cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The incidence of varicella and herpes zoster in Massachusetts as measured by the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) during a period of increasing varicella vaccine coverage, 1998–2003

The authors sought to monitor the impact of widespread varicella vaccination on the epidemiology of varicella and herpes zoster. While varicella incidence would be expected to decrease, mathematical models predict an initial increase in herpes zoster incidence if re-exposure to varicella protects against reactivation of the varicella zoster virus. In 1998–2003, as varicella vaccine uptake increased, incidence of varicella and herpes zoster in Massachusetts was monitored using the random-digit-dial Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Between 1998 and 2003, varicella incidence declined from 16.5/1,000 to 3.5/1,000 (79%) overall with ≥66% decreases for all age groups except adults (27% decrease). Age-standardized estimates of overall herpes zoster occurrence increased from 2.77/1,000 to 5.25/1,000 (90%) in the period 1999–2003, and the trend in both crude and adjusted rates was highly significant (p < 0.001). Annual age-specific rates were somewhat unstable, but all increased, and the trend was significant for the 25–44 year and 65+ year age groups. As varicella vaccine coverage in children increased, the incidence of varicella decreased and the occurrence of herpes zoster increased. If the observed increase in herpes zoster incidence is real, widespread vaccination of children is only one of several possible explanations. Further studies are needed to understand secular trends in herpes zoster before and after use of varicella vaccine in the United States and other countries.
Pathology and immunohistochemistry of callitrichid hepatitis, an emerging disease of captive new world primates caused by lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus

Callitrichid hepatitis is an arenavirus infection that recently emerged as a highly fatal disease of New World primates in the Callitrichidae family. As we previously reported, these primates develop hepatitis after contact with mice that are infected with variants of LCMV (LVMCCH), recently determined to have 86% identity with GC-P gene of the Armstrong and Western strains of LCMV. Here, we describe the histopathological lesions and tissue localization of viral antigens in confirmed cases of callitrichid hepatitis from recent outbreaks in two U.S. zoos. The liver in marmosets and tamarins with fatal infections consistently showed degeneration, necrosis, and inflammation, with variable involvement of the spleen, lymph nodes, adrenal glands, intestine, pancreas, and central nervous system. Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus antigens were identified immunohistochemically in necrotic foci in these organs as well as in nondegenerating areas in lungs, kidney, urinary bladder, brain, and testes. The multi-organ tropism and histological pattern of LCMV infection in marmosets and tamarins are similar to those reported for the highly virulent arenavirus that causes Lassa fever in humans. Comparative studies of callitrichid hepatitis and Lassa fever would therefore be mutually beneficial for human and nonhuman primate medicine.
Teaching Writing to At-Risk Students: The Quality of Evidence for Self-Regulated Strategy Development:

This study evaluates the quality of the research and evidence base for a writing intervention called Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD; Graham & Harris, 1989; Harris & Graham, 1996) for students with and at risk for learning disabilities, using criteria for group research studies suggested by Gersten et al. (2005) and single-subject research studies suggested by Horner et al. (2005). Five experimental and quasi-experimental studies and 16 single-subject studies investigating SRSD were analyzed on numerous methodological dimensions. Both the group design and single-subject studies also met proposed standards for an evidence-based practice. The potential value of analyzing approaches and interventions using the proposed quality indicators and standards for evidence-based practices is discussed, as are implications for research and practice.
RELATIVE RISK CHARACTERISTICS OF ROLLING HORIZON HEDGING HEURISTICS FOR CAPACITY EXPANSION

ABSTRACT This paper applies measures of risk to capacity expansion decisions made under uncertainty. Eight different decision making rules are constructed by varying both the frequency of the forecast updates and the hedge against uncertainty in a rolling horizon heuristic procedure. Using demand, capacity, and cost data from the utility division of a manufacturing company, the risk characteristics of each decision making rule are evaluated by simulation. The results indicate that annual forecast revisions hedged by ninety percent prediction limits are preferred over decision rules with less frequent forecast revisions or fixed-width hedges.
Immunotherapy of cancer. Present status and future potential.

The demonstration of tumor-specific antigens in human cancers revived interest in immunotherapy as a mode of treatment. Evidence accumulated suggests that the cancer patient's immune response to these tumor-specific antigens is important in controlling the development and progression of his disease. Those patients who can demonstrate an active immune system have a better prognosis than those with a general depression in their immune reactivity. Three possible approaches to immune therapy of cancer are reviewed and discussed: active immunotherapy, passive immunotherapy, and nonspecific immunotherapy. The rational application of immunotherapy to human cancer will depend upon a better knowledge of the nature of the tumor-specific antigens in human neoplasms and methods for increasing the immune response against these antigens. It is necessary to define by laboratory study those immune responses that best correlate with clinical course and then develop immunotherapy programs to stimulate those responses in the cancer patient. The future of immunotherapy in human cancer is bright, and results will improve as this knowledge grows.
Complications of physician misdiagnosis/treatment of rheumatic fever in the United States

Rheumatic fever is an auto-immune disease caused by exposure to Streptococcus pyogenes. Over the last 50 years, reports of rheumatic fever within the United States have diminished. The decrease was attributed to the advent of penicillin in the treatment of streptococcus infections. We propose that current diagnostic and treatment methodologies may adversely increase the morbidity rate of rheumatic fever within the United States. Publication rates and interest in rheumatic fever has diminished over the last 30 years. Because of this decline, many physicians are only vaguely aware of the disorder. Additionally, the fear of antibiotic resistance has influenced theCenterofDisease Control to suggest a significant decrease in the use of antibiotics by physicians. Although extremely valid for the future health and well-being of the population, such policies must be examined for each individual case carefully. The American Heart Association prescribes long-term antibiotic prophylaxis as the only current treatment; however literature reviews indicate that such therapy is rarely used. Therefore individuals diagnosed with rheumatic fever are not being treated. Additionally, because many physicians are not routinely testing for streptococcus or early signs of endocarditis, it is likely that cases of rheumatic fever will increase in the future, and many individuals may not be diagnosed until sever damage or morbidity occurs. Physician education and clear revised guidelines are necessary to ensure adequate treatment of individuals with rheumatic fever. Mis-understandings of the disease and how it should be treated by first responders (i.e. primary care providers and pediatricians) are discussed.
Cycles without pollution: a gradual typing poem

It is fairly intuitive that adding dynamic typing to a statically typed language can add some convenience to a developer, at the price of weakening the guarantees of the type system. Surprisingly, the reverse is also true. This paper presents a programming poem a la Dan Friedman illustrating that temporarily circumventing the type system via a gradual typing cast can actually strengthen the guarantees of the type system overall.The paper first presents a challenge to write a small but interesting program. It proceeds by exploring how it could be written in Haskell and in SML (showing and discussing runnable code). It then gives the Typed Scheme version in a slower, more tutorial style, since the reader is assumed to be more familiar with Haskell and SML than Typed Scheme. Along the way, the paper shows how the Typed Scheme version overcomes weaknesses in the earlier versions. The key insight is that gradual typing enables us to view a data structure with two different types, one during the creation and one during use. The type during creation allows more operations that are needed to build an element of the data structure, and the type during use exposes more invariants of the data structure that can then be used to guarantee properties of the clients (termination, in this case).
A social contagion model of adolescent sexual behavior: explaining race differences.

Abstract Black adolescents in the United States consistently report an earlier age of first intercourse than White adolescents. Purely psychosocial explanations of this finding have been less than successful. We propose an “epidemic” model that combines social contagion (a psychosocial process) and pubertal maturation (a biological process). This epidemic model permits social contacts among adolescents of the same age and also among younger and older adolescents. The model statistically fit the actual growth curve of sexuality well for Whites; its fit was not as good for Blacks. From computer simulation analyses, we concluded that pubertal maturation may be more important in accounting for the racial difference in the onset of sexual intercourse than previously thought.
Cultural Conflict in a School for Deaf Children

Building upon a view of deafness as a sociocultural phenomenon similar to ethnicity, this article describes cultural conflict between hearing educators and deaf parents in a school for deaf children. Hearing and deaf interactants have different experiences with and definitions of deafness and language, resulting in expectations for each other's behavior that often clash. DEAF EDUCATION; ETHNICITY; SIGN LANGUAGE.
Abstract C136: An analysis of BCAR3‐mediated regulation of p130Cas localization and focal adhesion formation in breast cancer cells

BCAR3 and p130Cas, two focal adhesion proteins that bind to one another and that were previously identified in a screen for genes that confer anti‐estrogen resistance in ER+ breast cancer cells, were analyzed in breast cancer cell lines to determine the effect of BCAR3 expression on cell morphology and protein localization including the Src‐mediated redistribution of p130Cas. The effect of altered BCAR3 expression and role of BCAR3 and p130Cas association was studied in MCF7 cells stably over‐expressing wildtype BCAR3 or BCAR3 containing an R743A missense mutation that prevents p130Cas association. Protein localization and cellular morphology were examined by immunofluorescence and Western analyses of cells were conducted to observe p130Cas post‐translational modifications and the potential involvement of the TGFβ and β‐catenin signaling pathways. Stable over‐expression of BCAR3 in MCF7 epithelial cells induces the loss of cohesive association between cells and the formation of membrane projections as well as large focal adhesions that contain abundant p130Cas. This BCAR3‐mediated increase in p130Cas localization to focal adhesions is independent of the association of BCAR3 and p130Cas. Src, which is known to phosphorylate p130Cas, also induces augmented localization of p130Cas and this effect is also further enhanced by BCAR3 expression. Once again, physical interaction between BCAR3 and p130Cas is not necessary for the ability of BCAR3 to increase Src‐mediated redistribution of p130Cas to focal adhesions. In spite of inducing a loss of epithelial morphology in MCF7 cells, BCAR3 over‐expression did not induce SMAD2 phosphorylation or nuclear translocation of β‐catenin, suggesting that neither the TGFβ or β‐catenin signaling pathways are activated in response to BCAR3 over‐expression in epithelial breast cancer cells. Consistent with these results, shRNA‐mediated reduction of BCAR3 expression in MDA‐231 mesenchymal cells ablates basal p130Cas phosphorylation, alters p130Cas and focal adhesion localization and induces an epithelial‐like growth pattern with attenuated stress fiber formation and decreased tensin expression. The inhibition of stress fiber formation in MDA‐231 cells prevents p130Cas phosphorylation. BCAR3 expression regulates the morphology and cytoskeleton of epithelial and mesenchymal breast cancer cells by affecting focal adhesion formation, p130Cas localization and the cytoskeletal response to Src signaling. The effect of BCAR3 appears not to involve either the TGFβ or β‐catenin signaling pathways and is largely independent of BCAR39s direct physical interaction with p130Cas. Our current studies are seeking to examine the role of BCAR39s SH2 domain and serine‐proline‐rich region in the regulation of focal adhesion biology. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(12 Suppl):C136.
Pyrolysis processing characteristics of Kentucky cannel coals

Abstract Pyrolysis retorting of three Kentucky cannel coals resulted in oil yields of about 30% for the two eastern Kentucky high volatile A bituminous cannel coals and 40% for the high volatile C bituminous Breckinridge cannel coal from western Kentucky. Petrographic examination of the residue shows that the amount of anisotropic carbon increases with an increase in rank. Framboidal sulfides, not present in the raw coal, appear as neo-formed minerals in the residues.
Trace Element Determination by Atomic Spectroscopic Methods—State of the Art

In the 15-year period between 1966 and 1981, detection limits for atomic spectroscopic methods of analysis have decreased by an average of 3 orders of magnitude. The current (1982) state of the art for the atomic techniques in general use is presented and the methods compared using the detection limits as the figure of merit.
Three-Dimensional Patterns of Streamwise Vorticity in the Turbulent Near-Wake of a Cylinder

Abstract A cinematographic technique of high-image-density particle image velocimetry combined with a method of space-time image construction is introduced as a technique for extracting coherent vorticity concentrations in the turbulent (Re = 10 4 ) near-wake of a cylinder. This technique leads to the first instantaneous representations of streamwise vorticity and their evolution with time. These streamwise (ω x ) concentrations have a lifetime the order of half the period of the Karman vortices and an order of magnitude larger than the period of the Kelvin-Helmholtz vortices initially formed in the separating shear layer. Moreover, the ω x concentrations have a spanwise wavelength that is approximately equal to the cylinder diameter, and average and maximum values of circulation about one-tenth and one-third the circulation of the spanwise Karman vortices.
Distortion of the spiral artery in the ovary associated with corpus hemorrhagicum cysts.

THE SPIRAL artery in the hilus of the ovary permits adaptation of the main arterial supply of the ovary to an increase in size of the ovary following stimulation by gonadotrophins (Reynolds, 1947a). It has been suggested that another of the principal consequences of this spiral arrangement of the arterial supply of the ovary is to bring about a reduction and equalization of blood pressure throughout the stroma of the ovary (Reynolds, 1947a, b). With the foregoing considerations in mind it was surmised also that abnormal relations with respect to the foregoing mechanisms might play a role in the etiology of certain pathological conditions in the ovary whose cause is now obscure.
Dietary Patterns and Risk for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in U.S. Men

A western dietary pattern (characterized by higher consumption of red and processed meat, high-fat dairy products, and sweets) is associated with a substantially increased risk for type 2 diabetes ...
Interligand transmetallic charge-transfer transitions in mixed-ligand chelates☆

Abstract In chelates of divalent zinc which have two different aromatic ligands, a new absorption band is observed in the visible region. This new band is interpreted as arising from a π→π* interligand transmetallic charge-transfer (ITCT) transition. The nature of this type of charge-transfer transition in a chelate molecule, using a molecular orbital model, is examined. Experimental results for the chelates (3,4-toluenedithiolato)(1,10-phenanthroline)zinc(II), (3,4-toluenedithiolato)(2,2′-dipyridyl)zinc(II),and (3,4-toluenedithiolato)(2,2′-biquinoline)zinc(II) are presented.
Investigations of underground water problems in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Oregon

This report is a summary of investigations in progress in 1932 in the southwestern portion of the United States. It covers only those investigations that deal with water in the zone of saturation, and excludes those that deal primarily with water in the zone of aeration. Arizona H. C. Schwalen, Irrigation Engineer, Agricultural Experiment-Station, Tucson, Arizona, has proposed to undertake a study of the effect of pumping from wells, and of the capacity of water-bearing strata, but no report of progress is available. Several other hydrologic investigations are now being made by the Agricultural Experiment- Station, but relate primarily to infiltration and transpiration.
Safety and Efficacy of Polyethylene Glycol-Modified Interleukin-2 and Zidovudine in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection: A Phase I/II Study

The safety and efficacy of combined therapy with polyethylene glycolated (PEG) interleukin (IL)-2 and zidovudine was assessed in 19 human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-seropositive subjects in a phase I/II open-label dose-ranging study. During courses of three weekly infusions of PEG IL-2, dose-limiting side effects were seen at 5 x 10(6) IU/m2 and reversible encephalopathy in 1 subject at 3 x 10(6) IU/m2. Significant increases were seen in CD4 cell counts (P < .01), NK cell activity (P < .05), and HIV-specific cytotoxicity (P < .01). Virologic monitoring (quantitative DNA polymerase chain reaction and p24 antigen assay) showed no evidence of increased HIV activation. Patients with CD4 cells < 200/mm3 were entered into a chronic dosing phase. PEG IL-2 was given at 14-day intervals at doses of 10(6) IU/m2 for 8 weeks and 3 x 10(6) IU/m2 for up to 16 weeks, resulting in mean CD4 cell count elevations of 16% and 33%, respectively. PEG IL-2 appears to warrant further investigation, especially in subjects with CD4 cell counts < 200/mm3, to determine whether increased lymphocyte numbers will translate into improved clinical outcome.
Closure to “End Depth–Discharge Relation at Free Overfall of Trapezoidal Channels” by A. S. Ramamurthy, Chao Zhai, and Junying Qu

E. Anastasiadou-Partheniou; E. Hatzigiannakis; and G. Terzidis Professor, Dept. of Hydraulics, Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, School of Agriculture, Aristotle Univ. of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece. Researcher Dr., National Agricultural Research Foundation, Land Reclamation Institute, Sindos, Thessaloniki 57400, Greece. Professor Emeritus, Dept. of Hydraulics, Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, School of Agriculture, Aristotle Univ. of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece.
Initial dissection of the lateral fascia reduces the positive margin rate in radical prostatectomy.

Abstract Objectives. Positive margins predict an adverse outcome after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP). The effect of initial incision of the lateral pelvic fascia prior to urethral transection on positive margins rates is assessed. Methods. The rate of positive margins in 350 consecutive RRPs is compared in two groups without hormonal pretreatment. In group 1 (n = 198), RRP was performed in standard fashion with apical dissection and urethral transection preceding dissection of the lateral pelvic fascia and mobilization of the prostate from the anterior rectal surface. In group 2 (n = 152), the initial step consisted of incision of the lateral pelvic fascia along the perirectal surface with prostatic mobilization off the rectum prior to urethral transection. The bladder neck and seminal vesicle dissection was identical in both groups. Specimens were step-sectioned for histologic analysis. Differences in rates of positive margins were analyzed by Fisher’s exact test and logistic regression. Results. The rate of positive margins was reduced from 37.4% in group 1 to 15.8% in group 2. In the logistic regression model, surgical technique, Gleason sum, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and the presence of extracapsular extension were independent predictors of margin status, with group 1 being more than twice as likely to have positive margins than group 2 ( P = 0.0076; odds ratio 2.198; 95% confidence interval 1.23 to 3.92). The rate of positive margins was reduced from 45.5% in group 1 to 16.7% in group 2 ( P = 0.0046) for non-nerve-sparing RRP and from 33.3% to 15.5% ( P = 0.0012) for nerve-sparing RRP. There were no differences in functional outcomes between groups and no rectal injuries in group 2. Conclusions. Initial dissection of the lateral pelvic fascia during RRP results in a lower rate of positive margins independent of tumor grade, clinical stage, extracapsular extension, and preoperative PSA level.
Hypokalemia after cardioversion from ventricular tachycardia induced in the electrophysiology laboratory.

Abstract Serum potassium is often low after resuscitation from out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation. We hypothesizod that hypokalemia develops after ventricular tachycardia induced by programmed electrical stimulation. We measured serum potassium in 10 patients before induction of ventricular tachycardia and 15 minutes, 45 minutes, and 3 hours following cardioversion from ventricular tachycardia. Ventricular tachycardia rate was 243 ± 71 bpm and duration was 57 ± 87 seconds. Mean serum potassium (mEq/L) decreased from 4.1 ± 0.3 at baseline to 3.8 ± 0.5 at 15 minutes ( p p p = 0.06 vs baseline). A low serum potassium was found in several of these patients immediately after the clinical arrhythmia that led to electrophysiologic study, and rapid resolution of the hypokalemia was observed. Thus, serum potassium decreases rapidly in man after resuscitation from brief but hemodynamically significant ventricular tachycardia. This suggests that patients with hypokalemia after resuscitation from out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation have hypokalemia secondary to the event. The electrophysiologic effects of post-cardio/ersion hypokalemia are unknown.
The statistical stability of convection dynamos

Abstract Boussinesq convection in a plane layer of electrically conducting high at high Rayleigh number is subject to instabilities which can lead to a mean flow and to a mean magnetic field. Here, a formulation of the convection driven dynamo problem permits a study of statistical properties at large values of the magnetic field strength and large values of the Nusselt number without the introduction of empirical parameters or recourse to a truncated numerical exploration. An assessment of necessary conditions for the relative stability of the many possible (but unknown) solutions leads to the requirement that an integral function of the advection and convection has an extreme value. A first determination of upper bounds on this function, compatible with integral constraints and the boundary conditions establishes the parameter range in which a maximum mean magnetic field is the preferred solution.Soward's (1980) bounds provide a link between this extreme and the Coriolis constraint of planetary dynamos sufficient to estimate their mean toroidal velocities and the differential rotation rates compatible with the deduced momentum transport.
A Bicuspid Pulmonary Valve Is Not a Contraindication for the Arterial Switch Operation

There are no obvious criteria concerning the optimal repair for complete transposition with bicuspid pulmonary valve if neither the organic changes in the valve nor the pressure gradient between the left ventricle and the pulmonary trunk are severe. Instead of intraatrial switching or intraventricular rerouting in such circumstances, we have proceeded to the arterial switch procedure in 6 patients with an adequate diameter of the pulmonary valve (greater than 100% of the calculated normal aortic orifice). Postoperative catheterization (at approximately 8 months after the procedures) showed no pressure gradient between the left ventricle and the neoaorta except for a finding of 34 mm Hg difference in 1 patient who had undergone simultaneous subpulmonary myotomy. Echocardiography (7 years later in the longest follow-up) has shown no more than slight regurgitation across the bicuspid neoaortic valve, with no progressive increase of blood velocity across the valve. From these results in the middle term, we conclude that the arterial switch procedure remains an option of choice for patients with initially bicuspid pulmonary valve, providing there is no severe subpulmonary stenosis.
Criminal justice faculty and criminal justice students: A case for the missing data

Abstract This article reviews the most current criminal justice education research. It examines the interrelationship between the work of the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, the Joint Commission on Criminology and Criminal Justice Education and Standards, and the National Advisory Commission on Higher Education for Police, and describes and compares some of their more important findings. Discussed are types of criminal justice programs; characteristics of criminal justice faculty, particularly in terms of earned academic degrees; agency work experience; commitment to research and teaching; types of criminal justice curricula, as typified by certain educational philosophies; and criminal justice students. Although this article notes several areas with which future research might become fruitfully involved, the area in need of most immediate attention, and the area that current research has all but ignored, is the criminal justice student.
RENORMALIZATION-GROUP AND DYNAMICAL MAPS FOR THE HIERARCHICAL TIGHT-BINDING PROBLEM

A tight-binding model in one dimension with hierarchical potential strength is investigated. The problem is reduced to three equivalent recursive relations: (i) for characteristic polynomials, (ii) for a renormalization-group transformation, and (iii) for traces of transfer matrices. On this basis, the nature of the energy spectrum and the character of the wave functions is elucidated. The scaling properties are also analyzed in terms of the stability of fixed points, period two-cycles, and aperiodic solutions. For short chains, resistance and transmission are calculated as functions of system length and energy in view of experimental realizations.
Delayed Hypersensitivity to Fungal Antigens in Mice. II. Molecular Classes in Immunogenic RNA Extracts that Transfer Delayed Hypersensitivity

The transfer of delayed hypersensitivity to Coccidioides immitis and Candida albicans antigens with immunogenic RNA extracts was studied in a mouse model. Sensitivity was measured by skin tests and footpad swelling responses. Immunogenic RNA converted normal spleen cells in vitro so that they produced antigen-specific delayed hypersensitivity in mice that were given injections of the cells. RNase reduced the rate of, but did not abolish, in vitro interaction of immunogenic RNA extracts with lymphocytes. Immunogenic RNA transferred sensitivity on direct intraperitoneal inoculation into mice. The transfer ability was resistant to RNase preparations active against both single- and double-stranded RNA. Sedimentation gradient fractions of the immunogenic RNA were assayed by intraperitoneal injection, and converting activity was found in two fractions, greater than 33S and 6S-13S. After treatment with RNase, all activity was shifted to the less than 6S fraction. Two fractions of the immunogenic RNA in its native state (greater than 33S and 6S-13S) were also able to convert spleen cells. The data indicate that the transfer of delayed hypersensitivity by immunogenic RNA preparations is associated with RNA but may not require the intact RNA molecule.
Islam and politics in the light of Said Nursi's writings

Abstract This article discusses in its introduction the concept of political Islam as it first developed during the final years of the Ottoman Empire, and Nursi's reaction to politics. The bulk of the article then focuses on Nursi's stance concerning politics. As a prolific author, scholar, and activist, Nursi has a unique place among his contemporaries and the article deliberately elaborates on why Nursi coined his famous statement, ‘I take refuge in God from Satan and politics.’ It also presents a limited comparison between Nursi's interpretation of some qur'anic verses and Sayyid Qutb's interpretation of these same texts.
Management of sepsis during the early "golden hours".

Abstract Severe sepsis and septic shock are common causes of morbidity and mortality. Interventions directed at specific endpoints, when initiated early in the “golden hours” of patient arrival at the hospital, seem to be promising. Early hemodynamic optimization, administration of appropriate antimicrobial therapy, and effective source control of infection are the cornerstones of successful management. In patients with vasopressor-dependent septic shock, provision of physiologic doses of replacement steroids may result in improved survival. Administration of drotrecogin alfa (activated), (activated protein C) has been shown to improve survival in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock who have a high risk of mortality. In this article we review the multi-modality approach to early diagnosis and intervention in the therapy of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock.
Gas Pulsation Reductions in a Multicylinder Compressor Suction Manifold Using Valve-to-Valve Mass Flow Rate Phase Shifts

This paper investigates the pressure pulsations caused by each mass flow rate through the suction valves and ports of a multicylinder compressor in order to attribute high-pressure pulsation responses to certain valves. By staggering the valve configurations appropriately, it is shown that the level of gas pulsations in the suction manifold of a multicylinder automotive compressor can be reduced. First, the equation for a compression cycle, a Bernoulli-Euler linear differential beam equation for the suction valves, and the piston kinematics are considered in order to calculate the mass flow rates through the compressor suction valves. The pressure pulsations in the suction manifold are then predicted based on the characteristic cylinder method using the calculated mass flow rates. In order to investigate the effects of each mass flow rate, the characteristics and phases of the mass flow rates through the suction valves are changed by modifying the clearance volume.
Stability of aspirin in liquid and semisolid bases IV: polyethylene glycol 400 diacetate and triethylene glycol diacetate.

The stability of aspirin in polyethylene glycol 400 diacetate and triethylene glycol diacetate was studied at 4, 26, and 45°. Degradation of aspirin in these vehicles was temperature dependent and appeared to follow a first-order rate. The results supported a previous conclusion of enhanced stability of aspirin in the substituted derivatives of polyethylene glycols.
Multivariable System Identification for Integral Controllability – Computational Issues

Abstract Abstract A process model satisfies the integral controllability (IC) condition if the model can be used in a model-based controller that can be arbitrarily detuned without jeopardizing closed-loop stability. For decoupling multivariable control this requirement is equivalent to the inequality Re[λ( GΓ -1 )] > 0 for the actual and estimated process steady-state gain matrices G and Γ . This necessitates experiments for identification of Γ that satisfies the IC inequality. In this work we explore, via computer simulations, computational issues related to the design of such experiments for an FCC process. The proposed approach is based on a general mathematical optimization framework we presented in prior work.
Dimerized one-quarter filled band Hubbard chain☆

Abstract It is demonstrated that the predictions of the Hubbard model for a strongly dimerized chain occupied with an average of one-half electron per site are consistent with the antiferromagnetic semiconducting behavior observed by Fedutin et al. in TCNQ2 DTC.
Brain endocast asymmetry in pongids and hominids: Some preliminary findings on the paleontology of cerebral dominance

Observations on petalial asymmetry for 190 hominoid endocasts are reported, and their statistical differences assessed. While all taxa of hominoids show asymmetries to various degrees, the patterns or combinations of petalial asymmetries are very different, with fossil hominoids and modern Homo sapiens showing an identical pattern of left-occipital, right-frontal petalias, which contrasts with those found normally in pongids. Of the pongids, Gorilla shows the greater degree of asymmetry in left-occipital petalias. Only modern Homo and hominoids (Australopithecus, Homo erectus, Neandertals) show a distinct left-occipital, right-frontal petalial pattern. Analysis by chi 2 statistics shows the differences to be highly significant. Due to small sample size and incompleteness of endocasts, small-brained hominoids, i.e., Australopithecus, are problematical. To the degree that gross petalial patterns are correlated with cognitive task specialization, we speculate that human cognitive patterns evolved early in hominoid evolution and were related to selection pressures operating on both symbolic and spatiovisual integration, and that these faculties are corroborated in the archeological record.
Coplanar waveguide InP-based HEMT MMICs for microwave and millimeter wave applications

We have developed and fabricated a variety of single-stage coplanar waveguide MMIC amplifiers based on our InP-based AlInAs/GaInAs HEMT device technology. The measured f(t) of 0.15-micron devices was 120 GHz and fmax was 200 GHz. The dc transconductance was greater than 720 mS/mm. The 12-GHz single-stage MMIC amplifier had a noise figure of 1.3 dB with an associated gain of 16.0 dB. A 35 GHz single-stage amplifier had a measured gain of 10.9 dB and a measured input return loss of -14.4 dB. A 60 GHz single-stage amplifier had a measured gain of 8.4 dB and a measured input return loss of -18.4 dB.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Generative models for functional data using phase and amplitude separation

Constructing generative models for functional observations is an important task in statistical functional analysis. In general, functional data contains both phase (or x or horizontal) and amplitude (or y or vertical) variability. Traditional methods often ignore the phase variability and focus solely on the amplitude variation, using cross-sectional techniques such as fPCA for dimensional reduction and data modeling. Ignoring phase variability leads to a loss of structure in the data and inefficiency in data models. This paper presents an approach that relies on separating the phase ( x -axis) and amplitude ( y -axis), then modeling these components using joint distributions. This separation, in turn, is performed using a technique called elastic shape analysis of curves that involves a new mathematical representation of functional data. Then, using individual fPCAs, one each for phase and amplitude components, it imposes joint probability models on principal coefficients of these components while respecting the nonlinear geometry of the phase representation space. These ideas are demonstrated using random sampling, for models estimated from simulated and real datasets, and show their superiority over models that ignore phase-amplitude separation. Furthermore, the generative models are applied to classification of functional data and achieve high performance in applications involving SONAR signals of underwater objects, handwritten signatures, and periodic body movements recorded by smart phones.
A decision sequence analysis of developments in marketing communication

The promotional and marketing communication efforts of a business can be greatly improved through proper application of behavioral and quantitative tools. What tools have been used to improve marke...
Tritium in the Arctic Ocean and East Greenland Current

Abstract High concentrations of tritium are found in the surface water of the Arctic Ocean (up to 50 TU) and in the East Greenland Current (up to 70 TU). These high tritium values are a direct result of atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons in the early 1960's. A box model with a time-dependent input of highly tritiated precipitation predicts that high tritium concentrations are to be expected in the surface layer of the Arctic Ocean and its various outflows. We suggest that a few tritium stations in the Arctic Ocean would provide a powerful analytical tool for assigning time scales to exchange processes.
Gangliogenesis in the Prosobranch Gastropod Ilyanassa obsoleta

We determined that the larval nervous system of Ilyanassa obsoleta contains paired cerebral, pleural, pedal, buccal, and intestinal ganglia and unpaired apical, osphradial, and visceral ganglia. We used a modified form of NADPH diaphorase histochemistry to compare the neuroanatomy of precompetent (including specimens 6, 8, and 12 days after hatching), competent, and metamorphosing larvae with postmetamorphic juveniles. This method highlighted ganglionic neuropils and allowed us to identify individual ganglia at various stages of development, thereby laying a foundation for concurrent histochemical studies. The first ganglia to form were the unpaired apical and osphradial ganglia and the paired cerebral and pedal ganglia. In larvae 6 days after hatching, the neuropil had already appeared in the apical and osphradial ganglia. Neuropil began to be apparent in the cerebral and pedal ganglia 2 days later. At that time, the pleural and buccal ganglia were identifiable and adjacent to the posterior edge of the cerebral ganglia. The ganglia of the visceral loop were concurrently recognizable, although the supraintestinal ganglion developed slightly earlier than the subintestinal and visceral ganglia. By 12 days after hatching, all of the major adult ganglia were discernible. The apical ganglion was retained by newly metamorphosed juveniles, but not by juveniles 2 days later. After metamorphosis was complete, the central nervous system (CNS) was consolidated into its juvenile form with ipsilateral cerebral and pleural ganglia being partially fused. The metamorphic translocation of ganglia, which included a caudal relocation of the cerebrals and the migration of the buccals from above the esophagus to a position below it, correlated with the movement of the proboscis to the dorsal part of the head.
Specific enhancement of intra-abdominal abscesses with perfluoroctylbromide for CT imaging

Perfluoroctylbromide (PFOB), a radiopaque reticuloendothelial system contrast media for computed tomography, has been shown to accumulate in macrophages. In the current study PFOB was tested in rabbits as an abscess imaging agent. Two abscesses were induced in each of 24 rabbits, one in the liver and the other in the peritoneal cavity. CT of the rabbit abdomen was performed four days later, two days after the administration of 5 gm/Kg of PFOB to 12 of these rabbits. The average enhancement of the wall of liver abscesses was by 140 Hounsfield units (HU) relative to the enhanced liver and peritoneal abscesses by 135 HU relative to the control group. This enhancement was secondary to the intense accumulation of PFOB filled macrophages in the abscess wall. In those rabbits where the liver abscess ruptured, the edges of the peritoneal collections enhanced by 147 HU. Regions of inflammation prior to liquifaction enhanced considerably. These areas could not be detected in the animals not receiving PFOB. Though the liquified center of liver abscesses could be seen in the absence of PFOB, none of the peritoneal abscesses could be detected in the animals not receiving PFOB. In contradistinction, all peritoneal abscesses enhanced considerably following PFOB allowing their prospective localization. In conclusion, PFOB accumulates in abscess walls and areas of inflammation producing marked CT enhancement of liver and peritoneal abscess collections. This enhancement allowed the differentiation of peritoneal abscess collections from adjacent bowel.
Recognition and Exteriority: Towards a Recognition-Theoretic Account of Globalization

This essay aims to extend Paul Ricœur’s account of recognition to address some of the concerns of globalization, especially those voiced by Enrique Dussel. The extension is accomplished in two parts. First, Dussel’s account of spatial existence as dwelling is reviewed as it is pertinent to the concerns of globalization. Next, it is demonstrated that each of the aspects of Ricœur’s account of recognition may be given a spatial re-articulation. The results thus establish an outline of how recognition theory might address some of the concerns of globalization. The essay concludes with several consequences for the modification of recognition politics as one finds it in the late work of Ricœur and in Axel Honneth’s ongoing inquiries.
The Revolution in Gynecology: Celebrating 30 Years with the AAGL

The American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists has revolutionized the practice of gynecology forever. In 1971, creating the AAGL as a state of California and federal registered tax-free educational organization produced a mechanism to hold legal meetings, congresses, workshops, and seminars, and to disseminate advanced knowledge of endoscopic techniques and instrumentation throughout the United States and the world. It seemed most logical that a surgeon could examine under direct vision all of the pelvic structures— uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, anterior and posterior cul-de-sacs—indeed, the entire endopelvic anatomy, to make immediate, accurate diagnoses and perform various surgical procedures. One would think that this significant technique would be embraced by every gynecologist. It is amazing to me that there were and still are many nay-sayers against this method; however, their voices are growing fainter and fainter. At the AAGL’s first symposium in Las Vegas, the current state of the art was presented. Under leadership of Jerry Hulka of North Carolina, a Complication Committee was formed to define statistically the safest methods and instruments to be employed. Throughout the AAGL’s 30 years, complication surveys have been conducted and published. These survey reports established standards of practice worldwide to safeguard gynecologists and patients. Also at this meeting and at every one since then, I promoted the family concept; that is, we are here to help each other in any way that we can to be better doctors and surgeons to serve our patients. I formed the open door policy to allow anyone who wished to attend any and all of our meetings, and to welcome all speakers from around the world who wanted to present their ideas to their colleagues. Not only have we had the good fortune to hear of new concepts and discussions of established ones, this has resulted in
Disulfide bond assignment of the Ebola virus secreted glycoprotein SGP.

Abstract The non-structural glycoprotein (SGP) of Ebola virus (EboV) is secreted in large amounts from infected cells as a disulfide-linked homodimer. In this communication, highly purified SGP, derived from Vero E6 cultures infected with the Zaire species of EboV, was used to determine the correct localization of inter- and intrachain disulfide bonds. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis of proteolytic cleavage fragments indicates that all cysteines (six per monomeric unit) form unique disulfide bonds. Monomers of the SGP homodimer are joined in a parallel manner by two intersubunit disulfide bonds formed between paired N-terminal and C-terminal cysteines (C53–C53′ and C306–C306′). The remaining cysteines are involved in intrachain disulfide bonding (paired as C108–C135 and C121–C147), which resembles the disulfide bond topology of fibronectin type II domains. The findings presented here provide the foundation for future studies aimed at defining the structural and functional properties of SGP.
Kinetics and Mechanism of Ligand Exchange in Photogenerated (η2-monoalkylarene)Cr(CO)5 Complexes with Alkenes: Evidence for Involvement of Aliphatic Chains in the Arene and Alkene in the Exchange Process

The kinetics and mechanism of the reaction of photogenerated (η2-C6H5R)Cr(CO)5 complexes (R = CH3, C2H5, i-C3H7, t-C4H9, c-C6H11, (C6H5)(CH2)11CH3), in which C6H5R is a ligand weakly bonded to Cr (Lw), with strongly coordinating “trapping” nucleophiles containing an olefinic functionality (Ls = 1-hexene, 1-decene, and 1-tetradecene) have been studied by employing pulsed laser flash photolysis with visible and infrared detection. The substituted arene molecules likely bond to the metal “edge-on” via a partially delocalized center of unsaturation in the ring. Kinetics data taken “neat” to very high [Ls] and in dilute solution in the “inert” solvents (S) agree closely, indicating that influences of S (C6H5R, fluorobenzene, n-heptane) are relatively unimportant. The kinetics data are wholly consistent with a single mechanism involving dissociation of C6H5R from (η2-C6H5R)Cr(CO)5, followed by competitive reaction of the [Cr(CO)5] intermediate thus produced with C6H5R or Ls. Changes in rate constants, k1, for C...
Categories of process variables: robustness optimization, uniformity tuning, and mean adjustment

ABSTRACT A new methodology for process optimization is introduced which has the goal of dividing process variables into three categories. Robustness factors are those used to render the process robust againstdisturbances. Tuning factors are those used to tune the uniformity of a batch. Adjustment factors are those used to adjust the mean of the batch. An objective function called a 3-step SN ratio is derived toenable the 3-step optimization.In the first step, a designed experiment is performed and the results are used to fmd the best tuningand adjustment factors and to set the levels of the robustness factors. In the second step, the tuning factor(or factors) is used to tune those aspects of the batch uniformity which can be tuned. In the third step, theadjustment factor is used to adjust the batch mean to the targetThe methodology is illustrated and demonstrated in application to single wafer plasma etching. 1. INTRODUCTION 1 . 1. Motivation The goal of this work is to reduce the variability from a process. Process variabilities may be
On the steady-state transverse vibrations of a cracked plate

Abstract Using an integral formulation, the equation for a plate subjected to periodic transverse vibrations of frequency ω and containing a crack of length 2c, is solved for the Kirchhoff bending stresses. The usual inverse square root singular behavior of the stresses is recovered and may be related to that of non-vibrating cracked plate by where the function f(λ4) attains positive values for small λ.
Comparison Theorems for Four Dimensional Regular Matrices

A four dimensional summability matrix is stronger than convergence in the Pringsheim sense if it sums a divergent double sequence. Presented in this paper are sufficient conditions on a four dimensional matrix transformation which ensure that the summability matrix is stronger than convergence in the Pringsheim sense. Also other sufficient conditions will be presented to ensure the failure of inclusion between two summability matrices.