cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Peeking behind the NAT: an empirical study of home networks

We present the first empirical study of home network availability, infrastructure, and usage, using data collected from home networks around the world. In each home, we deploy a router with custom firmware to collect information about the availability of home broadband network connectivity, the home network infrastructure (including the wireless connectivity in each home network and the number of devices connected to the network), and how people in each home network use the network. Downtime is more frequent and longer in developing countries---sometimes due to the network, and in other cases because they simply turn their home router off. We also find that some portions of the wireless spectrum are extremely crowded, that diurnal patterns are more pronounced during the week, and that most traffic in home networks is exchanged over a few connections to a small number of domains. Our study is both a preliminary view into many home networks and an illustration of how measurements from a home router can yield significant information about home networks.
TU‐G‐BRB‐05: Dose to Mass in Lung Cancer IMRT Optimization

Purpose: To assess the efficacy of intensity modulated radiotherapy(IMRT) optimization for lungcancer based on dose‐to‐structure mass objectives. Methods: Three patient cases are planned for two radiotherapy deliveries; each optimized using either dose‐volume histogram (DVH) constraints or dose‐mass histogram (DMH) constraints. An inhale‐phase optimization simulates breath hold (BH) treatment; an average CT (aCT) optimization simulates treatment under free breathing. DVH plan objectives include 70 Gy to 98% of the PTV while minimizing lung V20, esophagus V25, heart V30. DMH optimization utilizes the same beam angles with corresponding objectives; 70 Gy to 98% of the PTV mass and minimum dose to relative mass of risk structures. Relative mass at objective dose levels are compared for DVH and DMH optimization. Results: For BH plans, DMH optimization maintains or improves target‐mass coverage (up to 2% increase in mass at 70 Gy) and decreases lung mass by up to 2%, heart mass by up to 4%, and esophagus mass by up to 2% at the objective dose levels. The DMH plans optimized on aCT increase target mass coverage by <:1% in all cases and do not improve risk structure mass sparing compared to DVH based plans. The DVH to DMH optimization differences are patient and radiation path dependent. For a complete set of voxels composing a given volume, irradiated voxels are a subset which can have a different mean density than the entire set. This leads to variations in DVH and DMH solutions for the PTV, lungs, esophagus, and heart. Preferred (reduced) radiation path‐lengths through regions of lower density lung are observed in BH‐DMH optimization. Conclusions: DMH optimization has the potential to improve the therapeutic ratio on well‐defined geometry (for example during BH‐RT). This may have advantages in the heart, however, functional lung sub‐units must be further investigated. Support: P01CA11602 and Philips Medical Systems
Trade-Offs in Designing a Social Program Experiment

Abstract Recent policy actions have focused more attention on programs to reduce risks to teenagers. This type of policy scrutiny raises evaluation stakes. This paper addresses the challenges of evaluating teenage risk-reduction programs, particularly programs that operate in schools. I argue that the need for reliable evaluation results favors using random assignment, that randomly assigning schools is suitable for common types of risk-reduction programs, and that under reasonable conditions, an evaluation involving ten districts and eight schools in each district will be able to detect program impacts that fall within an expected range based on previous program evaluations. An evaluation will also need to consider (1) ways to get parental consent, (2) the effects of student mobility on the evaluation's power, and (3) ways to minimize attrition from follow-up survey samples.
Sugar-cellulose composites VII. A comparative assessment of corn syrup as a fiber substitute in paper.

Abstract The ability of the mixture of α-linked glucose oligomers in corn syrup to function as intrafiber components of paper is statistically assessed at the 95% confidence level for two degrees of refining (257 and 402 mL CSF) of never-dried commercial softwood and hardwood/softwood pulps. Independent of the extent of refining, the replacement of the beaten fibers by corn syrup at about the 6% level does not result in a statistically significant deterioration (two-sided t -test, p = 0.05) of the ISO brightness or of the tensile, tear, burst or surface strength values of the resultant papers. The economic potential of such fiber replacement is discussed. As paper additives, the mixed α-oligomers (corn syrup), glucose and lactose perform indistinguishably.
A modulator of some noradrenergic processes.

of entrainment of these biological periodicities. Within the range of entrainment the phase relationship between the rhythms of photoperiod and those of testis size and molt changes systematically as a function of the period of the former: as the period of the photoperiodic cycle decreases, the phase of the testicular rhythm (e.g., testicular maximum) and that of the molt rhythm (e.g., onset of molt) become progressively delayed. This behavior is in agreement with predictions derived from general oscillator therory [7] and suggests that circannual rhy thmsl ike circadian r h y t h m s may be described as oscillators in the technical sense.
4. three dogmas (more or less) of explanation

What ought to count as an explanation? Such normative questions—what “ought to be” the case?—typically mark the domain that those with a type of philosophical aspiration call their own. Debates in the philosophy of history have for too long been marred by bad advice from just such aspirants. The recurrent suggestion has been that historians have a particular need for a theory of explanation since they seem to have none of their own. But neither the study of the natural sciences nor the study of narrative compels or even makes plausible the view that it will be possible to adduce the norms of explanation, either in history or elsewhere, in advance of identifying theories that explain. I readily concede to Stueber, Carr, and Forland the use of a certain vocabulary when speaking of others. But it is one thing to point to a pervasive habit of explaining behavior in certain terms. It is quite another to document that these explanations have any value as explanations. What apart from habit or philosophical dogma establishes any of their proposals as explanatory? Explanation by invoking the myth of the shared should be replaced by explanations that have empirical content.
Evaluation of resilience for Data Center systems

Data centers (DC) suffer from an increasing number of threats; these are exaggerated by the incredible growth of critical data volumes in addition to vulnerabilities in technologies used for distributed architectures. This paper demonstrates the need to define a new metric for ldquoresilience levelrdquo to complement other system metrics such as performance, availability, robustness and fault tolerance. In addition, ldquodata centerrdquo resiliencepsilas evaluation framework and its advantages are presented.
Color Stability of Elastomers for Maxillofacial Appliances

The color stability of polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, and silicone polymers for maxillofacial applications was determined after accelerated aging using reflectance spectrophotometry. On the basis of color stability after accelerated aging, and ease of processing, several silicone materials were the most promising.
Plasmid-mediated histamine biosynthesis in the bacterial fish pathogen Vibrio anguillarum.

Abstract Histamine production in bacteria-contaminated fish is the result of the presence of bacterial histidine decarboxylase activity, which converts histidine present in muscle proteins to histamine. The fish pathogenVibrio anguillarumharbors a plasmid-encoded histidine decarboxylase gene (angH) that is essential for biosynthesis of the siderophore anguibactin. However, the role ofangHin histamine biosynthesis by this pathogen has not been fully determined. Thus, the objectives of this study were to monitor the production and release of histamine by the wild-type as well as by a plasmidless strain andangHisogenic mutants generated by allelic exchange. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction showed that only the wild-type strain expressedangH,while noangHmessage was detected in the mutants and the plasmidless derivative. The iron uptake-deficient phenotype of one of theangHmutants confirmed the location of the mutation and the unique role of this gene in iron acquisition. Thin-layer chromatography, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry showed that histamine was released by the strain harboring a wild-typeangHgene when grown in excess histidine. This biogenic amine was not detected in the culture supernatants of the plasmidless derivative and theangHmutant when cultured under the same experimental conditions. These results indicate thatangHis essential for histamine biosynthesis inV. anguillarum,a compound responsible for food poisoning and potentially involved in bacterial virulence. Thin-layer chromatography of wild-type culture supernatants and β-galactosidase assays using the isogenicangHmutant demonstrated that the expression of this gene is independent of the histidine concentration of the medium under both iron-rich and iron-limiting conditions.
Postarthroplasty histiocytic lymphadenopathy in gynecologic oncology patients: A benign reactive process that clinically may be mistaken for cancer

BACKGROUND. A distinctive histiocytosis occurs in the regional draining lymph nodes after large joint replacements, resulting in lymphadenopathy that may mimic cancer both grossly and microscopically. Postarthroplasty histiocytic lymphadenopathy has most often been observed in males during surgery for prostate cancer. METHODS. The authors present three examples of postarthroplasty histiocytic lymphadenopathy that occurred in gynecologic oncology patients. We studied the clinical, histologic, and immunohistochemical features of all three cases and the ultrastructure of one of them. RESULTS. Most involved lymph nodes were enlarged, but histiocytosis was also seen in normal sized lymph nodes. Microscopically, histiocytes with abundant granular cytoplasm were present in the lymph node parenchyma, and, to a lesser extent, in the sinuses. Normal lymph node architecture was variably effaced and the histiocytic infiltrate extended focally into the perinodal tissue. Small, black metal particles were present in the histiocytes in every case. Birefringent polyethylene particles were a prominent finding in all three cases as confirmed by positive modified oil red O staining, and, in one case, by electron microscopy. The histiocytes were strongly immunoreactive for CD68, but immunostains for S100 protein, MAC 387, and cytokeratin were negative. CONCLUSIONS. Enlargement of the lymph nodes in cancer patients who have had large joint replacements may be due to a benign histiocytosis rather than to metastatic cancer. The histologic features of the lymphadenopathy are distinctive and recognizable in routine histologic preparations. Polyethylene wear particles shed from joint prostheses are the most common substances in the histiocytes and are the most likely cause of the histiocytosis.
TAMING AUGUSTINE'S MONSTROSITY: AQUINAS'S NOTION OF USE IN THE STRUGGLE FOR MORAL GROWTH

In Book VIII of his Confessions, Saint Augustine offers a detailed description of one of the most famous cases of weakness of will in the history of philosophy. Augustine characterizes his experience as a monstrous situation in which he both wills and does not will moral growth, but he is at odds to explain this phenomenon. In this paper, I argue that Aquinas's action theory offers important resources for explaining Augustine's monstrosity. On Aquinas's schema, human acts are composed of various operations of intellect and will, and thus are subject to disintegration. In order to capture the gap in human action between making choices to pursue particular goals and translating those choices into behavior, Aquinas distinguishes between two operations of will that he calls choice and use. I apply his distinction between choice and use to Augustine's case, arguing that Augustine's moral weakness is a result of will's failure to use its choices. The central thesis of this paper is that Augustine's monstrosity is a bona fide case of weakness of will that is best explained as a failure in use at the level of will.
Integrated three-color organic light-emitting devices

We report a demonstration of the integration of individual polymer‐based light emitting devices of three different colors on the same substrate. Orange, green, and blue color devices are sequentially fabricated on the same indium–tin oxide (ITO) coated glass substrate coated with a patterned insulator on the ITO, by the spin coating of polymer thin films, the vacuum deposition of top metal contacts, and the patterning of polymer thin film by plasma etching, using the top metal contacts as the self‐aligned etching mask. The devices exhibit no degradation of device characteristics due to the integration processing compared to discrete devices on separate substrates. This demonstration shows a new path towards the fabrication of high performance low‐cost full‐color organic flat panel displays.
Signatures of evanescent mode transport in graphene

We calculate the shot noise generated by evanescent modes in graphene for several experimental setups. For two impurity-free graphene strips kept at the Dirac point by gate potentials, separated by a long highly doped region, we find that the Fano factor takes the universal value $F=1/4$. For a large superlattice consisting of many strips gated to the Dirac point interspersed among doped regions, we find $F=1/(8\mathrm{ln}2)$. These results differ from the value $F=1/3$ predicted for a disordered metal, providing an unambiguous experimental signature of evanescent mode transport in graphene.
FcγRII, FcγRIII, and CD18 receptors mediate in part neutrophil activation on a plasma coated expanded polytetrafluoroethylene surface

Background. A biomaterial-induced polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) defect may predispose the implanted vascular graft to infection. PMNs bind, activate, and undergo morphologic changes when exposed to uncoated or plasma coated expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) surfaces. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the CD18 integrin receptor or the immunoglobulin receptors FcγRII and FcγRIII mediate either PMN binding or activation on ePTFE. Methods. PMN binding and activation were determined after incubation of these cells on human immunoglobulin (IgG) or fibrinogen coated surfaces and uncoated or plasma coated ePTFE. PMN activation was measured by using the ferricytochrome reduction assay. Binding was determined with chromium 51-labeled PMNs. To block the FcγRII, FcγRIII, and CD18 receptors, PMNs were preincubated with the monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) IV.3, 3G8, and IB4, respectively. Irrelevant isotype matched mAbs were used as control. Results. Monoclonal antibody IB4 inhibited binding of activated PMNs to fibrinogen coated surfaces. Binding to IgG was affected by either mAb IB4 or IV.3, but the greatest degree of inhibition was achieved when mAbs IB4 and IV.3 were used in combination. IgG-induced activation was partially inhibited by mAb IV.3 but was fully inhibited by a combination of mAbs IB4 and IV.3 The mAbs did not affect PMN binding to uncoated or plasma coated ePTFE, nor was PMN activation on the uncoated ePTFE surface inhibited. PMN activation on the plasma coated ePTFE surface was, however, partially inhibited by the combination of mAb IB4 with either mAb IV.3 or 3G8. Conclusions. A synergistic interaction between the PMN FcγRII receptor and the CD18 integrin receptor accounts for surface bound IgG-induced cell activation. Both receptors also play a role in mediating PMN activation on the plasma-coated ePTFE surface.
Optical rotatory capacity of the lens of the vertebrate eye.

THE lens of the eye can be considered as a transparent sac of proteins and as such should be amenable to examination with transmitted polarized monochromatic light. The results obtained when the lenses of sheep, lambs, steers, calves, dogs and rabbits were examined for their capacity, in vitro, to rotate the plane of polarized monochromatic light are reported.
Chorus waves and spacecraft potential fluctuations: Evidence for wave-enhanced photoelectron escape

Chorus waves are important for electron energization and loss in Earth's radiation belts and inner magnetosphere. Because the amplitude and spatial distribution of chorus waves can be strongly influenced by plasma density fluctuations and spacecraft floating potential can be a diagnostic of plasma density, the relationship between measured potential and chorus waves is examined using Van Allen Probes data. While measured potential and chorus wave electric fields correlate strongly, potential fluctuation properties are found not to be consistent with plasma density fluctuations on the timescales of individual chorus wave packets. Instead, potential fluctuations are consistent with enhanced photoelectron escape driven by chorus wave electric fields. Enhanced photoelectron escape may result in potential fluctuations of the spacecraft body, the electric field probes, or both, depending on the ambient plasma and magnetic field environment. These results differ significantly from prior interpretations of the correspondence between measured potential and wave electric fields.
Interfacial ultrafine-grained structures on aluminum alloy 6061 joint and copper alloy 110 joint fabricated by magnetic pulse welding

Magnetic pulse welding is a solid state impact welding process, similar to explosive welding, which produces metallurgical bond by oblique high-speed impact between two metal bodies. This violent impact removes the metal surface oxide layers and then joins the two atomic level clean metal surfaces together by the incidental compression pressure. The impact velocity is at 200–400 m/s and the being welded metal surface undergoes severe plastic deformation with strain rate in the order of 106–107 s−1. The ultrafine-grained structure was observed on the welded interface. This article studied two types of similar material lap joint interfaces and the base metals were aluminum alloy 6061 and copper alloy 110. Nano-indentation testing shows that the welded interfaces have significantly greater hardness than the base metals. The interface microstructure was studied by optical microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The welded aluminum alloy 6061 interface exhibits extremely fine grains and an extremely high dislocation density. The impact welded copper alloy 110 interface presents nano-scale lamellar band structure and deformation twins. The interface hardness increasing was attributed to this impact-induced microstructural refinement.
Empirical evidence on determinants of firm growth

Abstract Models of firm growth are estimated for a sample of manufacturing, sales and service firms. Firm growth is negatively related to firm size and firm age, and is lower in single-establishment firms than in multiple-establishment firms.
When Rule Makers Become Rule Breakers: Employee Level Outcomes of Managerial Pro-Social Rule Breaking

We extend Morrison’s (2006) construct of pro-social rule breaking (PSRB) in two important ways. First, we explicate the processes through which PSRB may have unintended negative consequences. Second, we provide a conceptual model intended to guide future research into PSRB. The model discusses the mechanisms through which managerial PSRB may lead to negative employee outcomes. Specifically, we propose that when managers engage in PSRB, more complex processes (perceptions of organizational justice, attributions of management by employees, and psychological contract violations) mediate the unintended employee level outcomes of managerial PSRB.
A Test of the Cox, Ingersoll, and Ross Model of the Term Structure

We test the theory of the term structure of indexed-bond prices due to Cox, Ingersoll, and Ross (CIR). The econometric method uses Hansen's generalized method of moments and exploits the probability distribution of the single-state variable in CIR's model, thus avoiding the use of aggregate consumption data. It enables us to estimate a continuous-time model based on discretely sampled data. The tests indicate that CIR's model for index bonds performs reasonably well when confronted with short-term Treasury-bill returns. The estimates indicate that term premiums are positive and that yield curves can take several shapes. However, the fitted model does poorly in explaining the serial correlation in real Treasury-bill returns. Article published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Financial Studies in its journal, The Review of Financial Studies.
Hadamard transform-based object recognition using an array processor

This paper describes the use of Hadamard transform for recognizing objects in an industrial environment. The transform is implemented on a 16-node hypercube array processor using ring topology. An adaptive algorithm extracts the Hadamard domain features that best represent a particular object independent of its size, position, and orientation. The first 8-10 Hadamard coefficients are selected for object classification using the minimum-distance rule. A tenfold speedup is achieved by parallelizing the algorithms for extracting the Hadamard domain features.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Radiology residencies: disasters and preparedness.

For the past decade residency positions in radiology in America continue to be highly sought. The competition is fierce but when the match is published and the applicant has gained a place for training after internship, it is a cause for celebration as the stresses of the months long application process are finally relieved. However, entering a residency is no guarantee that it can be completed, independent of the enthusiasm and capabilities brought to the program by the trainee himself.
Confronting the challenge of electronic document delivery : A literature review

ABSTRACT Educational leaders confronted with the demand for and challenge of electronic document delivery (EDD) in academic libraries have to decide what to do with this unconventional, yet, increasingly important method of information delivery and how to proceed. For them to make a sound decision, they need to examine the importance of EDD as well as its pros and cons. They need to explore both issues that center around EDD, and those that supervene. A full understanding of the situation will help them make informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls. A literature review, as a first step toward a full understanding of its past, progress and future, will provide the educational leaders an overview of the literature on the topic, alert them to the problems and gaps that might exist in this research area and suggest the need for future study.
A Subharmonic Vibration Absorber for Rotating Machinery

We demonstrate a dynamic vibration absorber system which can be used to reduce speed fluctuations in rotating machinery. The primary system is modeled as a simple rotating disk, and the idealized absorber system consists of a pair of equal point masses which are free to move along identical, prescribed paths relative to the disk. The unique features of the proposed arrangement are that the absorbers are tuned to one-half of the frequency of the applied torque and, more importantly, that they are effective in the fully nonlinear operating range. These absorbers can, in the undamped case, exactly cancel a pure harmonic applied torque of a given order without inducing any higher harmonics, thus rendering a perfectly constant speed of rotation. A perturbation method is used to extend the results to the small damping case and to investigate the dynamic stability of the desired motion. Simulations are used to verify the analysis and to demonstrate the effectiveness of the device.
Cytochrome C encapsulating theranostic nanoparticles: a novel bifunctional system for targeted delivery of therapeutic membrane-impermeable proteins to tumors and imaging of cancer therapy.

The effective administration of therapeutic proteins has received increased attention for the treatment of various diseases. Encapsulation of these proteins in various matrices, as a method of protein structure and function preservation, is a widely used approach that results in maintenance of the protein’s function. However, targeted delivery and tracking of encapsulated therapeutic proteins to the affected cells is still a challenge. In an effort to advance the targeted delivery of a functional apoptosis-initiating protein (cytochrome c) to cancer cells, we formulated theranostic polymeric nanoparticles for the simultaneous encapsulation of cytochrome c and a near-infrared dye to folate-expressing cancer cells. The polymeric nanoparticles were prepared using a novel water-soluble hyperbranched polyhydroxyl polymer that allows for dual encapsulation of a hydrophilic protein and an amphiphilic fluorescent dye. Our protein therapeutic cargo is the endogenous protein cytochrome c, which upon cytoplasmic rel...
A sociolinguistic perspective on sociophonetic research

Abstract The four papers in this issue of the journal are jointly focused on two distinct themes: sociophonetics—the study of speakers and listeners’ sensitivity to the social context in which language is produced and perceived—and exemplar theory, as a way of explaining this behavior. In these comments, I will try to relate the findings in the first area to the field of sociolinguistics, and then relate the discussion of exemplar theory to recent studies of change in progress.
Impulsive response of sandwich structures

Abstract Most analyses of sandwich structures consider static loading or dynamic loading in which loads are applied slowly enough so that beam and plate theories are adequate in predicting the overall bending deformation. However, for impulsive loading generated by explosions or impacts, the early phase of the response is not captured by these structural theories as it involves wave propagation through the thickness. Significant damage can be introduced during this early phase.
On the economics of household composition

(1988). On the economics of household composition. Applied Economics: Vol. 20, No. 10, pp. 1401-1418.
Nano- and microfabrication for overcoming drug delivery challenges

This highlight article describes current nano- and microfabrication techniques for creating drug delivery devices. We first review the main physiological barriers to delivering therapeutic agents. Then, we describe how novel fabrication methods can be utilized to combine many features into a single physiologically relevant device to overcome drug delivery challenges.
Protein synthesis by chloroplasts isolated from gametophytes of the fern, Todea barbara

Abstract Characteristics of the amino acid incorporating activity of chloroplasts isolated from gametophytes of the fern Todea barbara are described. Maximum incorporation of 14 C-amino acid mixture into chloroplasts is obtained in an incubation medium devoid of nucleotide triphosphates or an energy-generating system. Incorporation of the isotope is Mg-dependent. In vitro protein synthesis by isolated chloroplats is relatively insensitive to R Nase, D Nase, actinomycin D, chloramphenicol and cycloheximide. Indirect evidence indicates that chloroplasts of the fern differ from other chloroplasts in maintaining their integrity under conditions where ordinarily chloroplasts are disrupted.
The Nebulous Art of Using Wind-Tunnel Airfoil Data for Predicting Rotor Performance

The objective of this study was threefold: to evaluate different two-dimensional S809 airfoil data sets in the prediction of rotor performance; to compare blade-element momentum rotor predicted results to lifting-surface, prescribed-wake results; and to compare the NASA Ames combined experiment rotor measured data with the two different performance prediction methods. The S809 airfoil data sets evaluated included those from Delft University of Technology, Ohio State University, and Colorado State University. The performance prediction comparison with NASA Ames data documents shortcomings of these performance prediction methods and recommends the use of the lifting-surface, prescribed-wake method over blade-element momentum theory for future analytical improvements.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Fuel Prices and Consumer Preferences for Vehicles: Energy Technology Innovation Policy

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between fuel prices and consumer preferences for passenger motor vehicles in the U.S. automobile market. The paper examines the stated preferences of new vehicle owners from December 2001 to January 2008 to explore possible indications of changes in consumer preferences. Annual survey data were used. During the observation period, gasoline prices fluctuated significantly and rose to more than twice their lowest level. The importance of acquiring a vehicle with good fuel economy was analyzed, and the results of the statistical analysis are presented. The paper presents additional evidence that more consumers would state that fuel economy becomes a more important factor in their purchasing decisions as gasoline prices rise. The evidence also supports the suggestion that the financial impact of fuel economy will matter first to lower-income buyers as gasoline prices rise.
Histologic Classification of FSGS: Does Form Delineate Function?

In this issue of CJASN , D’Agati and colleagues assess the association of the Columbia classification system of FSGS histologic variants with clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients enrolled in the FSGS Clinical Trial (FSGS-CT) ([1][1]). FSGS is the most common primary glomerular
Optimal fuel-image motion planning for a class of dual spacecraft formations

In this paper we study a class of dual spacecraft formations for imaging applications. After motivating the problem, we discuss the general goals of an imaging formation. We then specialize the discussion to a class of dual spacecraft formations and introduce the geometric constraints imposed on the formation. The first main contribution of this paper is that we combine two ideas introduced separately in the literature and propose a maneuver that offers improved imaging performance. We then formulate an optimal control problem to minimize fuel consumption and further maximize image quality by minimizing the relative speed, which is proportional to the signal-to-noise ratio of the reconstructed image. We use the maximum principle to derive the necessary optimality conditions und show that they are also sufficient and that the resulting control law is unique. Finally, we apply a continuation method to solve for the unique optimal trajectory.
BICAP-induced colonic perforation.

The BICAp® hemostatic system (American ACMI, Stamford, Conn.) has been extensively utilized by endoscopists since its commercial availability in 1984. Although stated by the manufacturer to be "safe and effective" for the control of gastrointestinal bleeding, there is little critical information in the literature to support this claim. A perforation following BICAp® therapy of a bleeding colonic angiodysplasia is presented.
Examining the Impact of Peer and Family Belongingness on the Career Decision-making Difficulties of Young Adults: A Path Analytic Approach

Career decision making continues to be a major area of research, particularly related to the factors that influence the construct. The purpose of this study was to examine a hypothesized model predicting the relationships between career decision-making difficulties and perceived belongingness, specifically peer and family belongingness. Participants included 436 undergraduates, who completed measures of belongingness, psychological distress, academic motivation, and career decision-making difficulties. The researchers conjectured that peer and family belongingness would each be indirectly associated with career decision-making difficulties as mediated by academic motivation and psychological distress. Overall, fit indices supported the hypothesized model but indicated different outcomes for family and peer belongingness. Family belongingness was significantly related to career decision-making difficulties, while peer belonging was not significantly associated to any variable in the hypothesized model. Pra...
Chronic Care Clinics for Diabetes in Primary Care A system-wide randomized trial

OBJECTIVE —To evaluate the impact of primary care group visits (chronic care clinics) on the process and outcome of care for diabetic patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS —We evaluated the intervention in primary care practices randomized to intervention and control groups in a large-staff model health maintenance organization (HMO). Patients included diabetic patients ≥30 years of age in each participating primary care practice, selected at random from an automated diabetes registry. Primary care practices were randomized within clinics to either a chronic care clinic (intervention) group or a usual care (control) group. The intervention group conducted periodic one-half day chronic care clinics for groups of ∼8 diabetic patients in their respective doctor’s practice. Chronic care clinics consisted of standardized assessments; visits with the primary care physician, nurse, and clinical pharmacist; and a group education/peer support meeting. We collected self-report questionnaires from patients and data from administrative systems. The questionnaires were mailed, and telephoned interviews were conducted for nonrespondents, at baseline and at 12 and 24 months; we queried the process of care received, the satisfaction with care, and the health status of each patient. Serum cholesterol and HbA1c levels and health care use and cost data was collected from HMO administrative systems. RESULTS —In an intention-to-treat analysis at 24 months, the intervention group had received significantly more recommended preventive procedures and helpful patient education. Of five primary health status indicators examined, two (SF-36 general health and bed disability days) were significantly better in the intervention group. Compared with control patients, intervention patients had slightly more primary care visits, but significantly fewer specialty and emergency room visits. Among intervention participants, we found consistently positive associations between the number of chronic care clinics attended and a number of outcomes, including patient satisfaction and HbA1c levels. CONCLUSIONS —Periodic primary care sessions organized to meet the complex needs of diabetic patients improved the process of diabetes care and were associated with better outcomes.
Stability of a Spherical Pendulum Walker

In this paper an inverted spherical pendulum walking model is analyzed to determine the stability of its three-dimensional walking gaits. Generally, “sprawled” side-to-side walking is stable, whereas “upright” walking is unstable. This model yields analytic results potentially useful for scientific or engineering studies.
Erratum to: Role of Stranded Gas from Central Asia and Russia in Meeting Europe’s Future Import Demand for Gas

Figure 7. Graph summarizing volumes of Russian stranded gas available at market prices that offset costs of developing, producing, and transporting the gas to the market point at the EU border at Uzhhorod, Ukraine. (a) The resource cost curves for Volga–Ural, Caspian, and Timan–Pechora provinces. (b) The resource cost curves for Western Siberia and the total stranded Russian gas resource from the above provinces.
The fate of the tumor remnant after less-than-complete acoustic neuroma resection.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the recurrence rate after near-total and subtotal resection of acoustic neuroma.STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of a total of 79 patients: 50 with near-total resections (remnant ≤ 25 mm2 and ≤ 2 mm thick) and 29 with subtotal resections (any larger remnant). Surgical approach included 5 middle fossa, 17 retrosigmoid, and 57 translabyrinthine.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Recurrence was defined as documented tumor growth by serial imaging or the recommendation for further treatment after a single scan. No recurrence was defined as no visible tumor on imaging for a minimum follow-up time of 3 years or tumor remnants that remained unchanged on serial scans (mean, 5-year follow-up).RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were included in the study group. Recurrences were seen in 1 (3%) of 33 patients who had a near-total resection compared with 6 (32%) of 19 patients who had a subtotal resection. After adjustment for follow-up time and large tumor...
Dietary modification of chyle composition in chylothorax

Nutrition support has played a major role in the treatment of chylothorax, both to prevent malnutrition and to minimize chyle production and flow. This report evaluates chyle composition in a patient with chylothorax who was placed on a low-fat diet, medium-chain triglyceride diet, and total parenteral nutrition in sequence. Both triglyceride content and volume of chyle declined, but drainage persisted, ultimately requiring thoracic duct ligation. The chyle triglyceride while on total parenteral nutrition, which presumably originates from both the intestine and plasma, contained more long-chain unsaturated fatty acids than the circulating serum triglyceride. Of particular interest was the detection of an appreciable amount of medium-chain fatty acids in the chyle triglyceride, constituting 20% of the triglyceride fatty acids when an enteral formulation with medium-chain triglyceride as a sole fat source was administered. The finding of almost threefold more decanoic acid (C10:0) than octanoic acid (C8:0), despite the presence of considerably more octanoic acid in the original diet, suggests that trioctanoin may be a preferable medium-chain triglyceride substrate for the nonsurgical treatment of chylothorax.
Key role for AMP-activated Protein Kinase in the Ventromedial Hypothalamus in Regulating Counterregulatory Hormone Responses to Acute Hypoglycemia

OBJECTIVE —To examine in vivo in a rodent model the potential role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) within the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) in glucose sensing during hypoglycemia. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS —Using gene silencing technology to selectively downregulate AMPK in the VMH, a key hypothalamic glucose-sensing region, we demonstrate a key role for AMPK in the detection of hypoglycemia. In vivo hyperinsulinemic-hypoglycemic (50 mg dl −1 ) clamp studies were performed in awake, chronically catheterized Sprague-Dawley rats that had been microinjected bilaterally to the VMH with an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector expressing a short hairpin RNA for AMPKα. RESULTS —In comparison with control studies, VMH AMPK downregulation resulted in suppressed glucagon (∼60%) and epinephrine (∼40%) responses to acute hypoglycemia. Rats with VMH AMPK downregulation also required more exogenous glucose to maintain the hypoglycemia plateau and showed significant reductions in endogenous glucose production and whole-body glucose uptake. CONCLUSIONS —We conclude that AMPK in the VMH plays a key role in the detection of acute hypoglycemia and initiation of the glucose counterregulatory response.
Mechanisms of contraction induced by human leukocytes in normal and atherosclerotic arteries

Activation of leukocytes results in the release of a variety of vasoactive substances that may modulate vascular tone. We studied the effect of human polymorphonuclear (PMN) and mononuclear (MONO) leukocytes on quiescent femoral arteries in vitro. Arteries were obtained from normal and atherosclerotic cynomolgus monkeys. In normal arteries, stimulation of PMNs (3 and 5 x 10(6) cells/ml) with either thrombin (5 units/ml) or complement C5a (0.5 micrograms/ml) resulted in endothelium-independent contraction (approximately 25% of maximum contraction with 80 mM KCl). Vasocontraction was augmented in the presence of superoxide dismutase (150 units/ml) and was significantly impaired in the presence of the hydroxyl radical scavengers mannitol (20 mM) and deferoxamine (1 mM). Catalase (1,200 units/ml) or L-alanine (20 mM) did not modify this effect of PMNs. In contrast to PMNs, vasocontraction in response to MONOs was not altered by the addition of radical scavengers. Pretreatment of PMNs and MONOs with indomethacin (10 microM) or nordihydroguaiaretic acid (20 microM) did not influence vascular responses. Supernatant of thrombin-stimulated PMNs and MONOs also produced vasocontraction (approximately two thirds of the effect of intact cells). This vasocontractor factor (or factors) was heat stable (30 minutes, 95 degrees C) and had a molecular weight less than 1,000 as determined by ultrafiltration. Stimulation of MONOs or PMNs (3 and 5 x 10(6) cells/ml) produced a similar response in normal arteries. In contrast, the constrictor response in atherosclerotic arteries to MONOs (5 x 10(6) cells/ml) was significantly greater than to PMNs. We conclude that stimulated human PMNs and MONOs contract arteries in vitro by release of at least two factors. One factor appears to be heat stable, with a molecular weight less than 1,000. The vascular response to PMNs, but not to MONOs, appears to involve the generation of hydroxyl radicals. The response to MONOs is greater than the response to PMNs in atherosclerotic, but not in normal, arteries.
Smoking and Vulnerability for Schizophrenia

In several countries, the prevalence of smoking among schizophrenia patients is extraordinarily high (70% or greater). A State hospital survey demonstrated that after correcting for other factors, inpatients who have schizophrenia are more likely to be smokers than are persons in the normal population or even other chronic psychiatric inpatients. These findings suggest that neuroleptic treatment and the hospital environment cannot completely explain the high prevalence of smoking. The relationship between smoking and schizophrenia may be explained by a combination of three factors. One factor is the great difficulty for schizophrenia patients to quit smoking. Another is late onset: some schizophrenia patients start to smoke after the onset of psychosis. A third is increased early onset: schizophrenia patients may start daily smoking in greater numbers during adolescence (before the onset of their psychosis) than do persons in the normal U.S. population. Daily smoking is usually considered a sign of nicotine addiction and is used by epidemiological surveys to define the prevalence of smokers (most smokers smoke daily and very few smokers do not smoke every day). The increased early onset suggests that familial factors may increase the prevalence of smoking even among patients who have not yet shown psychotic symptoms. It is hypothesized that smoking among family members in families with genetic loading for schizophrenia may be a marker for those at risk of developing schizophrenia.
Omnibot mobile base for hazardous environment

The objective of the project is to develop a highly manoeuvrable mobile base suitable for operation in a hazardous environment. The base utilizes Omni wheels whose unique motion properties allow for three complete degrees of freedom: two translation degrees and one rotational. Phase I of the project, construction of the Omnibot mobile base is already complete. The mobile base provided the testbed for going into phase II of the project. The main emphasis is to incorporate a vision system, and hazardous gas detectors to the mobile base. The Omnibot mobile system consists of two main components: the mobile base and the command base. Issues concerning the mobile base and the command base design and implementation for phase II are detailed.
Energy consumption behavior and performance of directional virtual carrier sensing schemes

Energy drainage from a node is mainly caused by the power consumption of the nodes communication device. A MAC protocol is the main mechanism to provide efficient access to the shared wireless channel. Directional antennas provide several benefits over several omnidirectional ones including the reduced energy consumption in frame transmissions. In this paper, we study and compare different generic directional virtual carrier sensing schemes (i.e., directional-RTS/CTS) in terms of their energy efficiency and performance. Both analytical and simulation results show that the schemes using directional-RTS and/or directional-CTS are more energy efficient than other schemes.
Effects of ethacrynic acid and furosemide on phosphory-lation reactions of kidney mitochondria. Inhibition of the adenine nucleotide translocase

Previous reports that ethacrynic acid and furosemide diminish mitochondrial P : O ratios and reduce (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity suggested that these diuretics may inhibit mitochondrial phosphorylation reactions. This possibility was initially studied by determining the effects of ethacrynic acid and furosemide on [32P]ATP exchange activity of rat kidney mitochondria. Concentrations of both drugs at 10−4 M or greater, significantly inhibited [32P]ATP exchange. To investigate the mechanism of this inhibition, the effects of ethacrynic acid and furosemide on the ATPase activity of intact mitochondria and sonicated submitochondrial particles were determined. Both diuretics inhibited ATPase activity of intact mitochondria at 10−4 M. In contrast, ATPase of submitochondrial particles was significantly less susceptible to inhibition by the diuretics. These results suggested that ethacrynic acid and furosemide inhibit adenine nucleotide transport across the mitochondrial membrane. This was directly tested by determining the effects of the diuretics on the mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocase. At 5 · 10−4 M, both ethacrynic acid and furosemide significantly inhibited adenine nucleotide transport. These findings suggest that ethacrynic acid and furosemide may diminish renal tubular solute reabsorption by direct inhibition of adenine nucleotide transport across the mitochondrial inner membrane.
CT Angiography of the Thoracic Aorta

CT angiography is the primary tool for thoracic aortic assessment. It offers the knowledgeable interpreter the ability to assess the aortic lumen, wall, and branches in a broad spectrum of aortic abnormalities, to plan and evaluate surgical and transluminal aortic treatment, and to assess the relationships between aortic abnormalities and adjacent pulmonary, mediastinal, and chest wall structures (Rubin et al. 2014). Technical developments that have emerged over the past 10 years have allowed reliable cardiac imaging, which, while treated comprehensively in separate chapters, is highly relevant to thoracic aortic assessment owing to the importance of cardiac analysis in the setting of aortic disease. The goal of this chapter is to review the technical factors that must be considered when acquiring and interpreting thoracic aortic CT angiograms as well as the range of abnormalities for which CTA can be valuable.