cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Forefront of Civil Engineers of Tomorrow

ASCE student members must (a) strive to obtain the optimum from their engineering education, and (b) harmonize all the elements available to attain the forefront in their engineering career. If tomorrow’s engineers use the fourfold building blocks and the sixfold orientation expounded herein, the glorious position of civil engineers in the nineteenth century will be regained, and the perplexing problems evolving the frontier of engineering science will be properly faced.
The hemocytes of Hyalophora cecropia (Lepidoptera).

The hemocytes of selected stages of Hyalophora cecropia from first instar larvae to four-day-old adults were examined and compared with those of Samia cynthia and Antheraea polyphemus. Five classes and two subclasses of hemocytes are described in these moths: (1) prohemocytes, (2) plasmatocytes (of several morphological types), (3) spherule cells, (4) adipohemocytes (two subclasses), and (5) oenocytoids. All types except oenocytoids and subclass II adipohemocytes, are found in all stages examined. Mitotic figures were common among prohemocytes of most stages, but were seen only rarely among plasmatocytes and adipohemocytes, and were not seen among spherule cells or oenocytoids. Prohemocytes and plasmatocytes often contain lipid but rarely PAS positive material. Spherules of spherule cells are PAS positive, as are occasional cytoplasmic inclusions of oenocytoids. Adipohemocytes of both subclasses contain lipid and PAS positive materials in all stages examined. Adipohemocytes and plasmatocytes proved to be most active in phagocytizing ink. Relationships between hemocytes of these and other insects, and some possible functions of hemocytes are discussed.
Liquefaction of coal/waste plastic mixtures

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the liquefaction of coal/waste plastic mixtures. The results gathered are preliminary in nature, and it can be appreciated that the use of waste plastics in coal liquefaction processes has great potential. Synergistic conversions of coal/plastic mixtures are observed under many pyrolysis and liquefaction conditions. The strong interactions among the components of the system occur during coprocessing. A free radical hydrogen abstraction mechanism is responsible for much of the observed behavior, and the tetralin retards polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) decomposition through a radical capping or adduction mechanism. Liquefaction conversions are important because they are obtained using no added liquefaction catalyst, relatively low temperatures, low hydrogen pressures, and using a relative poor H-donor solvent (tetralin).
Studies on the Mitochondrial Adenosine Triphosphatase System I. RESTORATION OF ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATE-DEPENDENT REACTIONS IN SALT-EXTRACTED SUBMITOCHONDRIAL PARTICLES

Abstract When phosphorylating submitochondrial electron transport particles (ETPh) are extracted with 2 m NaCl, the residue becomes deficient in adenosine triphosphatase activity and in the capacity to catalyze ATP-energized reactions. A restoration of these capacities can be achieved with the salt-free extract, which is devoid of ATPase activity. Electrophoretic evidence indicates that the salt-free extract is a mixture of subunits of the mitochondrial ATPase (F1). Additional studies have established that subunits of F1, obtained by depolymerizing F1 in the presence of salt at 0°, can substitute for the salt extract in the restoration of ATPase activity and the capability of catalyzing ATP-energized reactions in the salt-extracted particles.
Power control for cognitive radio systems with unslotted primary users under sensing uncertainty

This paper studies the optimal power control policy and frame duration that maximize the throughput of secondary users operating under transmit power, interference power, and collision constraints in the presence of unslotted primary users. It is assumed that primary user activity follows an ON-OFF alternating renewal process. Secondary users first sense the channel albeit with errors in the form of miss detections and false alarms, and then start the data transmission only if no primary user activity is detected. Under these assumptions, we determine the optimal power control policy subject to peak transmit power and average interference power constraints and propose a lowcomplexity algorithm for the joint optimization of the power level and frame duration under collision constraints.We further analyze some important properties of the collision duration ratio, which is defined as the ratio of average collision duration to transmission duration, and investigate the impact of the probabilities of detection and false alarm on the throughput, optimal transmission power, and the collisions with primary user transmissions.
ENERGY UTILIZATION BY GROWING CATTLE AS DETERMINED IN 72 COMPARATIVE SLAUGHTER EXPERIMENTS

Fasting heat production determined in trials involving 708 steers and 341 heifers averaged 319 ± 3 kJ/W3/4 per day (steers, 315 ± 4; heifers, 324 ± 6). The curvilinear relationships between metabolizable energy (ME; MJ/kg) and net energy values for maintenance (NEm) or for gain (NEg) were: NEm = 1.373 ME − 0.0330 ME2 + 0.0006 ME3 − 4.676 NEg = 1.415 ME − 0.0415 ME2 + 0.0007 ME3 − 6.92 The data examined (1843 steers with hormonal implants and 861 control steers) indicated that the energy value of the gain for cattle receiving the implant was about 4.5% lower. The energy value of gain (MJ/kg) of the British breed steers (Y=0.280 ± 0.001 W3/4; n=2704) was 17% lower than comparable heifers (Y=0.339 ± 0.002 W3/4; n=735) but 35% higher than a small sample of Charolais steers (Y=0.183 ± 0.005 W3/4; n=52).
Concepts of object-oriented programming

This book aims to show professional programmers how object-oriented software construction works and why many are calling it the programming paradigm of the future. The book describes the differences between procedural and object-oriented programming approaches. Then the book provides a comprehensive overview of what objects are, how they are defined, and ways the object-oriented method can be implemented for data abstraction. Throughout the book, detailed examples are provided to illustrate key object-oriented programming techniques using conventional languages or pseudocode and contrasted to the object-oriented smalltalk language.
Arbitrage Pricing Theory Applied to the Chilean Stock Market

Arbitrage pricing theory states that the expected return of an asset portfolio is related to factors characterizing the economy and could be associated to macroeconomic variables. In this paper, we consider equity traded in the Chilean stock market to empirically contrast the APT in its macroeconomic variant. We find evidence regarding the statistically significant impact of shocks in the monthly index of economic activity, in the consumer price index and in copper price on estimations of stock returns. In contrast, no evidence is found on the relevance of variations in the stock market index, short-term and long-term interest rates and oil prices for stock returns.
Prior exposure to chronic stress and MDMA potentiates mesoaccumbens dopamine release mediated by the 5-HT(1B) receptor.

Prior Exposure to Chronic Stress and MDMA Potentiates Mesoaccumbens Dopamine Release Mediated by the 5-HT 1B Receptor
Alice Bache Gould: mathematician in search of war work, 1918

Alliances between American mathematics and the military were not well defined when the United States entered World War I in April of 1917. Although academic mathematicians – like other American faculty members and students – were among the strongest supporters of the cause, it took time to identify how and where to utilize their technical training in the war effort. This paper investigates the case of Alice Bach Gould, one of E H Moore's mathematics graduate students at the University of Chicago, and her efforts to support US military endeavors with her scientific expertise. Although Gould's substantial research accomplishments in Spanish archives eventually surpassed her mathematical achievements, her quest for war work in 1917 nonetheless illustrates the difficulty of contributing mathematical training to patriotic service in the United States during World War I.
Analysis and real time implementation of 2-channel adaptive speech enhancement using LabVIEW FPGA

Flexibility of the Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) draws enormous attention from varied sectors of embedded systems community. Multiple tasks can be run sequentially or in parallel on FPGA by utilizing dedicated set of gates. High-speed FPGA platform enables designer to use the reconfigurable logic for efficient and cost-effective online implementation of signal processing algorithms. This paper presents an overview of Graphical programming on FPGA with LabVIEW, which overcomes the conventional coding challenges in designing an FPGA. Real time implementation of adaptive speech enhancement (SE) algorithm for the noisy Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) environment is presented to demonstrate the coding flexibility of LabVIEW on FPGA and performance improvement in terms of speed.
Numerical investigation of EUV mask contact layer defect printability at the 30-nm technology node

The printability of an extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) contact layer defect mask was studied using numerical analyses. Three-dimensional models using rigorous electromagnetic simulations were used to predict the mask printing process at the 30 nm technology node. Two types of EUVL mask contact layer defects were studied, i.e., absorber and buffer layer defects. For the absorber, corner and center defects were evaluated and compared for different contact sizes. For the buffer layer, corner defects were investigated for three different materials: ruthenium, carbon, and silicon oxide. It was found that center contact defects were worse than corner defects. For buffer layer defects, the study showed that for a given size, ruthenium defects have the worst effect, followed by carbon and silicon oxide.
A functional role for mitochondrial protein kinase Cα in Bcl2 phosphorylation and suppression of apoptosis

Phosphorylation of Bcl2 at serine 70 may result from activation of a classic protein kinase C (PKC) isoform and is required for functional suppression of apoptosis by Bcl2 in murine growth factor-dependent cell lines (Ito, T., Deng, X., Carr, B., and May, W. S. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 11671-11673). Human pre-B REH cells express high levels of Bcl2 yet remain sensitive to the chemotherapeutic agents etoposide, cytosine arabinoside, and Adriamycin. In contrast, myeloid leukemia-derived HL60 cells express less than half the level of Bcl-2 but are >10-fold more resistant to apoptosis induced by these drugs. The mechanism responsible for this apparent dichotomy appears to involve a deficiency of mitochondrial PKCalpha since 1) HL60 but not REH cells contain highly phosphorylated Bcl2; 2) PKCalpha is the only classical isoform co-localized with Bcl2 in HL60 but not REH mitochondrial membranes; 3) the natural product and potent PKC activator bryostatin-1 induces mitochondrial localization of PKCalpha in association with Bcl2 phosphorylation and increased REH cell resistance to drug-induced apoptosis; 4) PKCalpha can directly phosphorylate wild-type but not phosphorylation-negative and loss of function S70A Bcl2 in vitro; 5) stable, forced expression of exogenous PKCalpha induces mitochondrial localization of PKCalpha, increased Bcl2 phosphorylation and a >10-fold increase in resistance to drug-induced cell death; and () PKCalpha-transduced cells remain highly sensitive to staurosporine, a potent PKC inhibitor. Furthermore, treatment of the PKCalpha transformants with bryostatin-1 leads to even higher levels of mitochondrial PKCalpha, Bcl2 phosphorylation, and REH cell survival following chemotherapy. While these findings strongly support a role for PKCalpha as a functional Bcl2 kinase that can enhance cell resistance to antileukemic chemotherapy, they do not exclude the possibility that another Bcl2 kinase(s) may also exist. Collectively, these findings identify a functional role for PKCalpha in Bcl2 phosphorylation and in resistance to chemotherapy and suggest a novel target for antileukemic strategies.
A PROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE TIME TO NORMALIZATION OF SERUM ANDROGENS FOLLOWING 6 MONTHS OF ANDROGEN DEPRIVATION THERAPY IN PATIENTS ON A RANDOMIZED PHASE III CLINICAL TRIAL USING LIMITED HORMONAL THERAPY

ABSTRACT Purpose: Patients with prostate cancer are treated with neoadjuvant, adjuvant and intermittent therapy with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH-A). While these are largely successful in decreasing testosterone (T) and dihydroxytestosterone (DHT) to castrate levels, discontinuation of such therapy often results in continued suppression of androgens for variable periods of time. We present the largest published series of patients evaluating the timing of T and DHT increase after cessation of GnRH therapy. Materials and Methods: Serial T and DHT measurements were prospectively obtained every 3 months while on GnRH-A then monthly upon discontinuation of GnRH-A. Analysis of time from the second 3-month GnRH-A administration to T and DHT increase was undertaken. Results: A total of 80 evaluable patients had a median time to T 50 ng/dl or greater of 12.9 weeks and a median time to T normalization (212 ng/dl or greater) of 16.6 weeks. Low baseline T was associated with a prolonged time to T 212 ng/dl or greater (p = 0.0086) and a similar trend was seen in patients older than 66 years (p = 0.08). There were 62 evaluable patients with a median of 14.9 weeks to DHT 150 pg/ml or greater. There was no association with Gleason score at diagnosis, on study prostate specific antigen, type of prior definitive therapy, or any prior hormonal therapy and time to increase in circulating androgens. Conclusions: After 6 months of GnRH-A therapy in these patients, DHT and T levels did not return to normal for a median of 14.9 and 16.6 weeks, respectively.
Time action profiles of regional cerebral glucose utilization during naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal

Time-dependent profiles of regional cerebral glucose utilization (RCGU) during morphine withdrawal (MW) were studied by varying the time of 2-deoxy-[14C]glucose (2-DG) administration after a maximal withdrawal-precipitating dose of naloxone was given to morphine-dependent rats. Heterogeneous and multiphasic time-action patterns of RCGU responses were found among 21 brain regions known to exhibit specific elevations in 2-DG labeling during MW. All MW-associated RCGU responses decreased when the interval between naloxone and 2-DG injection approximated the half-life of naloxone in the brain. Of the regions studied, time courses for metabolic responses in the lateral septum and lateral habenula most closely approximated the time course of naloxone availability in the brain. These results suggest that the earliest direct effects of naloxone on central nervous system metabolism in morphine-dependent rats occur in the lateral septum and lateral habenula.
Investigating a hybrid perturbation-Galerkin technique using computer algebra

A two-step hybrid perturbation-Galerkin method is investigated using computer algebra. The technique is applicable to a variety of differential equation type problems which involve a scalar parameter. An approximate solution is sought in the form of a sum where each term consists of the product of two functions. The first is a function of the independent field variable(s) x, and the second is a function of the parameter @l. In step one the functions of x are determined by forming a perturbation expansion in @l. In step two the functions of @l are determined through the use of the classical Bubnov-Galerkin method. This hybrid technique has the potential of overcoming some of the drawbacks of the perturbation and Bubnov-Galerkin methods applied separately, while combining some of the good features of each. In order to help investigate some of the properties of the approximate solutions generated by the hybrid technique, the technique is applied with the aid of computer algebra to a simple two-point boundary-value problem where the radius of convergence is finite and to a quantum eigenvalue problem where the radius of convergence is zero. For both problems the hybrid solutions are useful well beyond the radius of convergence associated with the perturbation expansion. Furthermore, for the first problem we demonstrate convergence for all values of the parameter. The role of computer algebra in applying and studying the hybrid technique is discussed.
Reconfigurable Antenna With a Diversity Filtering Band Feature Utilizing Active Devices for Communication Systems

Presented in this article is a novel, reconfigurable UWB antenna with a diversity notched band. By switching the pin-diode and tuning the varactor to a certain location along the slot of the antenna, the selection of an operating filtering band is achieved. The antenna is constructed using a FR4 substrate with a thickness of 0.8 mm and having the er value equal 4.4. The band-notch function is produced by inserting an inverted U slot on the radiating patch. Using two PIN-diodes in the slot of the radiation patch, the tunability of the created notch is possible by loading the slot with a lumped varactor. Using the embedded varactor, an electronically controlled notched band antenna is designed and fabricated including a single varactor diode with a varying capacitance value of 0.63-2.67 pf. Moreover, a notched band tunability of 2.7-7.2 GHz is obtained. In addition to the ON/OFF PIN-diodes, the switches yield a band filter which can be suppressed at any given moment.
Transformative Leadership: Achieving Unparalleled Excellence

The ongoing cynicism about leaders and organizations calls for a new standard of ethical leadership that we have labeled “transformative leadership.” This new leadership model integrates ethically-based features of six other well-regarded leadership perspectives and combines key normative and instrumental elements of each of those six perspectives. Transformative leadership honors the governance obligations of leaders by demonstrating a commitment to the welfare of all stakeholders and by seeking to optimize long-term wealth creation. Citing the scholarly literature about leadership theory, we identify key elements of the six leadership perspectives that make up transformative leadership, suggest leaders who exemplify each perspective, describe the ethical foundations and message of each perspective, and offer ten propositions that scholars and practitioners can use to test the dimensions of this new transformative leadership model.
Bacteria reactive to plaque‐toxin‐neutralizing monoclonal antibodies are related to the severity of gingivitis at the sampled site

Certain monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) neutralize the inhibition of HL60 cell growth by bacterial plaque extracts. The aim of this study was to enumerate and identify the bacteria reactive to these Mabs at sites where periodontal disease was measured by gingival index, pocket depth and attachment loss. The bacterial colonies were grown on blood agar and the colonies counted directly and after immunoblotting. Sites that bled on probing (n = 15) had a mean of 3.35% Mab-positive colonies (SEM = 0.52%) and sites that did not bleed (n = 9) had a mean of 1.61% (SEM = 0.41%). The percentage of Mab-positive colonies also correlated with gingival index but not with the total number of colonies sampled, attachment loss or pocket depth. Antigen was expressed by 4 genera: strains of Streptococcus sanguis and/or Eikenella corrodens (8 sites), Staphylococcus epidermidis (4 sites) and Corynebacterium minutissimus (1 site). The results suggest that the antigens detected on these bacteria by the Mabs may be processed to form toxins and maintain gingivitis by irritating the surrounding cells.
Loess distribution by variable winds

Systematic decreases in loess thickness with distance from the source, usually considered to reflect a prevailing wind direction, may relate to variable wind directions. If winds blowing transverse to a linear source carry their load to a farthest distance designated X m , winds blowing at an angle α to the source will distribute their load over a reduced distance, X m sin α, leading to a proportionate increase in thickness by a factor of 1/sin α. Thus where α is small, for winds nearly parallel to the source, deposition should be limited to a narrow corridor adjacent to the source, leading to greater accumulations in this area. Representation of random wind directions by integration of the thickness equation gives a linear relationship between thickness and the logarithm of distance, as observed empirically along loess traverses and in sampling near dusty roads. Addition of a moderate prevailing wind to the variable wind model preserves the semilogarithmic thickness relation on the downwind side of the source but reduces thicknesses on the upwind side and substitutes a nearly linear relationship between thickness and distance from the source. Loess thickness contours should be approximately parallel to the source regardless of the prevailing wind direction. The contours bulge outward adjacent to wider source areas, probably because of increased dust concentrations in the air. The variable wind hypothesis does not fully account for extraordinary thicknesses of loess within a few miles of the source. These extraordinary thicknesses appear to relate in part to a still-rising dust cloud and hence increased low-level dust concentrations in air close to the source.
Learning to organize: US unions, work, and learning

Purpose – Responding to the recent split in the US labor movement, this paper aims to argue that learning must become an integral part of a progressive union devoted to organizing.Design/methodology/approach – This paper traces the evolution of vocational education in US industrial unions and critiques it in light of the challenges facing labor today.Findings – The paper finds that vocational education in US industrial unions is a negotiated benefit aimed at meeting the instrumental needs of individual union members. The evolution of this model was inevitable given the US labor relations context within which it emerged. However, significant changes in US political economy call for a new model of vocational education in unions. Rather than learning as a service, Learning to Organize challenges unions to put learning in service of the broader, collective aim of renewed labor power.Practical implications – The paper shows that union leaders need to reframe their views of vocational learning and its role in u...
IMPLEMENTATION of an AUTOMATED REAL-TIME STATISTICAL PROCESS CONTROLLER

Through a simple application, this research demonstrates the potential and procedure of applying computer vision and control techniques in developing automated real-time statistical process controllers (SPC). A computer vision system was developed to sample and measure quality variables (area, length, and width) of an extruded food product. Shewhart control charts were used to monitor the state of statistical control. Corrective actions were determined by using a PI control algorithm to minimize the product size variation caused by material inconsistency in moisture content. the system was implemented and tested. Considerable improvement was achieved in product size uniformity.
A Typology of Family Abduction Events

This article is designed to address definitional and conceptual difficulties associated with the understanding of family abductions. A typology of family abduction events is proposed that (a) will contribute to a clearer and more unified definition of the phenomenon itself; (b) reflects and accommodates the full continuum of events—indeed, allows for the view of family abductions as a continuum, varying in degrees of seriousness yet with underlying commonalities; (c) is based on characteristics of the event itself and not of the participants in the event or of its outcomes; and (d) is useful in predicting variations in characteristics of events.
NOY from sub‐sonic aircraft emissions: A Global three‐dimensional model study

This paper presents model calculations of the impact of sub-sonic aircraft emissions of reactive nitrogen compounds (NO[sub y]) in the atmosphere. The model used was the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory global chemical transport model (GCTM). This model has previously been used to assess the impact of fossil-fuel plant emissions of NO[sub y]. Reactive nitrogen compounds have a variety of natural and anthropogenic sources, and the relative strengths and impacts of these sources is not well understood at present. The concern in this case is that the emission of NO[sub y] from sub-sonic aircraft may have a significant impact on the global distribution of reactive NO[sub y], since they are released in tropospheric and stratospheric regions where the atmospheric lifetimes of the compounds are relatively long. The results suggest that aircraft emissions of NO[sub y] contribute a significant amount to the NO[sub x] and HNO[sub 3] budgets of the upper troposphere, particularly in the northern hemisphere. However in comparison with measurements over Hawaii, and western Alaska, there is clearly a major source for NO[sub y] which is not accounted for.
Transient Elastic Waves in Anisotropic Plates

Abstract : For some classes of anisotropic media and certain orientations of the axes of symmetry, plane-strain and torsional motions are possible in elastic plates. Using the linear equations of motion, the solutions to several time-dependent boundary value problems which generate such motions are derived, by means of multi-integral transform techniques. The problems considered are (i) sudden symmetric application of normal line loads on the surfaces of an infinite plate; (ii) sudden application of a normal displacement, together with zero shear stress, at the edge of a semi-infinite plate, whose lateral surfaces are stress-free; (iii) sudden application of a normal stress, together with zero lateral displacement, at the edge of a semi-infinite plate, whose lateral surfaces are stress-free and (iv) impulsive torsional loading of the surfaces of an infinite plate by means of concentrated torques. In problems (i), (ii), and (iii), far-field information is obtained by means of a low frequency, small wavenumber approximation, and numerical results are presented for ice, zinc, copper, and several isotropic media for comparison purposes. (Author)
The Cybotactic (Molecular Group) Condition in Liquids; the Nature of the Association of Octyl Alcohol Molecules

In resum\`e twelve experimental lines of evidence are cited in favor of the adoption of the molecular group theory of the nature of liquids. This theory is assumed in the interpretation of results with octyl alcohols.The following twenty-two octyl alcohols were used: octanol -1, -2, -3, -4, 2-methyl heptanol -1, -2, -3, -4, 3-methyl heptanol -1, -2, -3, -4, 4-methyl heptanol -1, -2, -3, -4, 5-methyl heptanol -1, -2, -3, 6-methyl heptanol -1, -2, -3.The value of the effective diameter of the primary normal alcohols is approximately 4.5 A. With these octyl alcohols the increase for OH and C${\mathrm{H}}_{3}$ in a branch is approximately 0.0 A and 0.24 to 0.75 A respectively. When attached to the same carbon atom the increase caused thereby is not noticeable. These results are in fair agreement with previous similar measurements of isomers with other primary alcohols.Two types of association were found. When the OH group is attached to the end or next to the end of the alcohol molecule, two of these molecules are associated end to end, the lengths of the chains being in the same straight line. On the other hand when the OH group is attached to any other carbon atom, the molecules are associated side by side. This is shown by the planar distances in the direction of the molecule which indicate in the first case the length of two molecules and in the second case the length of a single molecule.
Axonal contribution to subthreshold currents in Aplysia bursting pacemaker neurons.

1. The contribution of axonal activity to the ionic currents which generate bursting pacemaker activity was studied by using the two-electrode voltage-clamp technique inAplysia bursting neuron somata in conjunction with intraaxonal voltage recordings. 2. Depolarizing voltage-clamp pulses applied to bursting cell somata triggered axonal action potentials. The voltage-clamp current recording exhibited transient inward current “notches” corresponding to each of the axonal spikes. The addition of 50µM tetrodotoxin (TTX) to the bathing medium blocked the fast axonal spikes and current notches, revealing a slower axonal spike which was blocked by the replacement of external Ca2+ with Co2+. 3. The inward current evoked by applying a depolarizing voltage-clamp pulse in the soma is distorted by the occurrence of the axonal Ca2+ spike. Elimination of the axonal spike, by injecting hyperpolarizing current into the axon, changes both the time course and the magnitude of the inward current. 4. The axonal Ca2+ spikes are followed by a series of Ca2+-dependent afterpotentials: a rapid postspike hyperpolarization, a depolarizing afterpotential (DAP) and, finally, a long-lasting postburst hyperpolarization. The long-lasting hyperpolarization is not blocked by 50mM external tetraethyl ammonium, an effective blocker of Ca2+-activated K+ current [IK(Ca)], and does not appear to reverse atEK. Hence, the axonal long-lasting hyperpolarization may not be due toIK(Ca). 5. Somatic voltage-clamp pulses in bursting neurons are followed by a slow inward tail current, which is sometimes coincident with a DAP in the axon. In some cells, the amplitude of the slow inward tail current is greatly reduced if axonal spikes and DAPs are prevented by hyperpolarization of the axon, while, in other cells, elimination of axonal activity has little effect. Therefore, the slow inward tail current is not necessarily an artifact of poor voltage-clamp control over the axonal membrane potential but probably results from the activation of an ionic conductance mechanism located partly in the axon and partly in the soma.
Can plastic tracheotomy tubes harm baby boys

Pediatric tracheotomy tubes are often made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a common additive to PVC to increase tracheotomy tube flexibility and strength. Unfortunately, DEHP is a reproductive toxicant that alters the male reproductive system in animals, in vitro tests, and limited human data. DEHP leaches from PVC tracheotomy tubes in children. The FDA and multiple international health agencies urge health care professionals to use DEHP-free medical materials for vulnerable patients, especially the male infant. The observed toxicity of DEHP and the readily available alternative materials to PVC tracheotomy tubes present a compelling argument to use pediatric tracheotomy tubes made from non-PVC materials such as polyurethane or silicone. More clinical research is needed.
Improving the structure and properties of thermite weld metal

Abstract In this study, normalizing thermite welds produced a significant improvement in the tensile ductility of the weld metal. For example, by normalizing weld metal with 0.55 wt.% C and 0.06 wt.% V, ductilities in the range 10%–20% reduction in area were achieved when the cooling rate exceeded 37 K min−1 through the transformation range, whereas the tensile ductility of “as-cast” thermite weld metal was only 2%–6% reduction in area. Tensile strengths comparable with those of the weld metal used in current practice were obtained together with the enhanced tensile ductility. In addition, attempts were made to filter the molten thermite steel by passing it through zirconia-mullite filters. These attempts were only partly successful in that the filters partially dissolved in this application; even so, the filters did reduce the inclusion content of the thermite weld metal. It was concluded that it is possible to produce more ductile thermite welds by judicious control of composition and the application of post-weld normalizing and that, with suitable ceramic filters, filtering could be employed to reduce the amount and sizes of inclusions in thermite weld metal.
Ultrasound phase-contrast transmission imaging of localized thermal variation and the identification of fat/tissue boundaries

We present a new ultrasound technique for registering localized temperature changes in soft tissues. Conversely, small temperature changes may be induced in order to image tissue layers. The concept is motivated by the search for a compact, low cost method for guiding noninvasive thermal therapies; however its utility may extend to a wide range of imaging problems such as tumour imaging in the breast. This method combines ultrasound transmission imaging, planar projection techniques and phase-contrast theory. After outlining the theoretical foundation of the technique, its feasibility is tested by simulating localized heating within homogeneous tissue layers. Success of this imaging method is evaluated as a function of the ultrasound-imaging wavelength for a Gaussian-shaped heated region over the frequency range from 0.1 to 2 MHz. Furthermore we simulate two-dimensional image reconstruction from a receiving array. We conclude that thermal phase-contrast imaging in tissues is plausible for detecting the treatment spot in thermal therapies while operating at frequencies below 1 MHz. Additionally, it may also be possible to use the method for noninvasive thermometry. However, thermometry would require operation at higher frequencies at the tradeoff of increased attenuation and higher sensitivity to scattering, which needs to be further explored.
Five- to fifteen-year follow-up of fresh autologous pericardial valved conduits.

Abstract Objective: Evaluate long-term results of autologous pericardial valved conduits in the pulmonary outflow. Methods: Between June 1983 and October 1993, 82 conduits were placed in the outflow of the venous ventricle. Patients who received homografts (n = 2 patients), heterografts (n = 3 patients), and valveless conduits (n = 19 patients) and those patients who died within 90 days after the operation were excluded. Fifty-four survivors of pulmonary outflow reconstruction with fresh autologous pericardial valved conduits were followed up from 5 to 15 years (mean, 7.47 ± 2.8 years). Diagnosis include d -transposition of great arteries (n = 16 patients), L -transposition of great arteries (n = 14 patients), tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (n = 11 patients), truncus arteriosus (n = 10 patients), and double-outlet ventricle (n = 3 patients). Implantation age ranged from 0.25 to 24 years (mean, 5.2 ± 4.2 years). Median conduit diameter was 16 mm. Two-dimensional echocardiographic Doppler evaluations were made yearly; 9 patients underwent cardiac catheterization. Reintervention for stenosis was indicated when the pressure gradient exceeded 50 mm Hg. Results: Three late deaths were unrelated to the conduit. Thirty-five autologous pericardial valved conduits increased in diameter (1-7 mm), remained unchanged in 15 patients, and reduced 1 to 2 mm in 4 patients. The median diameter was 18 mm at the last evaluation ( P = .0001). Eight patients required conduit-related reoperation 3 to 8 years after the implantation. Two patients underwent balloon dilation of the autologous pericardial valved conduit. No conduit had to be replaced. Freedom from reintervention at 5 and 10 years was 92% and 76%, being 100% at 10 years for conduits larger than 16 mm at time of implantation. Conclusions: Autologous pericardial valved conduits show excellent long-term results and compare favorably with other conduits. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2000;119:869-79)
Computer-aided diagnosis for interstitial infiltrates in chest radiographs: Optical-density dependence of texture measures

We have been developing a computerized scheme for automated detection and characterization of interstitial infiltrates based on the Fourier transform of lung texture. To improve the performance of the scheme, which was developed using digitized screen‐film radiographs, optical‐density dependence of both the gradient of the film used and the system noise associated with the laser scanner were investigated. Two hundred chest radiographs, including 100 abnormal cases with interstitial infiltrates, were digitized using a laser scanner. The root‐mean‐square (RMS) variations and the first moments of the power spectra, which correspond to the magnitude and coarseness of lung texture, were determined by Fourier transform of lung textures in numerous regions of interest (ROIs). The RMS variation was dependent upon the average optical density in the ROI, though no obvious trend existed for the first moment of the power spectrum. Dependence of the RMS variations on optical density was corrected for using the gradient curve of the film. Also, system noise associated with the laser scanner was corrected. Results indicated that the specificity was improved from 81% (without correction) to 89% (with corrections), without any loss of sensitivity (90%). Thus, the correspondence between the computer output and consensus interpretation of radiologists was improved with the new scheme compared to the previous one. This improved computerized scheme may be useful to radiologists in detecting interstitial infiltrates in chest radiographs.
Quantitative Research: Common Myths and Cautions for Utilization in Supported Employment

Quantitative research is often used to provide justification for programs and policies; however, such research has great potential for misuse. A partnership of researchers and service providers is recommended to limit such misuse and increase the relevance of supported employment research to policy and practice. In order to assist service providers in the application of quantitative research to supported employment, the following myths of research are discussed: (a) findings from a single supported employment research study can be directly applied to policy, planning, and program improvement; (b) no differences were found between supported employment and another service option, therefore no differences exist; and (c) the research was published, therefore it is accurate. The following cautions regarding the application of research in supported employment are then presented: (a) ask questions of researchers, (b) make quality program evaluation an integral part of supported employment, and (c) adopt a health...
Perioperative neurosensory changes associated with treatment of mandibular fractures.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to document perioperative neurosensory changes in the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) after mandibular fracture treatment and to identify risk factors associated with these changes. Materials and methods This was a prospective cohort study composed of patients treated for mandibular fractures. The primary study variable was the change between the postinjury/pretreatment IAN neurosensory examination score and the score after fracture reduction. Risk factors were categorized as demographic, anatomic, and treatment. Appropriate descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate statistics were computed. Results The cohort was composed of 61 patients with 97 fractured sides. Forty-seven fractures (49%) were located between the lingula and mental foramen, and 50 fractures (51%) were located distal to the mental foramen. Thirty-nine fractures (41%) were displaced by 5 mm or more. Abnormal preoperative IAN neurosensory examinations were documented in 81% of the fractured sides. Fifty-three fractures (54%) were treated by closed reduction and 44 (46%) by open reduction and internal fixation. In 82 fractures (85%), the IAN neurosensory score was unchanged or improved after treatment. In a multivariate model, preoperative neurosensory score, displacement, and treatment were associated with a statistically significant risk ( P ≤ .05) for postoperative deterioration of IAN sensation. Conclusion Open reduction and internal fixation, fracture displacement of 5 mm or more, and a normal preoperative IAN neurosensory examination were associated with an increased risk for deterioration of the IAN neurosensory score after treatment of mandibular fractures. Additional studies are indicated to determine long-term IAN neurosensory function after mandibular fracture treatment and the factors that affect prognosis.
Interaction of Rhodococcus equi with phagocytic cells from R. equi-exposed and non-exposed foals

The interaction of Rhodococcus equi with alveolar macrophages from adult horses, foals experimentally exposed to R. equi (sensitized foals) and non-exposed foals was studied using in vitro bactericidal assays, cytochemical staining and transmission electron microscopy. It was demonstrated that R. equi is a facultative intracellular parasite, able to survive and multiply within the alveolar macrophages of the host by interfering with phagosome-lysosome fusion. Opsonization of R. equi with antibody against capsular components was associated with increased phagosome-lysosome fusion and significantly enhanced (P<0.05) killing of the organism by alveolar macrophages from non-exposed foals. Macrophages from non-exposed foals were able to ingest the non-opsonized organism, but unable to kill > 65% of the infective dose by 6 h post-exposure. Alveolar macrophages from sensitized foals behaved as adult macrophages, able to kill > 95% of the infective dose by 6 h. Lymphocyte factors, derived by in vitro incubation of sensitized peripheral blood lymphocytes with R. equi surface antigens, enhanced macrophage bactericidal activity. Macrophages from non-exposed foals incubated in the presence of the lymphocyte factors had a 50% increase in killing of R. equi, while sensitized macrophages incubated with lymphocyte factors had a > 100% increase in killing capacity.
Modeling Stability and Change in Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms using the Revised Interpersonal Adjective Scales - Big Five (IASR-B5)

Personality disorders have been defined as "stable over time." However, research now supports marked change in the symptoms of these disorders and significant individual variability in the trajectories across time. Using the Longitudinal Study of Personality Disorders (Lenzenweger, 2006), we explore the ability of the Revised Interpersonal Adjective Scales--Big Five (IASR-B5; Trapnell & Wiggins, 1990) to predict individual variation in initial value and rate of change in borderline personality disorder symptoms. The dimensions of the IASR-B5 predict variability in initial symptoms and rates of change. Interaction effects emerged between Dominance and Conscientiousness, Love and Neuroticism, and Conscientiousness and Neuroticism in predicting initial symptoms; and between Dominance and Love and Love and Neuroticism in predicting rates of change, suggesting that the effects of broad domains of personality are not merely additive but conditional on each other.
Representations for transversely hemitropic and transversely isotropic stress-strain relations

The sets of polynomial stress-strain relations for elastic points which are transversely hemitropic and transversely isotropic are presented as projections of free algebraic modules having 20 and 10 generators, respectively. Complete sets of relations for the projections are presented which allow the sets of interest to be identified as free submodules having 12 and 6 generators, respectively. The results are established using the Cartan decomposition of the representation of the adjoint action of the two-dimensional rotation and orthogonal groups on the space of three-by-three symmetric matrices. The results are compared to known representations for nonlinear transversely isotropic stress-strain relations and for linear, transversely hemitropic and transversely isotropic ones.
Remote Maintenance Techniques Proposed for the 200-GeV Accelerator

Remote maintenance is one of the prime considerations in determining the size of the mainring enclosure for the 200-GeV accelerator. The maximum residual radiation level 7 h after beam turn-off is expected to be ~50 mR/h in the socalled "quiet" areas of the main ring and approximately 200 R/h at the most intense point in the enclosure. We have assumed a maximum permissible radiation dose per man of one-half the permissible dose allowed by AEC regulations. Therefore, an unshielded man can work for a few hours per week in the quiet areas, but only a, few seconds per week in the "red" radiation areas. He must work rather quickly. For these red radiation areas, we propose using a self-propelled, manned, shielded vehicle on which are mounted two master-slave manipulators to be used as a backup for extension tools pene-trating the vehicle walls.
Restoring Spanish Hispaniola, the First of the Indies: Local Advocacy and Transatlantic Arbitrismo in the Late Seventeenth Century

This article examines a group of restorationist proposals for Spanish Hispaniola from the late seventeenth century in the context of peninsular arbitrismo in order to understand the participatory nature of reform throughout Spain's empire. While their aims were more limited than those of arbistristas across the Atlantic, colonial advocates' idealized visions of the island and claims about the major threats it faced represented a shared local imaginary, and their proposals found a receptive audience in metropolitan authorities, who agreed that Hispaniola had strategic value but were constrained by limited resources. Taken together, the recommendations of overseas advocates and the responses of royal councilors illustrate a transatlantic conception of the Spanish monarchy and an active desire for restoration during the reign of Charles II, despite the supposed decadence of Spain under the last Habsburg monarch.
Mechanics of the taper integrated screwed-in (TIS) abutments used in dental implants

The tapered implant-abutment interface is becoming more popular due to the mechanical reliability of retention it provides. Consequently, understanding the mechanical properties of the tapered interface with or without a screw at the bottom has been the subject of a considerable amount of studies involving experiments and finite element (FE) analysis. This paper focuses on the tapered implant-abutment interface with a screw integrated at the bottom of the abutment. The tightening and loosening torques are the main factors in determining the reliability and the stability of the attachment. Analytical formulas are developed to predict tightening and loosening torque values by combining the equations related to the tapered interface with screw mechanics equations. This enables the identification of the effects of the parameters such as friction, geometric properties of the screw, the taper angle, and the elastic properties of the materials on the mechanics of the system. In particular, a relation between the tightening torque and the screw pretension is identified. It was shown that the loosening torque is smaller than the tightening torque for typical values of the parameters. Most of the tightening load is carried by the tapered section of the abutment, and in certain combinations of the parameters the pretension in the screw may become zero. The calculations performed to determine the loosening torque as a percentage of tightening torque resulted in the range 85-137%, depending on the values of taper angle and the friction coefficient.