design automation, and elaborate on current research into 3D all-hexahedral mesh generation.
Astrocytes Optimize the Synaptic Transmission of Information

Chemical synapses transmit information via the release of neurotransmitter-filled vesicles from the presynaptic terminal. Using computational modeling, we predict that the limited availability of neurotransmitter resources in combination with the spontaneous release of vesicles limits the maximum degree of enhancement of synaptic transmission. This gives rise to an optimal tuning that depends on the number of active zones. There is strong experimental evidence that astrocytes that enwrap synapses can modulate the probabilities of vesicle release through bidirectional signaling and hence regulate synaptic transmission. For low-fidelity hippocampal synapses, which typically have only one or two active zones, the predicted optimal values lie close to those determined by experimentally measured astrocytic feedback, suggesting that astrocytes optimize synaptic transmission of information.
Region of interest compression using pyramidal coding schemes

We develop a second-generation subband image coding algorithm which exploits the pyramidal structure of transform-domain representations to achieve variable-resolution compression. In particular, regions of interest within an image can be selectively retained at higher fidelity than other regions. This type of coding allows for rapid, very high compression, which is especially suitable for the timely communication of image data over bandlimited channels.
Complementarity and quantum erasure with dispersive atom-field interactions

The "welcher Weg" (which-path) detector as described by Scully et al. [Nature 351, 111 (1991)] employs a pair of initially empty micromaser cavities placed in front of a double-slit apparatus in an atomic interferometer. Laser excited atoms spontaneously emit a photon into either cavity thereby marking the atoms' path and thereby destroying the interference. I propose an alternative method wherein at least one of the cavities is prepared in a coherent state with a strong amplitude. Which-path information is obtained by a nonresonant, dispersive type of atom-field interaction associated with quantum nondemolition measurements. Ground-state atoms passing through the cavity remain in the ground state but impart a phase shift to the cavity fields. Velocity selection is shown to affect the visibility of the fringes. An associated quantum eraser is also discussed.