cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Diabetic Intravenous Drug Users

Objective. —To evaluate the association between diabetes and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroprevalence in a population of intravenous (IV) drug users. Design. —Cross-sectional survey in a cohort of IV drug users. Setting. —Community-based study clinic. Subjects. —The study included 2921 individuals with a history of IV drug use in the past 10 years; over 90% had injected drugs in the past year and 77% in the past month; only 15% were receiving drug treatment. Outcome Measures. —The HIV seroprevalence among IV drug users with and without a history of diabetes. Results. —Those IV drug users with a history of diabetes had significantly lower HIV seroprevalence (9.8%) than nondiabetic IV drug users (24.3%; P =.03). Despite similar duration and intensity of drug use and sexual practices, diabetic IV drug users tended not to share injection paraphernalia and were less likely to attend shooting galleries than nondiabetic IV drug users. Conclusion. —Our data suggest that the apparent protective effect of diabetes against HIV infection in IV drug users is most likely due to their safer injection practices afforded by their ready access to sterile injection equipment. ( JAMA . 1991;266:2259-2261)
Multi-Sensor Processing: Object Detection And Identification

Following a brief review of multi-sensor image processing techniques for obstacle detection, we consider a new method to employ range data to extract object regions of interest from an outdoor natural scene. Our emphasis and intent is scene analysis and object identification in the face of 3-D distortions using range sensor data. The range image is segmented into background/nonbackground pixels based on line-by-line processing. Non-background pixels are clustered together by a projection-based technique to determine possible regions of interest. Following extraction of object regions of interest, we can merge the range and other sensor image data to obtain multi-sensor images of the regions in the field of view. Emphasis in this paper is given to the aforementioned tasks; however, for completeness, the remainder of the full processor is briefly described. The use of a hybrid optical/digital processor for such tasks is noted.
Image feature analysis and computer-aided diagnosis in digital radiography: detection and characterization of interstitial lung disease in digital chest radiographs.

We are developing an automated method for determining physical measures of lung textures in digital chest radiographs in order to detect and characterize interstitial lung disease. With this method, the underlying background density variations caused by the gross lung and chest wall anatomy are corrected for in order to isolate the fluctuating patterns of the underlying lung texture for subsequent computeranalysis. The power spectrum of lung texture, which is obtained from the two‐dimensional Fourier transform, is filtered by the visual system response of the human observer. The magnitude and coarseness (or fineness) of the lung textures are then quantified by the root‐mean‐square (rms) variation and the first moment of the power spectrum, respectively. Preliminary results indicate that the rms variations and/or the first moments of the texture of abnormal lungs with various interstitial diseases are clearly different from those of normal lungs. Our results suggest strongly that quantitative texture measures calculated from digital chest images may be useful to radiologists in their assessment of interstitial disease.
A high resolution photoemission study of surface core-level shifts in clean and oxygen-covered Ir(2 1 0) surfaces

Abstract High resolution soft X-ray photoemission electron spectroscopy (SXPS), using synchrotron radiation, is employed to investigate 4f core-level features of four differently-prepared Ir(2 1 0) surfaces: clean planar, oxygen-covered planar, oxygen-induced faceted, and clean faceted surfaces. Surface and bulk peak identifications are supported by measurements at different photon energies (thus probing different electron escape depths) and variable emission angles. Iridium 4f7/2 photoemission spectra are fitted with Doniach–Sunjic lineshapes. The surface components are identified with core levels positioned at lower binding energies than the bulk components, in contrast to previous reports of binding energy inversion on Ir(1 0 0) (1×1) and (5×1) surfaces. For clean planar Ir(2 1 0) three surface Ir 4f7/2 features are observed with core-level shifts of −765, −529, and −281 meV, with respect to the bulk; these are associated with the first, second and third layers of atoms, respectively, for atomically rough Ir(2 1 0). Adsorption of oxygen onto the planar Ir(2 1 0) surface is found to cause a suppression and shift of the surface features to higher binding energies. Annealing at T≥600 K in oxygen produces a faceted surface as verified by low energy electron diffraction (LEED). A comparison of planar and faceted oxygen-covered surfaces reveals minor differences in the normal emission SXPS spectra, while grazing emission spectra exhibit differences. The SXPS spectrum of the clean, faceted Ir(2 1 0) exhibits small differences in comparison to the clean planar case, with surface features having binding energy shifts of −710, −450, and −230 meV.
Modeling the measurements of cellular fluxes in microbioreactor devices using thin enzyme electrodes

An analytic approach to the modeling of stop-flow amperometric measurements of cellular metabolism with thin glucose oxidase and lactate oxidase electrodes would provide a mechanistic understanding of the various factors that affect the measured signals. We divide the problem into two parts: (1) analytic formulas that provide the boundary conditions for the substrate and the hydrogen peroxide at the outer surface of the enzyme electrode layers and the electrode current expressed through these boundary conditions, and (2) a simple diffusion problem in the liquid compartment with the provided boundary conditions, which can be solved analytically or numerically, depending on the geometry of the compartment. The current in an amperometric stop-flow measurement of cellular glucose or lactate consumption/excretion is obtained analytically for two geometries, corresponding to devices developed at the Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education: a multianalyte nanophysiometer with effective one-dimensional diffusion and a multianalyte microphysiometer, for which plentiful data for metabolic changes in cells are available. The data are calibrated and fitted with the obtained time dependences to extract several cellular fluxes. We conclude that the analytical approach is applicable to a wide variety of measurement geometries and flow protocols.
Thomas point process in pulse, particle, and photon detection.

Multiplication effects in point processes are important in a number of areas of electrical engineering and physics. We examine the properties and applications of a point process that arises when each event of a primary Poisson process generates a random number of subsidiary events with a given time course. The multiplication factor is assumed to obey the Poisson probability law, and the dynamics of the time delay are associated with a linear filter of arbitrary impulse response function; special attention is devoted to the rectangular and exponential case. Primary events are included in the final point process, which is expected to have applications in pulse, particle, and photon detection. We refer to this as the Thomas point process since the counting distribution reduces to the Thomas distribution in the limit of long counting times. Explicit results are obtained for the singlefold and multifold counting statistics (distribution of the number of events registered in a fixed counting time), the time statistics (forward recurrence time and interevent probability densities), and the counting correlation function (noise properties). These statistics can provide substantial insight into the underlying physical mechanisms generating the process. An example of the applicability of the model is provided by betaluminescence photons produced in a glass photomultiplier tube, when Cherenkov events are also present.
EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A REGIONAL POISON CONTROL CENTER (KRPC) IN PREVENTING EMERGENCY ROOM (ER) AND PHYSICIAN VISITS

A random telephone survey was conducted within the region served by the Kentucky Regional Poison Center. 222 recent exposure episodes were identified. Information on the following was obtained in each case: details of exposure, including the use of the KRPC and any treatment received; information about the victim and, if a child, the supervisor at the time of the incident; epidemiologic data about the family. In each case the exposure history was reviewed by one of us (GR) and the necessity for an ER or physician visit versus home treatment determined. 71 victims were seen by a physician or ER. 111 victims called the KRPC only; and an additional 37 called the KRPC, plus an additional source of information. Statistical analysis of the data revealed two confounding variables: whether someone else was called in addition to the KRPC and whether a parent or caretaker was involved with a pediatric victim. The odds ratio for an ER or physician visit as a function of KRPC usage was calculated for each confounder and a summary odds ratio was computed using the Mantel-Haenzel Method. Contact with the KRPC significantly decreased the probability of a ER or physician visit (odds ratio = 0.423, p= 0.007).
The Solubility of Gases in Liquids I. The Solubility of a Series of Fluorine-Containing Gases in Several Non-Polar Solvents

The solubilities of CF3Cl and CF2Cl2 in n-heptane, n-octane, cyclohexane, benzene, and carbon tetrachloride, and additionally CF4 and SF6 in n-octane were determined in the temperature range 24 to 35 °C. The solubility, Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy of solution were calculated from the experimental results for 1 atm partial pressure of gas and 25 °C. These values were compared with results calculated using the scaled particle theory. The agreement was good. The scaled particle theory was also used to determine the Lennard-Jones (6–12) pair potential parameters for the solvents, yielding results which are in excellent agreement with literature values.
Galanin gene expression declines with adulthood in the cholinergic fields of the horizontal diagonal band of male rats

Abstract The neuropeptide galanin (GAL) influences leaming and memory processes, perhaps by inhibiting cholinergic function. We recently reported that, in the rat, the nucleus of the horizontal limb of the diagonal band (HDB) exhibits the highest level of GAL mRNA coexpression by basal forebrain (BF) cholinergic neurons and, in the HDB, virtually all GAL mRNA-expressing neurons correspond to the cholinergic cell type. Since GAL gene expression is induced across puberty in many brain regions, we used in situ hybridization histochemistry and quantitative autoradiography to assess GAL gene expression across the rostro-caudal extent of the HDB in prepubertal and adult male rats and to determine whether GAL gene expression is also regulated during maturation in this BF region. Our results show that the number of GAL mRNA-expressing cells per section is significantly reduced in the HDB with adulthood. Post-hoc analysis indicated that these age-associated differences in the number of GAL mRNA-expressing cells per section could be ascribed to the rostral and central subregions of the HDB. Age-related differences in the labeling intensity of GAL mRNA-expressing neurons were also detected in the rostral and central subregions of the HDB. No age-associated differences in GAL gene expression were found in the caudal HDB subregion. These results suggest that: (1) in contrast to other brain regions, GAL gene expression in the cholinergic BF may be negatively regulated by factors concomitant with puberty; and (2) the inhibition of cholinergic function by cosecreted GAL may be enhanced prior to puberty within cholinergic neurons of the rostral and central aspects of the HDB.
Grid performance test to measure behavioral impairment in the MPTP-treated-mouse model of parkinsonism

Behavioral impairments in mice following administration of the dopaminergic neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) require large depletions in striatal dopamine content and are often transient. In this paper, we describe a simple and inexpensive test that measures long-term behavioral deficits in mice treated with moderate doses of MPTP. These measures are significantly correlated with the loss of striatal dopamine and immunoreactivity of the dopamine transporter, vesicular monoamine transporter and tyrosine hydroxylase. In addition, behavioral impairments on the measures were reversed following L-DOPA administration. Employment of this test will allow for more efficacious use of mice in PD research, as well as provide more sensitive measures of behavioral improvement following potential therapeutic or neuroprotective interventions.
Dynamic cardiomyoplasty: Its chronic and acute effects on the failing heart

Abstract Objectives: Dynamic cardiomyoplasty is an alternative therapy for end-stage heart failure. We investigated the mechanisms, both acute and chronic, by which a synchronously stimulated conditioned muscle wrap affects left ventricular function in a chronic canine model of dilated cardiomyopathy. Methods: Nineteen dogs underwent rapid ventricular pacing at a rate of 215 beats/min for 4 weeks to create a model of heart failure. Eight dogs were then randomly selected to undergo cardiomyoplasty, and all dogs received 6 additional weeks of rapid ventricular pacing. The cardiomyoplasty group also received a graded muscle conditioning protocol of synchronized burst stimulation to transform the muscle wrap. All dogs were studied with pressure-volume analysis and echocardiography at baseline and after 4 and 10 weeks of rapid ventricular pacing. Data in the cardiomyoplasty group were analyzed with the stimulator off, with it augmenting every beat (1:1), and with it augmenting only every other beat (1:2). Results: Stimulator "off" data at 10 weeks of rapid pacing demonstrated chronic effects by enhanced ventricular function (end-systolic elastance=l.80 after myoplasty vs 1.17 for controls, p = 0.005) and a stabilization of volumes and composite end-systolic and end-diastolic pressure-volume relations in the cardiomyoplasty group when compared with controls. Myoplasty stimulation increased apparent contractility (preload recruitable stroke work=31.3 for stimulator "off" vs 40.6 for stimulator 1:2 assisted beats [ p p Conclusions: Benefits from dynamic cardiomyoplasty are by at least two mechanisms: (1) the girdling effects of a conditioned muscle wrap, which halts the chronic remodeling of heart failure, and (2) active systolic assistance, which augments the apparent contractility of the failing heart. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1997;114:169-78)
Palaeoclimate: Monsoon matters.

A simplified global climate model that keeps track of water as it moves through Earth's water cycle throws fresh light on how the Asian summer monsoon has varied during the past 150,000 years.
Design and evaluation of three-level composite filters obtained by optimizing a compromise average performance measure

Correlation filters with three transmittance levels ( +1 , 0, and -1) are of interest in optical pattern recognition because they can be implemented on available spatial light modulators and because the zero level allows us to include a region of support (ROS). The ROS can provide additional control over the filter's noise tolerance and peak sharpness. A new algorithm based on optimizing a compromise average performance measure (CAPM) is proposed for designing three-level composite filters. The performance of this algorithm is compared to other three-level composite filter designs using a common image database and using figures of merit such as the Fisher ratio, error rate, and light efficiency. It is shown that the CAPM algorithm yields better results.
Volcanism and archipelagic aprons in the Marquesas and Hawaiian Islands

Geophysical observations demonstrate that the archipelagic apron surrounding the Marquesan hot-spot volcanoes is derived almost entirely from mass wasting processes. Seismic reflection and refraction data constrain the volume of the apron sediments to approximately 200,000 km3, with thicknesses reaching over 2 km in the deep portions of the moat near the edge of the volcanic edifice. Seismic velocities average 4 to 5 km s−1 in the sediments, and 6 km s−1 at the top of the underlying basement. Single channel seismic profiles show acoustically chaotic cores in the sediments of the apron, which are interpreted as debris flows from mass wasting events. We deduce that the apron is formed by catastrophic collapses that may involve volumes over 100 km3 tens to hundreds of times during the lifetime of a volcano. Comparison with similar data from the Hawaiian Islands yields the result that the total volume of volcanics and their derived sediments along the strike of the chains is only slightly smaller for the Marquesas, implying comparable eruption rates. However, the ratio of sediment to surface volcanic load is much larger for the latter, leading to an overfilled moat in the Marquesas and an underfilled moat at Hawaii. The much larger size of the Hawaiian islands can be explained as the combined effects of a higher thermal swell, loading a stiffer elastic plate, and proportionately less mass wasting.
The impact of the Madden‐Julian oscillation trend on the Antarctic warming during the 1979–2008 austral winter

Antarctica is one of the regions where the earth's surface is warming most rapidly. The interdecadal warming trend over much of Antarctica during the austral winter is about 1 °C decade−1, which is almost twice that of the global mean. There is increasing observational and modeling evidence that high-latitude warming is linked to localized heating in the tropics. Here we show that interdecadal changes in the spatial patterns of the extratropical response to various phases of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) explain 10–20% of the interdecadal warming over Antarctica, possibly through the poleward propagation of tropically forced Rossby wave trains. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Length scaling of carbon nanotube transistors

Carbon nanotube field-effect transistors are strong candidates in replacing or supplementing silicon technology. Although theoretical studies have projected that nanotube transistors will perform well at nanoscale device dimensions, most experimental studies have been carried out on devices that are about ten times larger than current silicon transistors. Here, we show that nanotube transistors maintain their performance as their channel length is scaled from 3 µm to 15 nm, with an absence of so-called short-channel effects. The 15-nm device has the shortest channel length and highest room-temperature conductance (0.7G₀) and transconductance (40 µS) of any nanotube transistor reported to date. We also show the first experimental evidence that nanotube device performance depends significantly on contact length, in contrast to some previous reports. Data for both channel and contact length scaling were gathered by constructing multiple devices on a single carbon nanotube. Finally, we demonstrate the performance of a nanotube transistor with channel and contact lengths of 20 nm, an on-current of 10 µA, an on/off current ratio of 1 x 10⁵, and peak transconductance of 20 µS. These results provide an experimental forecast for carbon nanotube device performance at dimensions suitable for future transistor technology nodes.
Synchronization of oscillators in complex networks

Theory of identical or complete synchronization of identical oscillators in arbitrary networks is introduced. In addition, several graph theory concepts and results that augment the synchronization theory and a tie in closely to random, semirandom, and regular networks are introduced. Combined theories are used to explore and compare three types of semirandom networks for their efficacy in synchronizing oscillators. It is shown that the simplest k-cycle augmented by a few random edges or links are the most efficient network that will guarantee good synchronization.
Perils and Pitfalls in the Interpretation of Clinical Trials: A Reflection on the Recent Experience in Multiple Sclerosis

Therapeutic trials in multiple sclerosis, in part because of the marked intra- and inter-individual variability of its clinical course, are prone to serious flaws in both design and interpretation. As a consequence, it has been a common historical pattern that treatment regimens, which are enthusiastically recommended at one point in time, are later proven to be ineffective by more definitive studies. This review considers several recently published therapeutic trials in order to exemplify some of the difficulties that commonly arise in this area of clinical research.
Adaptive finite element methods for shape optimization of linearly elastic structures

In this paper the application of adaptive grid methods with automatic remeshing schemes is discussed to solve shape optimization problems of linearly elastic structures.
Dynamic program insertion in high quality video over IP

We introduce an overlay network architecture and signaling mechanism that permit program insertions in live, high quality video streams transmitted over IP networks. We describe the implementation of an application proxy that dynamically inserts pre-recorded video programs into NTSC D1 quality Motion-JPEG streams with no visible artifacts. As increases in computing power further enable the modification of video during transport, new services such as personalized commercial advertisement insertions promise to make IP distribution an attractive alternative to conventional broadcast network distribution.
The utility of open lung biopsy following lung transplantation

Abstract Background: Most pulmonary complications associated with lung transplantation have non-specific clinical characteristics. Furthermore, common diagnostic modalities, including bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsy (TBB), often do not render a definitive diagnosis. In this study, we reviewed our experience with open lung biopsy (OLB) following lung transplantation, specifically regarding its ability to safely provide clinically relevant information that affects therapeutic decisions. Methods From October 1989 to March 2000, 202 patients underwent lung transplantation at our institution. We reviewed the clinical course of the 42 patients who received 48 OLBs. Of these patients, we determined the pre-operative clinical condition, preceding TBB histologic information, OLB histology, treatment changes, and procedural complications as a result of the OLB. Results A new, clinically unsuspected diagnosis was made in 14 biopsies (29% of all OLB), and all of these resulted in therapy changes. Thirty-two biopsies (67% of all OLB) confirmed our clinical suspicions, and new therapy was initiated in 30 of these patients. Two patients (4% of all OLB) had non-diagnostic OLB. Four biopsies (8% of all OLB), including the 2 non-diagnostic OLBs, did not result in any therapy changes or initiation of new therapy. Complications occurred in 3 patients, all of whom had an air leak for >7 days. Conclusion Open lung biopsy in lung transplant patients renders a new, unsuspected diagnosis in nearly one third of patients and leads to specific, directed therapy in the vast majority of patients. Open-lung biopsy can be performed safely and should be considered when diagnosis is uncertain in clinically deteriorating patients.
How does intergroup contact reduce prejudice? Meta‐analytic tests of three mediators

Recent years have witnessed a renewal of interest in intergroup contact theory. A meta-analysis of more than 500 studies established the theory's basic contention that intergroup contact typically reduces prejudices of many types. This paper addresses the issue of process: just how does contact diminish prejudice? We test meta-analytically the three most studied mediators: contact reduces prejudice by (1) enhancing knowledge about the outgroup, (2) reducing anxiety about intergroup contact, and (3) increasing empathy and perspective taking. Our tests reveal mediational effects for all three of these mediators. However, the mediational value of increased knowledge appears less strong than anxiety reduction and empathy. Limitations of the study and implications of the results are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Hybrid Multicellular–Supercellular Storm—an Efficient Hail Producer. Part II. General Characteristics and Implications for Hail Growth

Abstract This paper is the second of a two part series describing what are termed hybrid storms because their characteristics are intermediate to classical multicellular and supercellular storms. Storms that possess this structure are worthy of special attention because hail production appears to be enhanced; in fact, they often cause the most severe hailfall events in central Oklahoma. In the first paper, radar reflectivity, internal storm flow and hailstone composition and growth environments of an archetypal hybrid hailstorm are described in detail. Using this and other examples, Part II provides. a more general description. Although these storms are prolific hail producers (maximum hailstone dimensions often >50 mm; hailswath widths and lengths ≥20 and ≥100 km, respectively), seldom are they associated with major tornadic activity. They are also relatively rare with less than one storm per year expected in Oklahoma within an 8100 km2 area. Structurally, they are similar to supercellular storms, but ar...
Long-term behavior for superprocesses over a stochastic flow

We study the limit of a superprocess controlled by a stochastic flow as $t\to\infty$. It is proved that when $d \le 2$, this process suffers long-time local extinction; when $d\ge 3$, it has a limit which is persistent. The stochastic log-Laplace equation conjectured by Skoulakis and Adler (2001) and studied by this author (2004) plays a key role in the proofs like the one played by the log-Laplace equation in deriving long-term behavior for usual super-Brownian motion.
Hydrogels Based on Living Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization

Living ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of a hydrophilic norbornene monomer (M4) was performed successfully in air at room temperature using Grubbs’ third generation (G3) catalyst as the initiator. ROMP was then used to copolymerize M4 with a hydrophilic difunctional norbornene cross-linker to develop a rapid and efficient method for preparing hydrogels. Although intramolecular cyclization was observed under dilute conditions, the critical gelation behavior was found to agree with the mean-field theory of Flory and Stockmayer (FS theory) more consistently than that of conventional free radical polymerization systems. By changing the length of the primary polymer chains, the initial molar ratio between monomer and cross-linker, and the length of the cross-linker, the equilibrium swelling ratio and the corresponding mechanical properties of the resultant hydrogels were manipulated across a broad range.
Irreducible components of the spectrum of an affine ring

The topology of spec(R) for R a Noetherian ring is determined by the ordering of spec(R). Thus the question of whether spec(R) is homeomorphic to spec(R’) for R, R’ Noetherian is equivalent to the question of whether the specs are isomorphic as partially ordered sets. Using partially ordered sets. Wiegand [5 1 has shown that there is, up to homeomorphism, only one irreducible affine surface over the algebraic closure of a finite field. To classify all afftne surfaces over the algebraic closure of a finite field, we must catalog all possible ways in which the components can intersect. The main result of this paper, Theorem 2.3: will catalog how the irreducible components of an afline n-dimensional space over an algebraically closed field can intersect. We apply this result and the result of Wiegand to classify, up to homeomorphism. all affine surfaces over the algebraic closure of a finite field.
Blood–brain barrier invasion by Cryptococcus neoformans is enhanced by functional interactions with plasmin

Cryptococcus neoformans can invade the central nervous system through diverse mechanisms. We examined a possible role for host plasma proteases in the neurotropic behaviour of this blood-borne fungal pathogen. Plasminogen is a plasma-enriched zymogen that can passively coat the surface of blood-borne pathogens and, upon conversion to the serine protease plasmin, facilitate pathogen dissemination by degrading vascular barriers. In this study, plasminogen-to-plasmin conversion on killed and viable hypoencapsulated strains of C. neoformans required the addition of plasminogen activator (PA), but this conversion occurred in the absence of supplemented PA when viable strains were cultured with brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC). Plasmin-coated C. neoformans showed an enhanced invasive ability in Matrigel invasion assays that was significantly augmented in the presence of BMEC. The invasive effect of plasmin required viable pathogen and correlated with rapid declines in BMEC barrier function. Plasmin-enhanced invasion was inhibited by aprotinin, carboxypeptidase B, the lysine analogue epsilon-aminocaproic acid, and by capsule development. C. neoformans caused plasminogen-independent declines in BMEC barrier function that were associated with pathogen-induced host damage; however, such declines were significantly delayed and less extensive than those observed with plasmin-coated pathogen. BMEC adhesion and damage by hypoencapsulated C. neoformans were diminished by capsule induction but unaltered by plasminogen and/or PA. We conclude that hypoencapsulated C. neoformans can invade BMEC by a plasmin-dependent mechanism, in vitro, and that small, or minimal, surface capsule expression during the blood-borne phase of cryptococcosis may promote virulence by means of plasmin(ogen) acquisition.
Chaotic orbits and bifurcation from a fixed point generated by an iterated function system

Abstract In the past, iterated function systems have been used [M. F. Barnsley and S. Demko, Iterated function systems and the global construction of fractals, Proc. R. Soc. Lond. A 399 , 243–275 (1985); M. F. Barnsley, V. Ervin, D. Hardin and J. Lancaster, Solution of an inverse problem for fractals and other sets, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83 , 1975–1977 (1986); M. F. Barnsley, Fractals Everywhere . Academic Press Inc., New York (1988)] for the generation of fractal images. It has also been shown by Berger [M. A. Berger, Random affine iterated function systems: curve generation and wavelets, SIAM Rev . 34 , 361–385 (1992)] and Massopust [P. R. Massopust, Smooth interpolating curves and surfaces generated by iterated function systems, J. Analysis and Applications (Z. Anal. Anwendungen) 12 , 201–210 (1993)] that curves and wavelets may be generated by iterated function systems. In the following paper we introduce an iterated function system (IFS) which exhibits bifurcation from a fixed point, and an IFS which generates a closed curve which undergoes period doubling, exhibits a period-3 orbit, and generates a chaotic attractor as parameters are varied.
Africa, Asia, and the History of Philosophy: Racism in the Formation of the Philosophical Canon, 1780–1830 by Peter K.J. Park (review)

Part of the East Asian Languages and Societies Commons, European Languages and Societies Commons, French and Francophone Language and Literature Commons, German Language and Literature Commons, Italian Language and Literature Commons, Latin American Languages and Societies Commons, Near Eastern Languages and Societies Commons, Slavic Languages and Societies Commons, South and Southeast Asian Languages and Societies Commons, and the Spanish and Portuguese Language and Literature Commons
The Effect of Competition on Terrorist Group Operations

Scholars have long accepted the contention that competition among terrorist organizations raises the level of violence used by the competitors. This article discusses this claim and advances anothe...
Whack gestures: inexact and inattentive interaction with mobile devices

We introduce Whack Gestures, an inexact and inattentive interaction technique. This approach seeks to provide a simple means to interact with devices with minimal attention from the user -- in particular, without the use of fine motor skills or detailed visual attention (requirements found in nearly all conventional interaction techniques). For mobile devices, this could enable interaction without "getting it out," grasping, or even glancing at the device. This class of techniques is suitable for a small number of simple but common interactions that could be carried out in an extremely lightweight fashion without disrupting other activities. With Whack Gestures, users can interact by striking a device with the open palm or heel of the hand. We briefly discuss the development and use of a preliminary version of this technique and show that implementations with high accuracy and a low false positive rate are feasible.
Data services impact on architecture and signalling in mobile networks

Digital cellular systems and wireless data are seemingly a perfect match. However, there are many issues with respect to functional architecture and signalling which require careful analysis and planning. After introducing the planned services in Europe and North America, this paper examines potential architectures and their consequence to signalling, specifically for data services. GSM and PCS architectures are discussed along with an approach from Motorola. >
Philip of Spain

Philip II of Spain, ruler of the most extensive empire the world had ever known, has been viewed in a harsh and negative light since his death in 1598. Identified with repression, bigotry and fanaticism by his enemies, he has been judged more by the political events of his reign than by his person. This book is published 400 years after Philip's death. Placing him within that social, cultural, religious and regional context of his times, it presents a picture of his character and reign. Drawing on Philip's unpublished correspondence and on many other archival sources, Henry Kamen reveals much about Philip the youth, the man, the husband, the father, the frequently troubled Christian and the king. Kamen finds that Philip was a cosmopolitan prince whose extensive experience of northern Europe broadened his cultural imagination and tastes, whose staunchly conservatives ideas were far from being illiberal and fanatical, whose religious attitudes led him to accept a practical coexistence with protestants and jews, and whose support for Las Casas and other defenders of the Indians in America helped determine government policy.
Validating a scatterometer wind algorithm for ERS-1 SAR

The ocean surface wind field is observed from space operationally using scatterometry. The European Space Agency's (ESAs) ERS-1 satellite scatterometer routinely produces a wind product that is assimilated into forecast models. Scatterometry cannot give accurate wind estimates close to land, however, because the field of view of a spaceborne scatterometer is on the order of 50 km. Side lobe contamination, due to the large contrast in backscatter between land and water, compounds the problem. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) can provide wind speed and direction estimates on a finer scale, so that high-resolution wind fields can be constructed near shore. An algorithm has been developed that uses the spectral expression of wind in SAR imagery to estimate wind direction and calibrated backscatter to estimate wind strength. Three versions, based on C-band scatterometer algorithms, are evaluated for accuracy in potential operational use. Algorithm estimates are compared with wind measurements from buoys in the Gulf of Alaska, Bering Strait, and off the Pacific Northwest coast by using a data set of 61 near-coincident buoy and ERS-1 SAR observations. Representative figures for the accuracy of the algorithm are /spl plusmn/2 m/s for wind speed and /spl plusmn/37/spl deg/ for wind direction at a 25-km spatial resolution.
Simultaneously Measured Isometric Tension and ATP Hydrolysis in Glycerinated Fibers from Normal and Hypertrophied Rabbit Heart

Adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) activity, isometric tension, and sarcomere length of glycerinated fibers from 14 hypertrophied and 18 normal rabbit hearts were measured simultaneously to characterize the altered performance of hypertrophied myocardium. ATPase activity was assessed radiochromatographically, and contributions from mitochondria, sarcolemma, and sarcoplasmic reticulum were excluded. The active length-tension and the active tension-pCa relationships in fibers from hypertrophied myocardium were normal in sharp contrast to the depressed active length-tension curves in corresponding intact papillary muscles. Total ATPase activity associated with contraction at a given developed tension was decreased significantly in fibers from hypertrophied hearts (P <0.001). ATPase activity was diminished in glycerinated myofibrils, actomyosin, and homogenates from hypertrophied hearts as well. On the other hand, the increase in ATPase activity associated with a given increase in developed tension was virtuall...
Strength Analysis of a Micro-Rocket Combustion Chamber

This paper presents the fabrication, testing and analysis of the MIT micro-rocket combustion chamber structure. The structure is a rocket chamber with a closed throat and pressure feeds. It is fabricated with the same processes as the full micro-rocket builds. Mechanical test results are correlated with inspection of failed devices for flaws and with finite element modeling of the test condition. This analysis provides recommendations for modifications to improve the strength of the micro-rocket chamber. These recommendations are discussed in the context of the current status of the micro-rocket.
Comparison of the National Emergency Department Overcrowding Scale and the Emergency Department Work Index for quantifying emergency department crowding.

Background: Emergency department (ED) crowding is just beginning to be quantified. The only two scales presently available are the National Emergency Department Overcrowding Scale (NEDOCS) and the Emergency Department Work Index (EDWIN). Objectives: To assess the value of the NEDOCS and the EDWIN in predicting overcrowding. The hypothesis of this study was that the NEDOCS and the EDWIN would be equally sensitive and specific for overcrowding. Methods: The NEDOCS, the EDWIN, and an overcrowding measure (OV) were determined every two hours for a ten-day period in December 2004. The NEDOCS is a statistically derived calculation, and the EDWIN is a formula-based calculation. The overcrowding measure is a composite of physician and charge nurse expert opinion on the degree of overcrowding as measured on a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS). The primary outcome, overcrowding, was based on the dichotomized OV VAS score at the midpoint of 50 mm (≥50, overcrowded; <50, not overcrowded). The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) and an index of adequacy (relative prognostic content) of each measure, on the basis of the likelihood ratio chi-square statistic, were computed to evaluate the performance of NEDOCS and EDWIN. Results: There were 130 completed sampling times over ten days. The OV indicated that the ED was overcrowded 62% of the time. The AUC for the NEDOCS was 0.83 (95% CI = 0.75 to 0.90), and the AUC for the EDWIN was 0.80 (95% CI = 0.73 to 0.88). The NEDOCS score accounts for 97% of the prognostic information provided by combining all variables used in each model into one combined model. The EDWIN score accounts for only 86% (χ2 test for difference, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Both scales had high AUCs, correlated well with each other, and showed good discrimination for predicting ED overcrowding. This establishes construct validity for these scales as measures of overcrowding. Which scale is used in an ED is dependent on which set of data is most readily available, with the favored scale being the NEDOCS.
Report on a symposium on “Computational approaches to disperse multiphase flow”

Abstract Some themes and developments emerged in the course of an IUTAM Symposium on “Computational Approaches to Disperse Multiphase Flow” held at Argonne National Laboratory on October 4–7 2004 are briefly summarized.
On application of two-dimensional AR modeling of Wigner distribution for efficient coding and effective filtering

The use of two-dimensional AR (autoregressive) modeling of the Wigner distribution (WD) to perform efficient coding of WD images and effective filtering of troublesome cross WD components and white noise components is demonstrated. The AR models are obtained using two-dimensional autocorrelation fitting techniques that are based on nonsymmetric half plane or quarter plane model support. The two-dimensional AR model provides an alternative time-frequency representation which can have improved time and frequency resolution, fewer cross terms, and less white noise interference. Examples demonstrating that two-dimensional AR modeling of the WD reduces the storage computation by one to two orders of magnitude are given. >
Hospital factors associated with emergency center patients leaving without being seen.

We developed a statistical model that would identify and quantify the relative contributions of different factors hypothesized to impact the frequency of emergency center (EC) patients who leave without being seen (LWBS). We performed an analysis of the daily counts of patients that registered in our EC during a 21-month period who then LWBS. Candidate predictor variables included the number of patients seen, and the number admitted to the hospital, for each area of our EC, as well as the hours of faculty double coverage, and the day of the week. Univariate analyses were performed using standard methods. Multivariate analysis was performed using the general linear model. A backward selection procedure was used to eliminate statistically insignificant variables until all remaining independent variables had P-values < or = .05. External validation and analysis of the stability of the estimated regression coefficients of the model were evaluated using bootstrap methods. Two-tailed tests and a type I error of 0.05 were used. During the period studied, 133,666 patients were registered in the EC and 9,894 (7.4%) left. Multivariate analysis identified six variables that were significantly associated with LWBS. The fitted model containing all six variables explained 52.8% of the variability observed in LWBS frequency. The most powerful predictor of LWBS was total number of patients cared for in the main ED. This accounted for 46.4% of the observed variation in LWBS. The total number of trauma and resuscitation patients, and the total number of observation unit admissions to the hospital were also associated with increased LWBS. More pediatric cases seen in the main ED, weekends, and additional faculty coverage were associated with fewer patients leaving. Efforts to decrease the LWBS rate will be most successful if they address the issue of main ED volume.
Quantum limits on noise in linear amplifiers

How much noise does quantum mechanics require a linear amplifier to add to a signal it processes? An analysis of narrow-band amplifiers (single-mode input and output) yields a fundamental theorem for phase-insensitive linear amplifiers; it requires such an amplifier, in the limit of high gain, to add noise which, referred to the input, is at least as large as the half-quantum of zero-point fluctuations. For phase-sensitive linear amplifiers, which can respond differently to the two quadrature phases ("$cos\ensuremath{\omega}t$" and "$sin\ensuremath{\omega}t$"), the single-mode analysis yields an amplifier uncertainty principle---a lower limit on the product of the noises added to the two phases. A multimode treatment of linear amplifiers generalizes the single-mode analysis to amplifiers with nonzero bandwidth. The results for phase-insensitive amplifiers remain the same, but for phase-sensitive amplifiers there emerge bandwidth-dependent corrections to the single-mode results. Specifically, there is a bandwidth-dependent lower limit on the noise carried by one quadrature phase of a signal and a corresponding lower limit on the noise a high-gain linear amplifier must add to one quadrature phase. Particular attention is focused on developing a multimode description of signals with unequal noise in the two quadrature phases.
Forest management and temporal effects on food abundance for a ground-foraging bird (Catharus guttatus).

Abstract While food abundance is known to limit bird populations, few studies have simultaneously examined both temporal and habitat-related variation in food abundance for ground-foraging birds. We surveyed ground-dwelling arthropods throughout the breeding season and in three forest harvest types (clearcut, selection, and shelterwood stands managed for spruce, fir and hemlock) at the Penobscot Experimental Forest (PEF), Bradley, Maine, USA. Pitfall trapping during 2003 and 2004 was used to measure seasonal and habitat-related variation in abundance of ground-dwelling arthropod food items for hermit thrushes. Arthropods were sorted into relevant taxonomic and size class categories based on the known diet of hermit thrushes. Habitat variables included forest management type, stand-level structure and composition of tree species, and microhabitat measures in a 1 m2 area around the pitfall traps. We used redundancy analysis to find stand-level and microhabitat measures that best explained variation in arthropod abundance during 2004. The majority of arthropod captures comprised three groups: ants (Formicidae, 44%), ground beetles (Carabidae, 13%), and spiders (Araneae, 11%). There was significant temporal variation in captures for many taxa. Notably, there were as many as six times more Araneae in early compared to late season samples suggesting the importance of Araneae to ground-foraging birds. Carabidae were more abundant in selection versus either shelterwood or clearcut stands on one sample date. Conversely, Formicidae and Curculionidae were more abundant in shelterwood plots on one and three sampling dates, respectively. Overall, our data provided little evidence that forest management type impacts arthropod food abundance, in stands 5–20 years post-harvest. Abundance of Carabidae was positively correlated with the number of softwoods less than 5 cm DBH and the number of hardwoods greater than 10 cm DBH, while abundance of Formicidae and Homopterans was negatively associated with these same measures. Several taxa were negatively associated with percent of the 1 m2 around the pitfall that was shaded, including Araneae, Carabidae, Formicidae, and Staphylinidae. These results suggest that less-shaded forest microhabitats are important areas of increased food abundance for ground-foraging birds, regardless of forest management type or tree composition. Consequently, forest managers seeking to maximize food abundance for ground-foraging birds in managed spruce-fir forests should consider retaining some large diameter hardwood trees and use management techniques that reduce forest floor shading.
Phylogenetic uncertainty and fossil calibration of Asteraceae chronograms

Barreda et al. (1) claim a Cretaceous fossil pollen type is an extinct Asteraceae. Concluding this pollen type is “nested within Dasyphyllum (crown representative),” they calibrate a Dasyphyllum + Barnadesia crown node (Dasyphyllum crown absent) and estimate an 85.9-Ma Asteraceae crown age that potentially compresses asterid evolution by tens of millions of years. However, the bootstrap majority consensus topology reported could not be reproduced from the data; instead, the fossil resolved in a trichotomy with Calyceraceae and Asteraceae. Thus, unambiguous assignment of these pollen grains to Asteraceae is premature.