cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Radiologist's Workflow Environment: Evaluation of Disruptors and Potential Implications

Workflow interruptions in the health care delivery environment are a major contributor to medical errors and have been extensively studied within numerous hospital settings, including the nursing environment and the operating room, along with their effects on physician workflow. Less understood, though, is the role of interruptions in other highly specialized clinical domains and subspecialty services, such as diagnostic radiology. The workflow of the on-call radiologist, in particular, is especially susceptible to disruption by telephone calls and other modes of physician-to-physician communication. Herein, the authors describe their initial efforts to quantify the degree of interruption experienced by on-call radiologists and examine its potential implications in patient safety and overall clinical care.
Residence Times of Water Molecules in the Hydration Sites of Myoglobin

Hydration sites are high-density regions in the three-dimensional time-averaged solvent structure in molecular dynamics simulations and diffraction experiments. In a simulation of sperm whale myoglobin, we found 294 such high-density regions. Their positions appear to agree reasonably well with the distributions of waters of hydration found in 38 x-ray and 1 neutron high-resolution structures of this protein. The hydration sites are characterized by an average occupancy and a combination of residence time parameters designed to approximate a distribution of residence times. It appears that although the occupancy and residence times of the majority of sites are rather bulk-like, the residence time distribution is shifted toward the longer components, relative to bulk. The sites with particularly long residence times are located only in the cavities and clefts of the protein. This indicates that other factors, such as hydrogen bonds and hydrophobicity of underlying protein residues, play a lesser role in determining the residence times of the longest-lived sites.
East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami: Evacuation, Communication, Education, Volunteerism

Journal of Comparative Policy Analysis (2012) http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13876988.2012.706405 East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami: Evacuation, Communication, Education, Volunteerism Editors: Rajib Sha...
Orientations toward Conventional and Unconventional Participation among West German Youth

The transmission-reproduction perspective emphasizes the learning of political orientation through hierarchical (usually institutional and conventional) processes. A voluntaristic perspective calls attention to the individual's ability to choose reference groups and modes of participation (often unconventional and noninstitutional) and has the empirical advantage in focusing on pluralistic influences in politicization. This analysis employs a large combined data base on West German youth (n = 2,500-3,000) that allows logit analysis of the internal differentiation by age, sex, and education in their orientations toward such pluralistic reference groups and political tactics. There are differences among young males and females that appear to be both developmental (related to age and sex) and situational (related to education). Younger, less educated males (15-17 years of age) are the most conservative of all age or sex groups. Older male youth show a stronger orientation toward conventional electoral partic...
Dynamical evolution of volume fractions in multipressure multiphase flow models.

Compared to single-pressure models, multipressure multiphase flow models require additional closure relations to determine the individual pressures of the different phases. These relations are often taken to be evolution equations for the volume fractions. We present a rigorous theoretical framework for constructing such equations for compressible multiphase mixtures in terms of submodels for the relative volumetric expansion rates Ei of the phases. These quantities are essentially the rates at which the phases dynamically expand or contract in response to pressure differences, and represent the general tendency of the volume fractions to relax toward values that produce local pressure equilibrium. We present a simple provisional model of this type in which Ei is proportional to pressure differences divided by the time required for sound waves to traverse an appropriate characteristic length. It is shown that the resulting approach to pressure equilibrium is monotonic rather than oscillatory, and occurs instantaneously in the incompressible limit.
Detection of non-host viable contaminants in Pichia pastoris cultures and fermentation broths

The ability to detect viable contaminants in cultures propagated from the original host-expression system ensures that the integrity and purity of seed banks, fermentation broths, and ultimately the final product are continually controlled and maintained. The method developed to detect such agents must be selective for a broad spectrum of microbes, which may be present at very low levels, while discriminating from the host organisms. Although Pichia pastoris strains are frequently used as cell lines for the expression of heterologous proteins, a method that is specific for monitoring culture purity has yet to be reported for this type of organism. An assay that is capable of recovering contaminating bacteria, fungi, and closely related yeast from cultures of P. pastoris at parts per million detection limits is described here.
A novel decentralized Ethernet passive optical network architecture

This work proposes a novel fully distributed Ethernet over star coupler-based PON architecture. The architecture uses a collision-free DBA scheme in which the OLT is excluded from the implementation of the time slot assignment. To implement a distributed control plane, direct connectivity (communicability) between the ONUs should be in place without imposing any constraint on the PON topology. In addition to the added flexibility and reliability associated with a distributed architecture, the performance of the proposed decentralized Ethernet PON scheme and the associated bandwidth allocation algorithms are shown to be as efficient as their centralized counterparts.
Sex differences in opioid analgesia

I n their Focus article, Miaskowski and Levine advance the hypothesis that women display greater opioid analgesia than men. Their conclusions are largely based on studies of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) and their own studies of postoperative dental pain. In sum, these findings can be construed as being contrary to the bulk of the existing animal literature. We would like to present some recent data that bear upon the apparent inconsistencies in the animal literature regarding the direction and variability of sex differences. Furthermore, we would like to offer another interpretation of the investigators' findings that kappa-opioids may be more effective analgesics in women. As presented by Miaskowski and Levine, overwhelming evidence exists that in rats and mice, when differences are found, the potency and efficacy of opioid agonists such as morphine are higher in males. Differential morphine pharmacokinetics do not adequately explain sex differences in the animal literature, as such differences persist after central administration of opioid agonists [2,9]. Although quite a few studies fail to observe sex differences, to our knowledge, only one study has ever reported a significant female greater than male difference in opioid analgesia [1]. It can be argued that many of the animal studies are limited by their use of single doses and/or single time points [1], and that variation in nociceptive assay, time of day, hormonal status, and subject age can affect the presence of sex differences. However, Miaskowski and Levine describe the human studies in this field as equally beset by
Goal Conflict and Fund Diversion in Federal Grants to the States

Researchers using fiscal choice models have had limited success predicting fund diversion in federal grant programs. The application of a principal-agent framework to questions of fiscal federalism offered a potentially valuable alternative approach, but the traditional model employed by Chubb (1985) neglected potential variability in the degree of goal conflict between principals and agents. This article proposes an expanded framework, which incorporates the possibility of variation in goal conflict between participants in intergovernmental aid programs. The theory suggests that the level of policy congruence between recipient jurisdictions and the national government will determine the amount of grant funding diverted away from targeted policy areas. Findings from analyses of grant programs in two distinct policy areas support the hypothesis that grant effectiveness is partially a function of goal congruence. The relationship between intergovernmental partners is interactive, with the degree of policy agreement determining fund diversion in subnational jurisdictions, as well as the effectiveness of federal oversight activities. The findings have important theoretical implications for understanding both fiscal federalism and principal-agent relationships more generally.
Acousto-optic hybrid imaging experiment

An experiment series to determine the ability of laser vibrometers to receive and process echoes from the water surface culminates in a 28 inch by 28 inch aperture synthesis. Highly resolved three dimensional imagery of a submerged three liter beverage bottle, suspended in the free field is presented. Excitation is accomplished by a submerged acoustic source transmitting a swept FM pulse near 70 kilohertz with a 10 kilohertz sweep. The receive laser head is suspended 19 inches above the water surface, and moved by an inverted x-y positioning table to create a three dimensional synthetic aperture. Temporal oversampling and common trigger for transmitter and data acquisition system are used to establish coherence. In an effort to better resolve the target, the aperture is made larger than previous attempts. Experimental results are reported.
DNA rearrangements associated with the H3 surface antigen gene of Tetrahymena thermophila that occur during macronuclear development

The surfaces of Tetrahymena thermophila cells grown between 20 and 35 °C are covered by one or more variants of H antigens. A cDNA clone, pC6, has previously been identified that hybridizes to a unique polyA+ RNA that appears to code for the SerH3 variant of the H antigens. pC6 and a subclone of it, pGpC6.295, were used to analyze the genomic organization of the corresponding gene(s) in both the macronucleus and the micronucleus. It was determined that pC6 hybridizes to a small family of sequences in the macronucleus, only one of which also hybridizes to pGpC6.295. The latter is a strong candidate for the gene encoding the SerH3 antigen. Sequences homologous to pC6 — but not to pGpC6.295 — are present in strains carrying the other SerH alleles. Shifts in antigen switching during vegetative growth do not result in any detectable DNA rearrangements in the vicinity of the pC6-hybridizing sequence family. Analysis of micronuclear DNA from a homozygous SerH3 strain revealed that it also contains a family of sequences that are homologous to pC6; but, in contrast to the macronuclear DNA, two members of this micronuclear sequence family hybridize to pGpC6.295. Comparison of micro- and macronuclear DNA indicate that some members of the pC6-positive sequence family rearrange during macronuclear development. These rearrangements fall into two classes: those which occur reproducibly, and those which show variability. The gene homologous to pGp6.295 falls into the former category.
Prognostic significance of benign proliferative breast disease.

Background. Recent studies concerning an association between benign breast diseases and risk of subsequent breast cancer have focused on benign proliferative lesions recognized in biopsy specimens. Some have implicated atypical hyperplasia as being associated with the greatest risk. Methods. The histologic sections of specified benign breast lesions from 1799 women were reviewed and reclassified, using published criteria for proliferative disease. Prognostic significance was assessed by relating the pathologic findings to the development of breast cancer observed during an average 21 years of follow-up, in which time 157 women developed the disease. Results. Benign proliferative changes were recognized in 85% of the patients, with a corresponding relative risk of subsequent carcinoma equal to 2.2 times population rates (95% confidence limits, 1.9 and 2.6). Increasing levels of hyperplasia and atypia in lobules or ducts were associated with modest increases in risk, ranging from 2.1 to 2.3 to 3.0 for proliferative changes with no atypia, mild atypia, and moderate to severe atypia, respectively. This trend was not statistically significant. The most significant risk indicators in this study were the presence of adenosis (relative risk, 3.7), and moderate or severe atypia in ducts (relative risk, 3.9). Conclusions. Benign proliferative breast disease recognized in biopsy specimens is associated with an increased risk of future breast cancer, but fine distinctions among levels of hyperplasia and atypia did not significantly distinguish risk among patients in this study.
Cell Type–Specific Loss of BDNF Signaling Mimics Optogenetic Control of Cocaine Reward

The nucleus accumbens is a key mediator of cocaine reward, but the distinct roles of the two subpopulations of nucleus accumbens projection neurons, those expressing dopamine D1 versus D2 receptors, are poorly understood. We show that deletion of TrkB, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) receptor, selectively from D1+ or D2+ neurons oppositely affects cocaine reward. Because loss of TrkB in D2+ neurons increases their neuronal excitability, we next used optogenetic tools to control selectively the firing rate of D1+ and D2+ nucleus accumbens neurons and studied consequent effects on cocaine reward. Activation of D2+ neurons, mimicking the loss of TrkB, suppresses cocaine reward, with opposite effects induced by activation of D1+ neurons. These results provide insight into the molecular control of D1+ and D2+ neuronal activity as well as the circuit-level contribution of these cell types to cocaine reward.
μ Opioid Receptor Phosphorylation, Desensitization, and Ligand Efficacy

Mu opioid receptors are subject to phosphorylation and desensitization through actions of at least two distinct biochemical pathways: agonist-dependent mu receptor phosphorylation and desensitization induced by a biochemically distinct second pathway dependent on protein kinase C activation (1). To better understand the nature of the agonist-induced mu receptor phosphorylation events, we have investigated the effects of a variety of opiate ligands of varying potencies and intrinsic activities on mu receptor phosphorylation and desensitization. Exposure to the potent full agonists sufentanil, dihydroetorphine, etorphine, etonitazine, and [D-Ala2, MePhe4, Glyol5]enkephalin (DAMGO) led to strong receptor phosphorylation, while methadone, l-alpha-acetylmethadone (LAAM), morphine, meperidine, DADL, beta-endorphin(1-31), enkephalins, and dynorphin A(1-17) produced intermediate effects. The partial agonist buprenorphine minimally enhanced receptor phosphorylation while antagonists failed to alter phosphorylation. Buprenorphine and full antagonists each antagonized the enhanced mu receptor phosphorylation induced by morphine or DAMGO. The rank order of opiate ligand efficacies in producing mu receptor-mediated functional desensitization generally paralleled their rank order of efficacies in producing receptor phosphorylation. Interestingly, the desensitization and phosphorylation mediated by methadone and LAAM were disproportionate to their efficacies in two distinct test systems. This generally good fit between the efficacies of opiates in mu receptor activation, phosphorylation, and desensitization supports the idea that activated receptor/agonist/G-protein complexes and/or receptor conformational changes induced by agonists are required for agonist-induced mu receptor phosphorylation. Data for methadone and LAAM suggest possible contribution from their enhanced desensitizing abilities to their therapeutic efficacies.
Gammaherpesvirus-Driven Plasma Cell Differentiation Regulates Virus Reactivation from Latently Infected B Lymphocytes

Gammaherpesviruses chronically infect their host and are tightly associated with the development of lymphoproliferative diseases and lymphomas, as well as several other types of cancer. Mechanisms involved in maintaining chronic gammaherpesvirus infections are poorly understood and, in particular, little is known about the mechanisms involved in controlling gammaherpesvirus reactivation from latently infected B cells in vivo. Recent evidence has linked plasma cell differentiation with reactivation of the human gammaherpesviruses EBV and KSHV through induction of the immediate-early viral transcriptional activators by the plasma cell-specific transcription factor XBP-1s. We now extend those findings to document a role for a gammaherpesvirus gene product in regulating plasma cell differentiation and thus virus reactivation. We have previously shown that the murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68) gene product M2 is dispensable for virus replication in permissive cells, but plays a critical role in virus reactivation from latently infected B cells. Here we show that in mice infected with wild type MHV68, virus infected plasma cells (ca. 8% of virus infected splenocytes at the peak of viral latency) account for the majority of reactivation observed upon explant of splenocytes. In contrast, there is an absence of virus infected plasma cells at the peak of latency in mice infected with a M2 null MHV68. Furthermore, we show that the M2 protein can drive plasma cell differentiation in a B lymphoma cell line in the absence of any other MHV68 gene products. Thus, the role of M2 in MHV68 reactivation can be attributed to its ability to manipulate plasma cell differentiation, providing a novel viral strategy to regulate gammaherpesvirus reactivation from latently infected B cells. We postulate that M2 represents a new class of herpesvirus gene products (reactivation conditioners) that do not directly participate in virus replication, but rather facilitate virus reactivation by manipulating the cellular milieu to provide a reactivation competent environment.
Assay of Sodium and Potassium Activated Adenosine Triphosphatase in Submicrogram Fragments of Renal Tubules

Abstract An improved method for measuring Na, K-ATPase in submicrogram fragments of single renal tubules approximately one millimeter long is described. The activity is determined by coupling ATP hydrolysis stoichiometrically to pyruvate kinase and the oxidation of NADH by lactic dehydrogenase. NADH oxidation is followed fluorimetrically using an instrument specially modified for increased sensitivity and stability.
Fine Mapping of the N-Terminal Cytotoxicity Region of Clostridium perfringens Enterotoxin by Site-Directed Mutagenesis

Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) has a unique mechanism of action that results in the formation of large, sodium dodecyl sulfate-resistant complexes involving tight junction proteins; those complexes then induce plasma membrane permeability alterations in host intestinal epithelial cells, leading to cell death and epithelial desquamation. Previous deletion and point mutational studies mapped CPE receptor binding activity to the toxin's extreme C terminus. Those earlier analyses also determined that an N-terminal CPE region between residues D45 and G53 is required for large complex formation and cytotoxicity. To more finely map this N-terminal cytotoxicity region, site-directed mutagenesis was performed with recombinant CPE (rCPE). Alanine-scanning mutagenesis produced one rCPE variant, D48A, that failed to form large complexes or induce cytotoxicity, despite having normal ability to bind and form the small complex. Two saturation variants, D48E and D48N, also had a phenotype resembling that of the D48A variant, indicating that both size and charge are important at CPE residue 48. Another alanine substitution rCPE variant, I51A, was highly attenuated for large complex formation and cytotoxicity, but rCPE saturation variants I51L and I51V displayed a normal large complex formation and cytotoxicity phenotype. Collectively, these mutagenesis results identify a core CPE sequence extending from residues G47 to I51 that directly participates in large complex formation and cytotoxicity.
Design of experiments for the characterization of microwave circuits and antennas

This paper presents a unique culminating laboratory experience following a sequence of theoretically rigorous undergraduate and graduate EM courses. The junior level undergraduate course is accompanied by a laboratory component where wave propagation, reflection, and transmission in the frequency and time domains, wave interference and impedance matching are studied with the primary intent of relating theoretical concepts to measurable quantities and to learn to use and understand the vector network analyzer and its capabilities. In the graduate program, following courses on microwave circuit theory and antenna theory, is the course described in this paper which involves the design of experiments to characterize or measure specific quantities, working with the constraints of measurable quantities using the vector network analyzer, in conjunction with the development of closed form analytical expressions. In addition, the students design microstrip circuitry and antennas using analytical models and software tools and verify the performance through measurements.
Zidovudine susceptibility testing of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) clinical isolates

Abstract Traditional antiviral susceptibility testing methods using cell lines can be applied to no more than about 30% of clinical HIV isolates (Larder et al., 1989a; Fenyo et al., 1989). We tested the cell-free supernatant from low passage clinical HIV isolates using donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Drug susceptibility was assessed by measuring the effect of increasing zidovudine (ZDV) concentrations on HIV P24 antigen production. Susceptibility results were obtained on 24 27 consecutive clinical isolates and 6 6 laboratory isolates. The mean IC90 of isolates from untreated patients was 0.008 μM ZDV (range: 0.002–0.038). The IC90s of isolates from ZDV-treated patients ranged from 0.007 to greater than 10 μM ZDV. All isolates with an IC90 11 12 isolates with an IC90 > 0.1 μM ZDV had a mutation at codon 215 (P
Role of prostagalandins in the cortical distribution of renal blood flow following reductions in renal perfusion pressure

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the role of prostaglandins in the redistribution of renal cortical blood flow that occurs following reductions in renal perfusion pressure. The distribution of blood flow to the renal cortex was examined using radio-labeled microspheres (15 ± 1 μm ). It was found that in animals not treated with a prostaglandin synthesis inhibition a decrease in renal perfusion pressure to the limit of renal blood flow autoregulation was associated with a decrease in fractional flow to the outer cortex (Zone I) and an increase in fractional flow to the inner cortex (Zones III and IV). A further decrease in renal perfusion pressure below the limit of autoregulation produced a further decrease in the fractional flow to Zone I and a further increase in fractional flow to Zones III and IV. In contrast, in animals treated with the prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor meclofenamate (5 mg/kg, i.v. bolus) a reduction in renal perfusion pressure to the limit of renal blood flow autoregulation produced no change in fractional blood flow to any of the 4 cortical zones. A further decrease in renal perfusion pressure, however, did produce a fall in fractional blood flow to Zone I and an increase in fractional flow to Zones III and IV. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that within, but not below, the limit of renal blood flow autoregulation prostaglandin synthesis is an important factor in the regulation of renal cortical blood flow distribution.
Quantitative Analysis Of Spectral Data By Combined Deconvolution And Curve-Fitting

Curve-fitting (CF) and deconvolution are both established techniques for obtaining quantitative information from complex spectra, but they both have limitations. If CF is to be applied to heavily overlapped bands it is often impossible to determine the number of component bands present, and the band parameters obtained can be subject to large errors. The main disadvantage of deconvolution is that the choice of the parameters is often very subjective, and if incorrect can lead to erroneous results. In this work the advantages of combining the two techniques are investigated, and it is demonstrated that the problems outline above can be largely overcome. A comparison is made in this context of the relative merits of two methods of deconvolution: Fourier self deconvolution and maximum likelyhood restoration.
MANAGERIAL USE OF DYNAMIC STRUCTURAL MODELS

Dynamic structural models were introduced as early as 1958 as “Industrial Dynamics, but there has been little managerial use and little response in the academic world. Yet, the basic modeling methods provide an important mode for examining the broad interacting effects of large systems. More recent work appears to make structural and dynamic models understandable and accessible to individuals not trained in the decision sciences. The nature of the modeling methods is such that managers and policy makers in public systems can be involved directly in the model building process. The authors hope that this survey paper may help rekindle interest.
Application of the pH-stat technique in donnan dialysis: Effect of anion invasion in the CoSO4/nafion 117/H2So4 system

Abstract Cobalt transport during Donnan dialysis in the CoSO4 Nafion 117/H2SO4 system was measured with a pH-stat technique, (i.e., the pH in the feed compartment was maintained constant). During the transfer process, Co2+ ions moved from the cobalt reservoir to the sink compartment, while hydrogen ions moved in the opposite direction. A standardized NaOH solution was used to neutralize the H+ ions entering the reservoir compartment, and in the absence of anion invasion, the cobalt flux was determined as
Emerging Trends in Mechatronics and Smart Manufacturing

The importance of mechatronics is evidenced by the myriad smart products that we take for granted in our daily lives, from the wall climbing robots to advanced flight control systems and multifunctional precision machines. The multidisciplinary mechatronic field offers optimum solutions to a multivariable problem. The technological advances in digital engineering, simulation and modeling, electromechanical motion devices, power electronics, computers and informatics, MEMS, microprocessors and DSPs have brought new challenges to industry and academia. Modeling, simulation, analysis, virtual prototyping and visualization are critical aspects of developing advanced mechatronic products. Competing in a global market requires the adaptation of modern technology to yield flexible, multifunctional products that are better, cheaper and intelligent. This presentation will examine recent advances of mechatronics in smart manufacturing and will examine (a) Development and implementation of original and innovative mechatronic systems, (b) Additional modifications and improvements to conventional designs by using a mechatronics approach.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
DELAYED NEUTRON EMISSION IN THE DECAYS OF SHORT-LIVED SEPARATED ISOTOPES OF GASEOUS FISSION PRODUCTS.

Delayed-neutron activity of separated isotopes of krypton and xenon and their decay products has been studied. The TRISTAN on-line isotope separator system at the Ames Laboratory Research Reactor was used to provide sources of short-lived gaseous fission products of selected masses, through $A=93$ for krypton and $A=142$ for xenon. Total delayed-neutron yields for each mass were measured by a calibrated long counter, and the relative yields of the parent and daughter nuclei in an isobaric decay chain were determined by multiscaling the delayed-neutron activity and resolving the contributions for different half-lives. The precusors and delayed neutron emission probabilities determined in this study are ${\mathrm{Kr}}^{92}$, 0.040%; ${\mathrm{Rb}}^{92}$, 0.012%; ${\mathrm{Kr}}^{93}$, 2.60%; ${\mathrm{Rb}}^{93}$, 1.65%; ${\mathrm{Xe}}^{141}$, 0.054%; ${\mathrm{Cs}}^{141}$, 0.073%; ${\mathrm{Xe}}^{142}$, 0.45%; and ${\mathrm{Cs}}^{142}$, 0.27%. A comparison is made between predictions for delayed-neutron emission from several semiempirical mass formulas and observations for isotopes of As, Br, Kr, Rb, Sb, I, Xe, and Cs.
$H_{\infty}$ Controller Synthesis via Switched PDC Scheme for Discrete-Time T--S Fuzzy Systems

This paper is concerned with the problem of designing switched state feedback H infin controllers for discrete-time Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy systems. New types of state feedback controllers, namely, switched parallel distributed compensation (PDC) controllers, are proposed, which are switched based on the values of membership functions. Switched quadratic Lyapunov functions are exploited to derive a new method for designing switched PDC controllers to guarantee the stability and H infin performances of closed-loop nonlinear systems. The design conditions are given in terms of solvability of a set of linear matrix inequalities. It is shown that the new method provides better or at least the same results of the existing design methods via the pure PDC scheme with a quadratic Lyapunov function or switched constant controller gain scheme. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
What can the age composition of a population tell us about the age composition of its out‐migrants?

Preliminary findings show that the age structure of a population can provide valuable information about the age composition of its out-migrants and that this relationship can become a key ingredient in the proposed new method for estimating the age profile of outmigrants when accurate data are not available. The method relies on the Rogers-Castro model schedule to consistently and accurately represent age profiles of out-migration and the results show that variation among these out-migration schedules can be captured by a typology based on a small set of clusters or families of schedules. Membership of the clusters is then predicted from simple measures of population composition using discriminant function analysis. The investigation is based on data for US states CMSAs MSAs and non-metropolitan counties and their outflows of migrants between 1995 and 2000. The measures of population age composition come from official 1995 intercensal age-specific population estimates for the same geographical units. (authors)
Risk factors for atrioventricular tachycardia degenerating to atrial flutter/fibrillation in the young with Wolff-Parkinson-White.

Background: Atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT) is common in patients (pts) with WolffParkinson-White (WPW) syndrome but atrial flutter/fibrillation (AF) with rapid ventricular response (RVR) is rare. Although AF occurs in 18% of adult WPW pts, its incidence in children is unknown. We sought to determine risk factors for AVRT spontaneously degenerating to AF during electrophysiologic studies (EPS) in children with WPW. Methods: This was a retrospective study of children with WPW referred for accessory pathway (AP) ablation without clinical AF. Standard electrophysiologic protocols were performed to induce AVRT. To determine if AF degeneration was associated with patient characteristics, 2-sample t-tests, Chi-square, and Fisher’s exact were used. Results: There were 53 (31 males) WPW pts studied. During EPS, AVRT degenerated to AF in 27/53 (51%). RVR was seen in 18/27 (67%) patients. The ventricular cycle length (CL) during AF was shorter with RVR (211 + 24 ms) than without (313 + 65 ms) (P = 0.01). AF occurred more commonly among patients with right anterior AP (P = 0.05). Patient gender, age, height, weight, body surface area, persistence of preexcitation on exercise testing, baseline CL, AVRT conduction, and AP number were not significant AF determinants. The AVRT CL was significantly shorter in patients with (265.2 + 41.5 ms) versus those without (308 + 59 ms) AF (P = 0.01). Preliminary data suggest that AP location may be related to patient ethnicity. Conclusion: AF with RVR occurred following AVRT induction during EPS in 34% of our WPW patients, typically associated with right-sided AP locations. Time intervals for RVR to degenerate into ventricular fibrillation and lead to SCD are yet to be determined. (PACE 2008; 31:1307‐1312)
A LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS OF BIOGRAPHICAL SUBGROUPS USING OWENS' DEVELOPMENTAL‐INTEGRATIVE MODEL

The study examined the differential validity of 20 male and 14 female biographical subgroups in terms of 12 factor analyzed dimensions of postcollege experience. Owens' Developmental-Integrative Model hypothesizes that different subgroups of individuals with similar within-group early life experiences should exhibit significant differences (between-group) in a wide variety of life experiences. A sample of 1428 first-year college students were statistically grouped into 23 male and 15 female biodata subgroups after completing a standardized 118-item biodata form (Owens, 1968). Seven years later, a 97-item post-college experience inventory obtained scores for 484 of the original subjects on 12 factors of post-college behavior including job satisfaction, transition from college, personal and marital adjustment, and others. Significant univariate and multivariate differences were found between the biodata subgroups across the 7-year period. Implications for the validity of the D-I model are offered.
Drug Generations in the 2000s: An Analysis of Arrestee Data.

Much empirical evidence indicates that the popularity of various drugs tends to increase and wane over time producing episodic epidemics of particular drugs. These epidemics mostly affect persons reaching their late teens at the time of the epidemic resulting in distinct drug generations. This article examines the drug generations present in the 2000s among arrestees in the 10 locations served by the Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring–II program. At all 10 locations, our findings show that crack use is still common among older arrestees but not among arrestees born more recently. Marijuana is the drug most common among younger arrestees. The article also examines trends in heroin, methamphetamine, and powder cocaine use among arrestees at the few locations where their use was substantial.
Minority Carrier Collection Enhancement Model for the Deeply Grooved Solar Cell

Although many solar cell designs for low-concentration linear focus applications have utilized the ‘prismatic cover’ for reducing gridline shadings the deeply grooved solar cell represents an effort to integrate the prismatic cover into the basic device design for performance enhancement. The design is based on deep (140-μm) grooves in 〈100〉 orientation silicon, with an active-area silicon ‘ridge’ between gridlines. The silicon ridge should improve minority carrier collection efficiency as compared to planar designs, due to the two-dimensional nature of current collection, and the placement of light on the ridge by the focus of the prismatic cover. This article describes the enhancement mechanism by using a model based on the superposition of two specific solutions of the transport equation. The enhancement model is in support of the approximation that for one-dimensional numerical modeling, the ‘effective’ diffusion length is the sum of the bulk silicon diffusion length and the height of the ridge. Data collected from prototype solar cells provide some experimental support for the model, but difficulty in fabrication using typical semiconductor processing has limited full realization of the structure.
Incorporating a semi-stochastic model of ocean-modulated westerly wind bursts into an ENSO prediction model

Prediction models of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon often represent west- erly wind bursts (WWBs), a significant player in ENSO dynamics, as stochastic forcing. A recent paper devel- oped an observationally motivated semi-stochastic sta- tistical model that quantifies the dependence of WWBs on large-scale sea-surface temperature. This WWB model is added here to a hybrid coupled model, thus activating a two-way SST-WWB feedback. The WWB model represents both the deterministic and stochastic elements of WWBs and thus is especially appropriate for ensemble ENSO prediction experiments. An en- semble of retrospective forecasts is performed for the years 1979-2002. Overall statistical measures of pre- dictability are neither degraded nor improved relative to the hybrid, coupled general circulation model, per- haps because of the limitations of the hybrid coupled model and the initialization procedure used. While the present work is meant as a proof-of-concept, it is found that the addition of the WWB model does improve
Understanding the unknown: Unattested input processing in natural language

This paper describes the process of deriving the meaning of an unknown word within the framework of meaning based natural language processing. It uses the clues supplied by the rest of the sentence, taking into account various degrees of possibilities of what the unknown word can mean, according to the previously acquired knowledge resources. The process of finding the meaning is incremental, and thus the derived meaning can evolve as more knowledge is gathered. The paper describes the fuzzy approach to the problem within this framework with regard to the semantic and syntactic acceptability of a sentence.
Central depressor action of nitric oxide is deficient in genetic hypertension.

Inhibition of NO synthase (NOS) in the central nervous system (CNS) causes a pressor response. This observation indicates that NO is normally produced at a CNS site(s) where it has a tonic blood pressure lowering effect. The current study tests the hypothesis that a deficient NOS activity in the CNS may contribute to the pressure elevation in genetically hypertensive rats. NO administered intracerebroventricularly (ICV) caused a greater fall in mean arterial pressure (MAP; femoral artery) in hypertensive (SHRSP) than in normotensive (WKY) rats, −66.1 ± 3.4 mm Hg v −23.7 ± 3.9 mm Hg, respectively. Yet when endogenous NO was increased by stimulating NOS with ICV calcium, the depressor response was less in SHRSP than in WKY, 13.7 ± 1.1 mm Hg v 26.7 ± 1.9 mm Hg. Likewise, when NOS was blocked with Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), the resultant pressor response was less in SHRSP than in WKY, 13.8 ± 1.1 mm Hg v 22.2 ± 1.1 mm Hg. Blockade of the action of cGMP, a mediator of the action of NO, caused a pressor response of 6.0 ± 2.8 mm Hg and 22.6 ± 8.7 mm Hg (P < .01) in the hypertensive and normotensive rats, respectively. Electrolytic ablation of the anteroventral third cerebral ventricle (AV3V) did not alter blood pressure responses to NO or to agents that alter NOS activity. We conclude that a deficit in NOS activity in some other central cardiovascular regulatory area may contribute to the elevated arterial pressure of these genetically hypertensive rats.
TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF PUBLIC DECISION MAKING UNITS

A methodology for determining the relative technical efficiency of public decision making units is described. The methodology allows the identification of those units which are most efficient at converting physical inputs to physical outputs, and the calculation of the relative efficiency of less efficient units based on the results obtained by the most efficient. An illustration of the methodology is supplied using data from 469 municipal police agencies. Some policy suggestions based on the illustration are offered.
Direct N-body Simulations of Rubble Pile Collisions

There is increasing evidence that many kilometer-sized bodies in the Solar System are piles of rubble bound together by gravity. We present results from a project to map the parameter space of collisions between kilometer-sized spherical rubble piles. The results will assist in parameterization of collision outcomes for Solar System formation models and give insight into disruption scaling laws. We use a direct numerical method to evolve the positions and velocities of the rubble pile particles under the constraints of gravity and physical collisions. We test the dependence of the collision outcomes on impact parameter and speed, impactor spin, mass ratio, and coefficient of restitution. Speeds are kept low (<10 m s−1, appropriate for dynamically cool systems such as the primordial disk during early planet formation) so that the maximum strain on the component material does not exceed the crushing strength, assuming sufficient granularity. We compare our results with analytic estimates and hydrocode simulations. We find that net accretion dominates the outcome in slow head-on collisions while net erosion dominates for fast off-axis collisions. The dependence on impact parameter is almost equally as important as the dependence on impact speed. Off-axis collisions can result in fast-spinning elongated remnants or contact binaries while fast collisions result in smaller fragments overall. Clumping of debris escaping from the remnant can occur, leading to the formation of smaller rubble piles. In the cases we tested, less than 2% of the system mass ends up orbiting the remnant. Initial spin can reduce or enhance collision outcomes, depending on the relative orientation of the spin and orbital angular momenta. We derive a relationship between impact speed and angle for critical dispersal of mass in the system. We find that our rubble piles are relatively easy to disperse, even at low impact speed. This may provide a way of constraining the energy dissipation parameter and related properties of the initial planetesimal population.
Human Rights in Light of Childhood

! is essay argues that children’s rights will adequately transform societies only when the very concept of “human rights” is reimagined in light of childhood. In this case, human rights would be understood as grounded, not in modernist ideas of autonomy, liberty, entitlement, or even agency, but in a postmodern circle of responsibility to one another. ! is “childist” interpretation of rights is constructed by examining various forms of child-centered ethical theory in Western history; their impacts on major human rights theories of the Enlightenment and today; alternative visions implied in twentieth century international children’s rights agreements; new theoretical groundings arising out of postmodern ethics; and the possibility of human rights as truly including all humanity.
Semiconductor diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation for the treatment of glaucoma in horses: a retrospective study of 42 eyes

Objective To evaluate the outcome of diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCP) for the treatment of glaucoma in horses. Procedure Medical records at The Ohio State University were reviewed. All horses that underwent diode laser TSCP between the years of 1995 and 2007 were included. Preoperative, procedural and clinical follow-up data were collected, and telephone follow-up was performed. Results Forty-two eyes of 36 horses were included. Twenty-four hours prior to surgery mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was 37.17 ± 13.48 mmHg (42 eyes). Forty-one of 42 eyes (98%) were sighted and 39 of 39 (100%) of eyes were receiving topical glaucoma medication. At 3–5 weeks postoperatively the average IOP was 19.36 ± 12.04 mmHg (22 eyes). IOP remained significantly lower than pretreatment values at all periods of clinical follow-up (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in vision outcome, or the requirement for topical glaucoma medication relative to pretreatment values at any follow-up period. Hyphema in 5 of 42 eyes was the only complication noted. Of the 27 eyes seen for clinical follow-up, 2 were enucleated because of refractory elevation of IOP. Mean telephone follow-up was 49 months. Twenty-one of 22 owners contacted (95%) reported that the treatment had been of value, 14 of 22 eyes (64%) were receiving topical glaucoma medication, and 13 of 22 eyes (59%) were considered sighted. Conclusions Diode laser TSCP aided in the control of IOP and maintenance of vision but did not eliminate the need for topical glaucoma medication during the period of clinical follow-up.
Thiols and Selenols as Electron‐Relay Catalysts for Disulfide‐Bond Reduction

Dithiobutylamine immobilized on a resin is a useful reagent for the reduction of disulfide bonds. Its ability to reduce a disulfide bond in a protein is enhanced greatly if used along with a soluble strained cyclic disulfide or mixed diselenide, small molecules that relays electrons from the resin to the protein. This relay catalysis system provides distinct advantages over the use of excess soluble reducing agent alone.
AUTOMATED 3-D QUANTIFICATION OF BRAIN TISSUE AT THE CELLULAR SCALE FROM MULTI-PARAMETER CONFOCAL MICROSCOPY IMAGES

Brain tissue is the most complex tissue in the mammalian anatomy. It is structurally complex, containing diverse cell types and vasculature with complex spatial relationships. It is also complex in terms of molecular constituents, and their relationship to the structural constituents. There is a need for technologies to map normal and injured brain tissue and compute appropriate quantitative measurements in support of a large number of investigations. We present a systematic methodology named FARSIGHT (fluorescence association rules for image-based insight), combining multi-parameter immuno-histochemical labeling, three-dimensional confocal microscopy, linear unmixing, segmentation, and associative morphometry to map and quantify diverse aspects of brain tissue. In addition to morphometric measurements of individual structures from individual imaging channels, we propose the use of distance maps, distance-weighted integrals, and distributions as an efficient basis for computing a versatile set of such associative measurements. These features enable classification of all the major cell types, and computation of their inter-relationships.
'Won't You Be My Neighbor?' Living with Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations

Concentrated animal feeding operations ("CAFOs") are prevalent throughout the nation and represent a serious and increasing problem for the United States. Proponents of CAFOs argue that such operations are necessary to meet this country’s demand for low-cost, readily available meat. Opponents point to the ever-increasing risks that CAFOs pose to humans, animals, and the environment. CAFOs in Iowa have operated under the minimum level of federally required regulations for a number of years. The negative effects of this lack of regulation are starting to take a toll on Iowans. Emerging public health concerns such as air quality and antibiotic resistance, individual health problems, animal welfare concerns, and the basic right to enjoy one’s property are becoming controversial issues and demand increased attention from the state’s government, courts, and citizens. This Note argues that Iowans should look to a variety of mechanisms to address these issues, including judicial action, increased legislation, and grassroots organizing efforts to ensure that Iowa remains not only an agricultural force in the United States, but also a safe and healthy environment for its present and future citizens.
Credit Derivatives and Emerging Markets

This chapter examines recent developments in the management of emerging-market credit risk. Traditional strategies for managing credit exposure often provide insufficient protection. In general, better protection can be obtained by using credit derivatives, derivative contracts whose payoff is linked to the performance of credit-sensitive assets. This chapter discusses alternative types of credit derivatives, as well as their application to managing credit risk in emerging markets.