cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Documenting Territory: Passportisation, Territory, and Exception in Abkhazia and South Ossetia

Despite the crucial role it played in the 2008 war between Russia and Georgia, the phenomenon of passportisation has not received a great deal of scholarly attention. Much of the literature has treated the mass distribution of Russian passports to the residents of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as little more than a strategy to manufacture an excuse to go to war with Georgia. Drawing on recent scholarship on territory and territoriality, as well as with literature addressing Agamben's theories of exceptional spaces, this paper contributes to a more nuanced understanding of passportisation by analysing the territorial effects it produced. It argues that the wholesale conversion of Abkhazians and South Ossetians into Russian citizens did not merely manufacture a casus belli, it also produced exceptional spaces within the territory of the Republic of Georgia, where the norms of international law and the modern state system were effectively suspended.
Fractional Shapiro steps in ladder Josephson arrays.

We study the response of Josephson ladder arrays (1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}N plaquettes) to a combined ac and dc current. For N\ensuremath{\ge}1, the arrays are predicted to exhibit Shapiro steps at voltages 〈V〉=nN\ensuremath{\Elzxh}\ensuremath{\omega}/(2e) for n=1/2,1,3/2, . . ., over a broad range of fields f=\ensuremath{\Phi}/${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Phi}}}_{0}$ (\ensuremath{\Phi}=flux per plaquette, ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Phi}}}_{0}$=hc/2e). The calculated half-steps persist even in single-plaquette ``arrays'' at all fields f\ensuremath{\ne}0, and, when the critical currents parallel to the applied current are sufficiently unequal, even at f=0. Measurements of the step widths \ensuremath{\Delta}${\mathit{I}}_{1/2}$(f) and \ensuremath{\Delta}${\mathit{I}}_{1}$(f) for 1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}600 ladder arrays of Nb-Au-Nb junctions are in good agreement with the calculations.
Confirmation: A Sacrament in Search of a Theology?

In response to accusations leveled against the integrity of confirmation as a distinct sacrament, the author searches magisterial documents for a theology of confirmation. Two main theological explanations of the sacrament are explored: the ecclesial significance of the bishop's office as the original minister of confirmation; and the grace of the sacrament – that is, the gifts and Gift of the Holy Spirit. This grace is characterized as both defensive and offensive, from the perspective of defending the faith of the individual and the Church, and sharing in Christ's mission to evangelize the world. In a final section, the author addresses several popular but mistaken or one-sided approaches to explaining confirmation that have had negative pastoral consequences in recent decades.
3-D Modeling, Smoothing, and Finite Element Modeling of the Femur

Computed Tomography data of a male was obtained from the National Institute of Health. The data was used to create three-dimensional models of the femur. These models were subject to data smoothing to prepare them for finite element meshing. The meshing was performed using a highly controlled mesh of hexahedral elements. Initial analysis of the femur model has been has been performed to verify its reliability.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Linked legal data: improving access to regulations

The application of Linked Open Data (LOD) principles to legal information (URI naming of resources, assertions about named relationships between resources or between resources and data values, and the possibility to easily extend, update and modify these relationships and resources) could offer better access and understanding of regulatory information to individual citizens, businesses and government agencies and administrations, and allow its sharing and reuse across applications, organizations and jurisdictions.
A behavioral economic analysis of concurrent ethanol- and water-reinforced responding in different preference conditions.

Background: The reinforcing properties of orally self-administered drugs have been evaluated by using choice procedures. The preference for the drug over a nondrug alternative has indicated that the drug has greater value than the nondrug alternative as a reinforcer at some drug concentrations. However, at large drug concentrations, the fluid deliveries of the drug may be equal to or less than those of the nondrug alternative, whereas the actual drug intake (milligrams per kilogram of body weight) may continue to increase. In this study, we used behavioral economics to evaluate the reinforcing strength of ethanol in conditions where baseline ethanol fluid deliveries were greater than, equal to, or less than those of the concurrently available water. Methods: Four male rhesus monkeys were allowed access to ethanol (2%, 8%, or 32%) and water for 2 hdday under a fixed ratio (FR) 4 reinforcement schedule. At each ethanol concentration, the FR for both fluids was gradually increased to FR 64. Results: During the FR 4 schedule, the fluid deliveries of ethanol at 2%, 8%, and 32% were greater than, equal to, and less than those of water, respectively. When the FR was increased at 2% ethanol, fluid deliveries and responding decreased for both the ethanol and water. When the FR was increased at 8% ethanol, water fluid deliveries and responding decreased more rapidly than did those of ethanol. When the FR was increased at 32% ethanol, the ethanol fluid deliveries remained the same across all FRs, whereas water fluid deliveries decreased rapidly. At 8% and 32% ethanol, the responding for ethanol, relative to water, increased dramatically. Conclusions: In behavioral economic terms, demand for ethanol was more inelastic regardless of whether the ethanol or water maintained more absolute fluid deliveries at baseline FRs. Therefore, researchers should examine the reinforcing effects of ethanol in a variety of concentration and schedule conditions rather than drawing inferences regarding reinforcing effects simply based on a preference measure.
New and used temporal models: An issue of time

TheSpecial Issue on Applications of Temporal Models raises many issues of time: What are the important properties of time? How can time be best represented? How can one reason about time-dependent properties? What are the important directions of temporal research? This introductory piece very briefly surveys the current wide variety of temporal models, temporal reasoning methods, and applications to time-varying phenomena. Promising areas of investigation such as the verification of concurrent systems, knowledge-base representation methods, and dealing with theFrame Problem pass in fleeting review. Brief introductions to each of the works in the volume close the section.
Wind Stress Variations and Interannual Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies in the Eastern Equatorial Pacific

Abstract Vertical advection of temperature is the primary mechanism by which El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) time-scale sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies are generated in the eastern equatorial Pacific. Variations in vertical advection are mediated primarily by remote wind-forced thermocline displacements, which control the temperature of water upwelled to the surface. However, during some ENSO events, large wind stress variations occur in the eastern Pacific that in principle should affect local upwelling rates, the depth of the thermocline, and SST. In this study, the impact of these wind stress variations on the eastern equatorial Pacific is addressed using multiple linear regression analysis and a linear equatorial wave model. The regression analysis indicates that a zonal wind stress anomaly of 0.01 N m−2 leads to approximately a 1°C SST anomaly over the Nino-3 region (5°N–5°S, 90°–150°W) due to changes in local upwelling rates. Wind stress variations of this magnitude occurred in the easte...
Mitochondrial RNA abundance in differentiating human colonie epithelial tumor cells estimated through use of a mitochondrial genome map

Abstract We describe a procedure for quantification of mitochondrial (mt) RNA present in total RNA extracts of HT-29 human colonie adenocarcinoma cells grown under conditions for rapid growth (25 mM glucose) or differentiation (25 mM trehalose or 5 mM butyrate). Purified mt DNA was fragmented into specific coding regions using restriction endonuclease sites predicted from HeLa cell mt DNA sequence and probed with either 32 P-labelled mt DNA or cDNA made from total RNA of HT-29 or HeLa cells. The amounts of probe that hybridized to various gene-encoded mt DNA fragments or RNA were quantified by laser densitometry. Use of 13 restriction endonucleases revealed that most if not all the mt DNA of HT-29 and K562 leukemic cells was comparable in size to that of HeLa cells. Relative levels of mt RNA from rapidly growing HT-29 and HeLa cells were lower than those measured for differentiated HT-29 cells induced by either trehalose or butyrate. In rapidly growing HT-29 cells and HeLa cells, the highest levels of specific mt RNAs were those encoded by mt DNA sequences immediately flanking the nested promoters and the heavy-strand replication origin ( O H ). Expression patterns of specific mt RNAs from HT-29 cells treated with butyrate and with trehalose were similar, but not identical. In either case, the mt RNAs that increased the most were those coded by mt DNA sequences located downstream from the light-strand replication origin ( O L ), suggesting a novel pattern of expression not seen before.
Management of Common and Uncommon Problems After Primary Breast Augmentation

The management of common and uncommon problems following breast augmentation can pose a challenge in some situations. The diversity of these problems is remarkable and different principles and concepts should be adhered to for optimal management. This article reviews some of these problems and hopefully provides solutions for prevention and management.
Magnetic properties and magnetization reversal of CoSm ∥ Cr thin films

Abstract In this paper the magnetic and structural properties of CoSm thin films with a Cr underlayer (CoSm‖Cr) are presented, with emphasis on the measurements of anisotropy at room and low temperature and magnetization reversal. The grain size of the Cr underlayer is about 250 A and the thin CoSm layer (e.g., 240 A) inherits this grain size. The CoSm layer consists of nanocrystallites, about 50 A in diameter, embedded in an amorphous matrix. The Ar pressure, CoSm layer-thickness, and temperature dependencies of magnetic properties including magnetization, coercivity and especially the anisotropy were investigated systematically. CoSm‖Cr with coercivity up to 4.2 kOe at room temperature has been prepared. The intrinsic anisotropy is 4 × 10 6 and 1.4 × 10 7 erg/cm 3 at room temperature for CoSm(240 A)‖Cr and CoSm(960 A)‖Cr, respectively, and both increase to 3.9 × 10 7 erg/cm 3 at 10 K. Magnetization reversal studies indicate that the coercivity mechanism changes from wall pinning for samples prepared at lower Ar pressure (5–12 mT) to single-particle coherent rotation for samples prepared at higher pressure (30 mT). The correlations between the microstructure and magnetic properties are discussed.
The discontinuation of routine smallpox vaccination in the United States, 1960-1976: an unlikely affirmation of biomedical hegemony

This article seeks to understand the discursive context of the cessation of routine smallpox vaccination in the United States in the early 1970s. The United States has a long tradition of opposition to compulsory smallpox vaccination, usually expressed in terms of concerns about personal liberties, the extent of state authority, and challenges to the hegemony of orthodox biomedicine. The practice of routine smallpox vaccination continued in the United States until its termination in the 1970s, following a 1971 recommendation against the practice issued by the United States Public Health Service. This history investigates the ways in which opposition to compulsory smallpox vaccination in the 1960s and 70s was articulated and understood by contemporaries through an analysis of the rhetoric used in leading medical journals and popular newspapers. It finds that this ultimately successful movement to end routine smallpox vaccination drew upon the language of biomedical authority rather than political protest.
Rational design of a nanoscale helical scaffold derived from self-assembly of a dimeric coiled coil motif

Abstract We describe a model for the design of synthetic α-helical peptides that are competent for self-assembly into structurally defined supramolecular fibrils on the basis of architectural features that have been programmed into the peptide sequence. In order to test the validity of this experimental model, we have synthesized an oligopeptide YZ1 that was designed to conform to this model and to self-assemble into an α-helical fibril in which the structural sub-units that comprise the fibril corresponded to coiled coil dimers. Peptide YZ1 was prepared via conventional solid-phase peptide synthesis and was composed of 42 amino acid residues such that the sequence defined six distinct heptad repeats of a coiled coil structure. The sequence of YZ1 was designed to adopt an α-helical conformation in which the helical protomers self-associate in a parallel orientation with a staggered orientation between adjacent peptides that corresponded to an axial displacement of three heptads. The self-assembly of peptide YZ1 was examined at varying levels of structural hierarchy for compliance of the observed structures with the experimental model. Circular dichroism spectroscopy provided evidence for an α-helical coiled coil structure for YZ1 in aqueous solution, which could be reversibly denatured through thermal methods. TEM measurements indicated the formation of long aspect-ratio fibers of uniform diameter from aqueous solutions of YZ1 , however the dimensions of the fibers suggested that lateral association occurred between the fibrils corresponding to the 2-stranded helical bundles. The α-helical coiled coil structure was confirmed in the solid-state for fibers derived from self-assembly of YZ1 by a combination of wide-angle X-ray diffraction and 13 C CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy. SANS and synchrotron SAXS measurements on dilute aqueous solutions of YZ1 provided a fibril diameter that corresponded to the lateral dimensions estimated for a dimeric coiled coil assembly on the basis of structural determinations of model peptides.
Off-site real-time review of remote ambulatory care obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound examinations: Implications to radiologists for managed care contract negotiations

We present a cost comparison of contracts to provide obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound (US) services to a managed care provider group (MCPG) and discuss the long-term implications of off-site monitoring of US procedures by video/voice technology to radiologists in competing for managed care contracts.
Downscaling limits and confinement effects in the miniaturization of porous polymer monoliths in narrow bore capillaries

Monolithic poly(butyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) columns have been prepared in capillaries ranging in inner diameter from 5 to 75 μm using thermally initiated free-radical polymerization of a mixture of butyl methacrylate, ethylene dimethacrylate, and porogens at different temperatures. Scanning electron microscopy and the measurement of hydrodynamic properties reveal that the downward scalability of the monolithic columns is greatly affected by the confinement effect of the capillary wall resulting from the decreased volume-to-surface ratio as the capillary diameter is decreased. The downscaling process is affected most by the polymerization temperature, the diffusion of the propagating radicals, and the density of coverage of polymerizable groups on the inner walls of the capillary. Optimization of all these factors enables the preparation of monolithic structures in capillaries with inner diameters as low as 5 μm while retaining the desirable properties of monoliths prepared in much large...
Linear free energy techniques for estimation of metal sulfide complexation constants

Abstract Unknown sulfide complex formation constants have been estimated through linear free energy comparisons of known values with sulfide solubility products, and with reactions of the model ligand dithizone. Results of the two techniques are in agreement for complexes of the +2 metals with two sulfide ligands. Data are currently insufficient to establish a slope for free energy lines relating single ligand +2 complexes. Alternative methods for deducing single ligand formation include interpolation across oxidation states and correlation of bisulfide formation constants with the analogous hydroxide values. By linear free estimates, several trace metals speciate predominantly as sulfide complexes over the bisulfide concentration ranges calculated from carbonyl sulfide hydrolysis in the mixed layer. Recent preliminary measurements of total dissolved sulfide confirm this result for Cu, and perhaps also Hg.
Metabolism of 1,N6-ethenoadenosine

Abstract The metabolic fate of 1, N 6 -ethenoadenosine ( I ) has been studied in rat. The predominant metabolic pathway is the scission of the glycosidic bond in I to yield the free base, 1, N 6 -ethenoadenine ( III ). Incubation of I with the extract of sarcoma-180 cells in presence of ATP and Mg 2+ did not result in phosphorylation of the nucleoside. No significant uptake of this compound was observed in L-1210 mouse leukemia cells grown in culture.
Optical properties of aggregate particles whose outer diameter is comparable to the wavelength

I describe results of numerical calculations of the optical properties (extinction efficiency, single-scattering albedo, phase function, and linear polarization) of aggregate particles whose outer diameter is comparable with the wavelength. Results are presented for two types of particle, one composed of monomers whose radius is small compared with the wavelength and a second containing monomers with larger radii. The shape of the forward-scattered lobe of the phase function is diagnostic of the mean projected area (but differs from that for an equal-area sphere), while the linear polarization, phase function at large scattering angles, and single-scattering albedo depend on the monomer diameter. The wavelength dependence of the extinction efficiency differs markedly from that for equal-area spheres. These results can be used to infer particle properties from remotely sensed data.
Magnetocentrifugal Launching of Jets from Accretion Disks. I. Cold Axisymmetric Flows

We present time-dependent, numerical simulations of the magnetocentrifugal model for jet formation, in an axisymmetric geometry, using a modification of the ZEUS3D code adapted to parallel computers. The gas is supposed cold with negligible thermal pressure throughout. The number of boundary conditions imposed on the disk surface is that necessary and sufficient to take into account information propagating upstream from the fast and Alfven critical surfaces, avoiding overdetermination of the flow and unphysical effects, such as numerical "boundary layers" that otherwise isolate the disk from the flow and produce impulsive accelerations. It is known that open magnetic field lines can either trap or propel the gas, depending upon the inclination angle, θ, of the poloidal field to the disk normal. This inclination is free to adjust, changing from trapping to propelling when θ is larger than θ_c ~ 30°; however, the ejected mass flux is imposed in these simulations as a function of the radius alone. As there is a region, near the origin, where the inclination of field lines to the axis is too small to drive a centrifugal wind, we inject a thin, axial jet, expected to form electromagnetically near black holes in active galactic nuclei and Galactic superluminal sources. Rapid acceleration and collimation of the flow is generally observed when the disk field configuration is propelling. We parameterize our runs using a magnetic flux Ψ ∝ R^(-eΨ) and mass flux j = ρv_z ∝ R^(-ej). We show in detail the steady state of a reference run with parameters e_Ψ = -1/2, e_j = 3/2, finding that the wind leaves the computational volume in the axial direction with an Alfven number M_A ~ 4, poloidal speed v_p ~ 1.6v_(K0), collimated inside an angle θ ~ 11°. We show also the thrust T, energy L, torque G, and mass discharge Ṁ of the outgoing wind, and we illustrate the dependence of these quantities with the exponents e_Ψ and e_j.
Ultrastructure of myoepithelial cells in human mammary gland tumors

The relationship of myoepithelial cells to epithelial cells in normal mammary gland and in various diseases of this organ were studied. The evidence suggests that myoepithelial cells play an important role in the formation of some benign and malignant tumors of the breast. The study also showed the presence of light and dark myoepithelial cells.
Compact electro-optic modulator on silicon-on-insulator substrates using cavities with ultra-small modal volumes.

We experimentally demonstrate a micron-size electro-optic modulator using a high-index-contrast silicon Fabry-Perot resonator cavity. This compact device consists of a 1-D cavity formed within a single mode silicon channel waveguide and an embedded p-i-n junction on a silicon-oninsulator platform. The entire device is 6.0 microns in length. We demonstrate modulation depths as large as 5.87 dB at speeds of 250 Mbps limited only by fabrication imperfections, with optimized theoretical speeds of several Gbps.
A Delphi study of tourism training and education needs in Washington state.

A needs assessment of tourism industry education and training in Washington State was directed at managers and directors, supervised personnel, and general workers. The research used a Delphi metho...
AUGMENTATION OF THYROTROPIC POTENCY BY GOITROGENS1

IN THE PRECEDING paper, it was shown that the reactivation of iodine-treated (inactivated) thyrotropic extract was accomplished by several goitrogenic and non-goitrogenic reducing compounds. It was also observed, in control experiments, that exposure of known amounts of active thyrotropic (TSH) extract to a variety of reducing agents resulted in enhancement of the thyroid stimulating activity of the extract. The augmenting effect produced by goitrogenic agents was found on further investigation to be much greater than that induced by the non-goitrogenic compounds when calculated in terms of percentage augmentation per mg. reducing agent. Furthermore, it was found that the augmenting action was not dependent on the continued presence of the augmenting agent during the bio-assay procedure, since the agents were presumably removed from the hormonal material by prolonged dialysis or the hormonal material presumably removed from the agents by precipitation with ammonium sulfate.
Computer-aided abdominal lymph node detection using contrast-enhanced CT images

Many malignant processes cause abdominal lymphadenopathy, and computed tomography (CT) has become the primary modality for its detection. A lymph node is considered enlarged (swollen) if it is more than 1 centimeter in diameter. Which lymph nodes are swollen depends on the type of disease and the body parts involved. Identifying their locations is very important to determine the possible cause. In the current clinical workflow, the detection and diagnosis of enlarged lymph nodes is usually performed manually by examining all slices of CT images, which can be error-prone and time consuming. 3D blob enhancement filter is a usual way for computer-aided node detection. We proposed an improved blob detection method for automatic lymph node detection in contrast-enhanced abdominal CT images. First, spine was automatically extracted to indicate abdominal region. Since lymph nodes are usually next to blood vessels, abdominal blood vessels were then segmented as a reference to set the search region for lymph nodes. Next, lymph node candidates were generated by object-scale Hessian analysis. Finally the detected candidates were segmented and some prior anatomical knowledge was utilized for false positive reduction. We applied our method to 9 patients with 11 enlarged lymph nodes and compared the results with the performance of the original multi-scale Hessian analysis. The sensitivities were 91% and 82% for our method and multi-scale Hessian analysis, respectively. The false positive rates per patient were 17 and 28 for our method and multi-scale Hessian analysis, respectively. Our results indicated that computer-aided lymph node detection with this blob detector may yield a high sensitivity and a relatively low FP rate in abdominal CT.
Isotopic compositions of different presolar silicon carbide size fractions from the Murchison meteorite

— We report measurements of isotopic ratios of C, N, Mg, Si, Ca, Ti, Cr, and Fe in bulk samples (aggregates of many grains) of up to seven different fractions of silicon carbide (SiC), ranging from 0.38 to 3.0μm in diameter, from the Murchison CM2 carbonaceous chondrite. Ratios of 12C/13C range from 37 to 42 and 14N/15N ratios from 370 to 520, within the range of single-grain measurements on coarser samples and in agreement with an asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star origin of most of the grains. Variations among size fractions do not show any simple trend and can be explained by varying contamination with isotopically normal material. Silicon isotopic ratios vary only little and, with one exception, lie to the right of the singlegrain mainstream correlation line. This might indicate a higher percentage of the minor populations Y and Z among finer grain-size fractions. All bulk samples have large 26Mg excesses attributed to the presence of short-lived 26Al at the time of grain formation. Inferred 26Al/27Al ratios are much larger than those measured in single larger mainstream grains. This is probably because of the presence of SiC grains of type X; we obtain an estimate of 0.4 for their 26Al/27Al ratio. Our Ca-isotopic measurements, the first made on presolar SiC grains, show excesses in 42Ca and 43Ca, which is in general agreement with theoretical expectations for AGB stars. Calcium-44 excesses are much larger than expected and are probably because of X grains, which have high44Ca excesses because of the decay of short-lived 44Ti produced in supernova explosions. We arrive at an estimate of 0.014 for the initial 44Ti/48Ti ratio of the X grains, within the range obtained from previous single X grain measurements. The Ti-isotopic ratios of the bulk samples show a V-shaped pattern with excesses of all isotopes relative to 48Ti. Isotopes 46Ti, 47Ti, and 50Ti show excesses relative to the correlation between Ti and Si ratios for single grains and are in general agreement with theoretical models of s-process nucleosynthesis in AGB stars. In contrast, 49Ti does not show any excess relative to the singlegrain data; it also fails to agree with theory, which predicts much larger excesses than observed. Measured 53Cr/52Cr and 57Fe/56Fe ratios are normal within errors. The first result is expected even for Cr in AGB star envelopes, but the second result suggests that most of the Fe analyzed originates from contamination. We have found no simple trends in isotopic composition with respect to grain size that can be interpreted in terms of nucleosynthetic origin, unlike the results for Kr, Xe, Ba, and Sr.
An automated recording atmometer: I. calibration and testing

Abstract A newly designed automated atmometer (porous-surface evaporimeter) capable of short-interval recording of potential evaporation is calibrated and tested. The rate of evaporation from a carborundum stone surface is measured with the use of a view tube of the type used in medical intravenous systems and an IR light-emitting diode (LED)-photodetector pair to count water drops. A resolution of approximately 0.66 μm pan evaporation equivalent is obtained with the new design. Simultaneous measurements using the new atmometer, a manual atmometer of similar design, and a US Class A pan evaporimeter are used in the calibration. Evaporation estimates from four Penman-type models are also compared with estimates from the new atmometer. At the 1 h interval, 95% of the variance in atmometer evaporation is explained by the Penman-Monteith model. In comparison with other evaporimeters, the new instrument offers improvements in resolution, accuracy, response time, short-interval measurement capability, unattended operation, and portability.
Mortality in African-Americans with Type 1 diabetes: The New Jersey 725.

Aim To determine rates and risk factors for all-cause mortality in African-Americans with Type 1 diabetes from a 3-year observational follow-up study of 725 African-Americans with Type 1 diabetes conducted between 1 January 1999 and 31 December 2001. Methods Date of death was ascertained either from telephone contact with the patient's family or from relatives or on line review of the US Social Security death index. Results Since the initial examination, 131 (18.1%) patients, 60 (20%) men and 71 (17%) women, have died. At the time of death, the mean age of the men was 40.7 ± 10.6 years and that of the women 39.4 ± 10.5 years. The median duration of diabetes at the baseline examination was 8.04 years, interquartile range (IQR) 3.76–15.22 years for men and median 10.54, IQR 4.49–18.36 years for women. Three-year mortality rates were 7.1% for women and 10.6% for men. Age-adjusted mortality rates were not significantly different between men and women. Relative to the general US and the New Jersey African-American population, standardized mortality ratios of African-Americans with Type 1 diabetes were 12 and six times greater for women and men, respectively. Older age, low socio-economic status, low body mass index, high diastolic blood pressure, macroangiopathy, proteinuria, severe diabetic retinopathy and heavy alcohol consumption were independent risk factors for all-cause mortality. In patients with microproteinuria at initial examination, the mortality rate for men was twice that of women. Conclusion Microproteinuria and other potentially modifiable factors, including hypertension, macroangiopathy and heavy alcohol consumption, are independent risk factors for mortality in this ethnic group.
Corrosion problems in Ti/KClO4 loaded devices when subjected to humidity environments

Abstract A piston motor/igniter loaded with a Ti/KClO4 pyrotechnic and sealed with a silicone adhesive exhibited serious corrosion problems during aging. Fi It was determined that these problems resulted from the combined presence of chlorine containing contaminants and atmospheric moisture. Chlorine was de It was concluded that the corrosion and cracking could be solved by eliminating the source of moisture by hermetically sealing the devices. Tests of he
The Relationship Between Team Discourse, Self‐Efficacy, and Individual Achievement: A Sequential Mixed‐Methods Study

Background While much research has been conducted to study the effect of teaming on student learning and attitudes, few studies have explored the nature of team discourse and how these discussions support or hinder student learning and self-efficacy. Purpose (Hypothesis) This study investigated the relationship between verbal exchanges, self-efficacy, and individual student achievement. Results are discussed through the lenses of two frameworks: Bandura's social cognitive theory and Vygotsky's social constructivist theory. Design/Mscethod Twenty-two first-year engineering students participated in this study. The verbal exchanges of these students were recorded and then coded into 35 discourse moves and six discourse actions. Data on students’ pre and post self-efficacy were also collected. Correlations between discourse actions, self-efficacy scores, and individual student achievement were computed. Results Students engaged in six types of discourse actions: task-oriented, response-oriented, learning-oriented, support-oriented, challenge-oriented, and disruptive. Results indicated no direct correlation between support-oriented discourse (verbal persuasions) and achievement. However, there was a moderate positive correlation between post self-efficacy and the extent to which a student engaged in support-oriented discourse. Engaging in challenge-oriented or learning-oriented discourse did not reveal correlations with self-efficacy or achievement. Conclusions Finding that self-efficacy and achievement are related confirms Bandura's self-efficacy theory. Furthermore, the low self-efficacy of under-performers was evident in their grades, as well as in the conversations of team members. However, contrary to theory, supportive comments (verbal persuasions) received were not correlated with self-efficacy. The scarcity of challenge-oriented discourse (argumentation) is a concern and should be addressed in future research.
Robot-Assisted Versus Open Sacrocolpopexy: A Cost-Minimization Analysis

Purpose Abdominal sacrocolpopexy is considered a standard of care operation for apical vaginal vault prolapse repair. Using outcomes at our center we evaluated whether the robotic approach to sacrocolpopexy is as cost-effective as the open approach. Materials and Methods After obtaining institutional review board approval we performed cost-minimization analysis in a retrospective cohort of patients who underwent sacrocolpopexy at our institution between 2006 and 2010. Threshold values, that is model variable values at which the most cost effective approach crosses over to an alternative approach, were determined by testing model variables over realistic ranges using sensitivity analysis. Hospital billing data were also evaluated to confirm our findings. Results Operative time was similar for robotic and open surgery (226 vs 221 minutes) but postoperative length of stay differed significantly (1.0 vs 3.3 days, p Conclusions A robot-assisted approach to sacrocolpopexy can be equally or less costly than an open approach. This depends on a sufficient institutional robotic case volume and a shorter postoperative stay for patients who undergo the robot-assisted procedure.
Simulation of cyclic single cross selection

Computer simulation was used to compare Hallauer's cyclic single cross selection (CSCS) with reciprocal recurrent selection (RRS). Three epistatic and three non-epistatic models with 60 loci determining a single character provided the genetic base. The rate of advance over seven cycles was always greater for CSCS than for RRS on either a cycle or generation basis. No genetic conditions were found where CSCS failed to respond. The advantages of CSCS increases as the proportion of non-additive genetic variance increases. Genetic advance of the hybrid population was shown to result from the joint effects of an average change in gene frequency and complementary effects (nicking) of selection. Nicking effects accounted for most of the advance for some starting conditions. RRS generally had higher selection limits with no epistasis or low gene frequency of the dominant allele. CSCS generally had higher limits with epistasis or high frequency of the dominant allele. We suggested that CSCS begin with divergent genetic populations and strong selection intensity for three cycles. Final selection of superior single crosses was indicated when the lines were completely inbred.
The Use of Reliability-Based Splitting Algorithms to Improve Distributed Estimation in WSNs

We consider distributed estimation algorithms in a large Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) with a star topology. The local estimates computed by each sensor must be collected in a fixed amount of time by the network's Fusion Center (FC) and processed to produce a global estimate. When the amount of time available is not sufficient to collect a local estimate from every node, a strategy that enables the most reliable estimates to be collected first must be developed. In this paper, we develop such an algorithm for a WSN whose FC uses a Best Linear Unbiased Estimator (BLUE) and collects the local estimates on a collision channel. The proposed schemes use population splitting that is based on the reliabilities of the local estimates. The time available for data collection is divided into frames and each frame is subdivided into slots. The slots in the first frame are used to collect the most reliable local estimates, the next frame of slots is used to collect the next most reliable set of local estimates, etc. As the performance of the schemes depends on the reliability thresholds, the number of bits representing the estimates, and the number of time slots in a frame, we formulate time-constrained optimization problems and derive methods to obtain the optimal values of these parameters. An interesting result shows that the optimal reliability thresholds do not maximize the channel's throughput.
Inactivation of [Fe-S] metalloproteins mediates nitric oxide-dependent killing of Burkholderia mallei.

BACKGROUND Much remains to be known about the mechanisms by which O(2)-dependent host defenses mediate broad antimicrobial activity. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We show herein that reactive nitrogen species (RNS) generated by inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) account for the anti-Burkholderia mallei activity of IFNgamma-primed macrophages. Inducible NOS-mediated intracellular killing may represent direct bactericidal activity, because B. mallei showed an exquisite sensitivity to NO generated chemically. Exposure of B. mallei to sublethal concentrations of NO upregulated transcription of [Fe-S] cluster repair genes, while damaging the enzymatic activity of the [Fe-S] protein aconitase. To test whether [Fe-S] clusters are critical targets for RNS-dependent killing of B. mallei, a mutation was constructed in the NO-induced, [Fe-S] cluster repair regulator iscR. Not only was the iscR mutant hypersusceptible to iNOS-mediated killing, but its aconitase pool was readily oxidized by NO donors as compared to wild-type controls. Although killed by authentic H(2)O(2), which also oxidizes [Fe-S] clusters, B. mallei appear to be resilient to NADPH oxidase-mediated cytotoxicity. The poor respiratory burst elicited by this bacterium likely explains why the NADPH oxidase is nonessential to the killing of B. mallei while it is still confined within phagosomes. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Collectively, these findings have revealed a disparate role for NADPH oxidase and iNOS in the innate macrophage response against the strict aerobe B. mallei. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first instance in which disruption of [Fe-S] clusters is demonstrated as cause of the bactericidal activity of NO congeners.
Plexin C1, A Receptor for Semaphorin 7A, Inactivates Cofilin and Is a Potential Tumor Suppressor for Melanoma Progression

Melanocytes are progenitor cells for melanoma, which arises through step-wise progression from dysplastic to invasive, to metastatic tumor. Our previous data showed that semaphorin 7A (Sema7A), a protein involved in axon guidance, stimulates melanocyte adhesion and dendricity through opposing actions of β1-integrin and Plexin C1 receptors. We now show that Plexin C1 is diminished or absent in human melanoma cell lines; analysis of tissue microarrays of nevi, melanoma, and metastatic melanoma showed a decrease in Plexin C1 expression in metastatic melanoma, and an inverse correlation of Plexin C1 expression with depth of invasion. We examined the signaling intermediates of Sema7A and downstream targets of Plexin C1 in human melanocytes. Sema7A activated mitogen-activated protein kinase and inactivated cofilin, an actin-binding protein involved in cell migration. When Plexin C1 expression was silenced, Sema7A failed to phosphorylate cofilin, indicating that cofilin is downstream of Plexin C1. Further, Lim kinase II, a protein that phosphorylates cofilin, is upregulated by Sema7A in a Plexin C1-dependent manner. These data identify Plexin C1 as a potential tumor suppressor protein in melanoma progression, and suggest that loss of Plexin C1 expression may promote melanoma invasion and metastasis through loss of inhibitory signaling on cofilin activation.
On the connectedness of the efficient set for strictly quasiconvex vector minimization problems

In this paper, we investigate the connectedness of the efficient solution set for vector minimization problems defined by a continuous vector-valued strictly quasiconvex functionf=(f 1,...,f m ) T and a convex compact setX. It is shown that the efficient solution set is connected if one component off is strongly quasiconvex onX.
Patch and prey utilization behaviors by Aphelinus albipodus and Diaeretiella rapae (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae and Aphidiidae) on Russian wheat aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae)

Abstract The patch and host utilization behaviors of the parasitoids Diaeretiella rapae (Kurdjumov) and Aphelinus albipodus (Hayat and Fatima) in relation to the Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), were examined on wheat plants. Individual female parasitoids were observed for 1 h after arriving on a wheat plant with varying D. noxia densities. The total amount of time spent on the leaf and the number of occasions a parasitoid left the leaf were dependent on aphid densities for D. rapae . In contrast, A. albipodus remained on a plant for almost the entire hour irrespective of aphid densities. After 1 h on the wheat plants, single D. rapae females produced up to 31 progeny from 40 aphids, while single A. albipodus produced a maximum of six progeny. These results can be explained by the differences between the parasitoids in prey handling times, searching, and host feeding behaviors, and parasitoid physiology. The mean oviposition time for A. albipodus was 119 s compared to 1 or 2 s for D. rapae . The time between attacks was also much greater for A. albipodus at all prey densities, partially a result of this parasitoid feeding on aphids. Our results agree with the observation that A. albipodus has many fewer eggs ready for oviposition compared to D. rapae . Therefore, it is not surprising that A. albipodus remained for extended periods on wheat plants with many aphids, allowing development of additional eggs and parasitization of more aphids. The patch and prey utilization rates by A. albipodus seem likely to limit its rate of spatial spread during a growing season relative to D. rapae .
Movies, measurement, and modeling the three Ms of mechanistic immunology

Immunological phenomena that were once deduced from genetic, biochemical, and in situ approaches are now being witnessed in living color, in three dimensions, and in real time. The information in time-lapse imaging can provide valuable mechanistic insight into a host of processes, from cell migration to signal transduction. What we need now are methods to quantitate these new visual data and to exploit computational resources and statistical mechanical methods to develop mechanistic models.
The Role of Sleep Disturbances in Attention Deficit Disorder Symptoms: A Case Study

Identified a 10-year-old girl with ADD and a 5-year history of sleep difficulties. Sleep difficulties (delayed sleep phase insomnia) were corrected while performing blind assessments of behavioral symptoms. The intervention (chronotherapy combined with a behavior modification program) resulted in an increase of sleep from 7.2 to 9.2 hours per night. Pre/postintervention behavioral measures indicated significant improvement in positive interactions with peers, increased productivity on a timed arithmetic task, and significantly increased percentage of assigned seatwork completed. Four-month follow-up in the natural school setting indicated improvement in teacher ratings and classroom performance. Despite the persistence of ADD symptomatology, the improvement in sleep apparently contributed to a clinically significant reduction in ADD. Language: en
Drug Characterization in Low Dosage Pharmaceutical Tablets Using Raman Microscopic Mapping

Raman micro-spectroscopic mapping is utilized to analyze pharmaceutical tablets containing a low concentration (0.5% w/w) of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). The domain sizes and spatial distributions of the API and the major excipients are obtained. Domain size of the API is found to be dependent upon the particle size distribution of the ingoing API material, making the Raman maps good indicators of the source of API used in tablet manufacturing. Multivariate classification was performed to simultaneously check for the presence of two undesired API polymorphs within tablets. Raman mapping was demonstrated capable of detecting in the tablet matrix as little as 10% form conversion of the low-dosage (0.5% w/w) API, which is equivalent to detection of a 0.05% w/w polymorphic impurity. Overall, the information provided by Raman micro-spectroscopic mapping was found to have potential utility for manufacturing process optimization or predictive stability assessments.
Blind Equalization of 8-Psk Signals Aired in the High-Frequency Band

In this paper we demonstrate the feasibility of blind equalization of 8-PSK sequences that have been sky wave propagated over a distance of 400 miles using the HF band. Results obtained from our measurements suggest that the channel is varying slowly enough to allow a block-based equalizer coefficient update. A comparison between blind and informed, and block-based and adaptive equalization is performed using mean squared error, symbol error rates, and constellation plots
Kinetic evidence that the Na-PO4 cotransporter is the molecular mechanism for Na/Li exchange in human red blood cells

The molecular basis for Na/Li exchange is unknown. Li can be transported by the Na pump, anion exchanger (AE1), a background leak, and the Na/Li exchanger. In vivo the intraerythrocyte concentratio...
Simulation and Analysis of Extended Brake Lights for Inter-Vehicle Communication Networks

The goal of this research is to simulate and analyze an inter-vehicle communication (IVC) mobile ad hoc network (MANET). Automobiles of the future will take advantage of IVC capabilities, in which vehicles will communicate with one another wirelessly. The crash avoidance metrics partnership (CAMP) vehicle safety communications consortium (VSCC) has identified three scenarios that are representative of the capabilities of future vehicular networks: curve speed warning (CSW), traffic signal violation warning (TSVW), and extended brake lights (EBL). We consider only EBL, as it is the only scenario that involves direct communication between vehicles. This research aims to simulate the EBL scenario over an IVC network, and analyze the network using accepted metrics and benchmarks. The resulting performance data may influence and motive future research efforts.
A Qualitative Assessment of Inner City Elementary School Children's Perceptions of Their Neighborhood

Three hundred seventy-nine youths from an inner city elementary school were surveyed to determine their perceptions of their neighborhood. Using a qualitative, word association format, older students responded to 20 descriptive words (e.g., dirty, safe, quiet, dangerous) while younger youths drew pictures in response to three words (safe, sad, happy). Using content analysis techniques, findings indicated that the youths found neighborhood areas and residents that were perceived as safe, quiet, beautiful, friendly, fun/happy, and helpful. However, safety issues and a dirty, noisy neighborhood also emerged as major themes. Collaborative initiatives focusing on cleaning up the neighborhood and reducing violence are suggested, as are areas of intervention and further research.
Probabilistic mixtures of differential profiles for shape recognition

We present a new shape descriptor, the differential profile, for shape representation and recognition, which is derived from differential and geometric quantities evaluated at points on a shape. We model differential profiles from a class of shapes as a finite mixture of Gaussians, and use an expectation-maximization (EM) procedure for class-wise model learning. Experiments on handwritten digit and 3D object datasets give promising results.