cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physiologic and neuropathologic aspects of hypothermic circulatory arrest in newborn dogs

ABSTRACT: A modle of hypothermic circulatory arrest has been developed in the newborn dog. Ten puppies were anesthetized with halothane, paralyzed, and artificially ventilated with 70% nitrous oxide 30% oxygen to arterial oxygen pressure >8.0 kPa (60 mm Hg), arterial carbon dioxide pressure of 4.4–5.6 kPa (33–42 mm Hg), and arterial pH of 7.35–7.42. Animals were surface cooled to 20°C, after which cardiac arrest was produced with i.v. KCI. Dogs remained asystolic without ventilation for 1.0 (n = 4), 1.5 (n = 3), or 2.0 (n = 3) th Rescucitation was accomplished with closed-chest compression, mechanical ventilation, i.v. epinephrine and NaHCO3, and rewarming to 37°C. Postarrest recovery was maintained for 3–4 h; thereafter, the puppies underwent perfusion-fixation of their brains for pathologic analysis. Plasma glucose (control = 8.3 mmol/L) increased slightly during hypothermic cardiac arrest (+36%) but was markedly elevated at 15 min postarrest (20 mmol/L). Blood lactate (control = 1.1 mmol/L) increased almost 200% during hypothermic circulatory arrest, with a further rise to 9.0 mmol/L at 15 min postarrest. Thereafter, lactate decreased in the 1-h arrested dogs bat increased progressively in the other groups. Mean arterial blood pressure returned to baseline (73 mm Hg) by 15 min postarrest, remained stable in the 1-h dogs, but fell at 3 h to 62 and 34 mm Hg in the 1.5-and 2.0-h groups, respectively. No neuropathologic alterations were seen in puppies arrested for 1 h, whereas all pnppies arrested for 1.5 or 2 h had varying degrees of cerebral cortical and hippocampal damage. Thus, newborn dogs tolerate 1 h of hypothermic circulatory arrest without brain damage, with graded neuronal injury thereafter. The experimental model has direct clinical relevance and can be used to study mechanisms of cellular injory in brain, heart, and other organs during prolonged ischemia.
LUNAR MATERIALS FROM THE VISIBLE TO MID-INFRARED : THE EFFECTS OF SPACE WEATHERING

The spectral properties of a suite of lunar minerals, rocks, and soil are presented (0.3 to 25μm). The spectra include absorption features due to electronic transitions of ions within minerals as well as fundamental molecular modes of vibration of the crystal structure. The effects of space weathering are noted along with diagnostic properties that allow remote compositional analysis.
SU‐FF‐T‐538: Feasibility Study of Frame‐Less Mask‐Less Bite‐Block‐Less Stereotactic Radiosurgery Treatment with Real‐Time Surface Imaging

Purpose: Due to the high doses and dose conformity, Stereotactic Radiosurgery(SRS) requires high precision delivery, currently achieved by high‐precision localization and by immobilization of the patient. However, immobilization can lead to patient fatigue and discomfort due to the long duration of treatments. In addition, bite‐block localization has limited use in multiple isocenter treatments and provides decreased accuracy on edentulous patients. We explore the feasibility of SRStreatments with minimal immobilization and by continuous monitoring of patient motion. Methods and Materials: A foam head cast has been created for 4 volunteers. The expanding foam conforms to the patient's head as it expands, leaving the face of the patient uncovered. Motion monitoring is performed with a real‐time surfaceimaging system that tracks a region of interest and displays and records real‐time deltas. The selected region of interest covers the forehead, eyes and nose. Motion during a 20 minute interval is recorded and the maximum motion is calculated. Afterward, the treatment couch is moved to simulate couch kicks during SRS procedures and brought back to the original position. The position of the patient before and after the kick has been analyzed to calculate subject's motion relative to the mold. Results: The maximum motion during the 20 minute interval with respect to the initial position was 0.6mm, 0.8mm, 0.5mm, and 1.3mm for each of the 4 patients respectively. Motion due to couch kicks was less than 0.2mm in all four volunteers. Conclusion: The technique under investigation, a combination of a head cast and surfaceimaging monitoring, shows great potential for clinical use in SRStreatments. Motion inside the head mold is minimal and can be tracked by real‐time surfaceimaging. Accuracy of the surfaceimaging motion tracking during SRS is currently under investigation. Research sponsored by VisionRT Ltd.
Improved bound-state method for calculating resonance eigenvectors and properties

We derive a new criterion for determining an accurate description of the total wave function at the energy of a resonance in the elastic scattering region from a bound-state representation. The criterion is based on an extension of the stabilization and Harris phase-shift methods. We construct the theoretical framework for a bound-state description of the resonance wave function and exhibit its connection to calculations of the bound-state Green's function.
Alternative technique for orthotopic heart transplantation

An alternative technique for orthotopic heart transplantation is described. The principle consists of total excision of the recipient's right atrium with donor heart implantation performed using bicaval anastomoses; the left atrium is done in the standard fashion. This approach is technically simple and preserves the anatomic and physiologic function and integrity of the right atrium, especially the conduction system.
Direct identification of atomic binding sites on a crystal

Abstract The atomic resolution of the field ion microscope, in conjunction with its ability to remove and identify individual atomic layers, allowed us to map unambiguously the unit cell of the (111) plane of tungsten and to determine directly the location of single tungsten atoms adsorbed on this plane. Adatoms have been observed to occupy two binding sites only. The predominant site corresponds to a normal lattice position. The second site is of similar symmetry, in that the adatom sits between three first layer atoms; however, at this position the adatom is located above an atom in the second rather than the third lattice layer. The former site is favored energetically, but only by ≈ 0.5 eV. All observations have been made at high fields, however, it is shown from studies of migration and other effects that the binding sites identified in the field ion microscope are typical of a normal, field free environment.
Operative outcomes in mitral valve surgery: Combined effect of surgeon and hospital volume in a population-based analysis

Objective We evaluated the combined effect of hospital and surgeon volume on operative outcomes of mitral valve surgery in the United States. Methods The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was used to identify adult patients undergoing isolated mitral valve surgery for mitral regurgitation from 2003 to 2008. Hospitals and surgeons were separately stratified into equal-size tertiles according to annual overall mitral valve operative volumes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted, adjusting for multiple patient, hospital, and operative data, to determine the separate and combined effects of hospital and surgeon volume on operative outcomes. Results A total of 50,152 eligible patients were identified during the study period. Although both hospital and surgeon volume correlated significantly with operative mortality in separate risk-adjusted analyses, only lower surgeon volume persisted as a significant risk factor in the combined risk-adjusted analysis. Moreover, although hospital volume only accounted for 10.7% of the surgeon volume effect on increased mortality for low-volume surgeons, surgeon volume accounted for 74.5% of the hospital volume effect on increased mortality in low-volume hospitals. Surgeon, but not hospital, volume correlated with inpatient costs. Also, significant trends were seen with repair rates, with increasing surgeon volume demonstrating a relatively stronger correlation with the odds of repair ( P P = .01). Conclusions The effect of hospital volume on operative outcomes of mitral valve surgery was largely driven by the individual surgeon volumes within that hospital. Conversely, surgeon volume affected these outcomes independently of hospital volume. Identifying the processes by which higher volume surgeons attain better outcomes in mitral valve surgery would therefore be prudent.
Enhanced Durability Transparent Superhydrophobic Anti-Soiling Coatings for CSP Applications

Optically transparent superhydrophobic (SH) coatings based on multifunctional silica nanoparticles and polymeric binders were developed and their optical and abrasion resistance properties were studied. Three key factors are emphasized: i) The optical clarity of the coatings. Particle deagglomeration and surface functionalization techniques were developed to obtain particle size distributions with an average size smaller than 200 nm. The particles were uniformly dispersed in organic binders and resulted in coatings with an average roughness value smaller than 30 nm. The nano-sized particles do not scatter light at wavelengths > 250 nm because of their small dimensions. ii) Enhanced particle-binder interfaces. We have introduced a double functionality on the particle’s surface in order to partially crosslink them with the polymeric binder. This multifunctional configuration significantly improves the abrasion resistance of the coatings without degrading their SH properties. iii) Accelerated weathering durability. Coatings were subjected to simulated solar UV exposure. Our ongoing studies indicate that the coatings are environmentally durable over several years of simulated UVA exposure. The nanostructure-property interdependencies underlined in the above three key factors are utilized in the development of transparent SH coatings with enhanced durability.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Spectroscopic study of an HIV-1 capsid protein major homology region peptide analog

The capsid (CA) domain of retroviral Gag proteins posseses one subdomain, the major homology region (MHR), which is conserved among nearly all avian and mammalian retroviruses. While it is known that the mutagenesis of residues in the MHR will impair virus infectivity, the precise structure and function of the MHR is not known. In order to obtain further information on the MHR, we have examined the structure of a synthetic peptide encompassing the MHR of human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1) CA protein. Multiple sequence alignment and secondary structure prediction indicate that the peptide could form 50% α-helix and 10% β-sheet. In addition, circular dichroism studies indicate that, in the presence of 50% trifluoroethanol (TFE), the peptide adopts an α-helical structure over half of its length. Further analysis by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy suggests that the C-terminal portion of the MHR forms a helix in aqueous solution. Upon the addition of TFE, the position of the helix remains nearly constant, but the magnitude of the changes in Hα chemical shifts of the residues indicate a more stable helix. These results suggest that a helical C-terminus of retroviral MHRs may be integral to the function of this region.
Adjuvant treatment of gastric cancer

Adenocarcinoma of the stomach represents a significant problem worldwide. The only known curative treatment of gastric cancer is complete surgical resection of the stomach tumor with surrounding lymph node-bearing areas. However, as many as 50% to 90% of patients undergoing gastric tumor resection relapse and die of cancer. Adjuvant chemotherapy has been used to prevent recurrence of gastric cancer after surgical resection. Single agents including thiotepa and fluorodeoxyuridine have no benefit as adjuvant therapy. Likewise, combination chemotherapy including 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) plus methyl-CCNU, 5-FU plus Adriamycin plus mitomycin C (FAM), and mitomycin C plus 5-FU plus cytosine arabinoside do not result in overall improved survival. Combined modality irradiation plus fluorinated pyrimidine, however, has resulted in long-term survival of patients with known residual gastric cancer. The newest clinical trial in postoperative gastric cancer being performed in the United States will test 5-FU plus leucovorin plus irradiation in a prospectively randomized study in patients with resected stage IB through stage IV stomach cancer. This surgical study, designed with excellent prospective quality control, is actively accruing patients and will be completed in 1.5 to 2.0 years.
Electron-impact investigation of excited singlet states in 1,3-butadiene

Abstract Electron-impact energy-loss spectra of 1,3-butadiene have been obtained at impact energies from 35 eV to 90 eV, at a scattering angle of 0°, and at a
The Chicken Bus

As with all engineering problems, we need to balance the twin factors of stability and control and do so in a way that doesn't damage either of them. This article is also available through David Alan Grier's blog, The Known World (http://www.computer.org/theknownworld).
Application of the Surface Complexation Concept to Complex Mineral Assemblages

Two types of modeling approaches are illustrated for describing inorganic contaminant adsorption in aqueous environments: (a) the component additivity approach and (b) the generalized composite approach. Each approach is applied to simulate Zn2+ adsorption by a well-characterized sediment collected from an aquifer at Cape Cod, MA. Zn2+ adsorption by the sediment was studied in laboratory batch experiments with a range of pH and Zn(II) concentrations selected to encompass conditions observed in the aquifer. In the generalized composite approach, one- and two-site surface complexation model parameters were calibrated with the experimental data using FITEQL. The pH dependence of Zn2+ adsorption was simulated without explicit representation of electrostatic energy terms. Surface acidity constants and ion pair formation by major electrolyte ions were also not required in the model, thereby minimizing the number of fitted parameters. Predictions of Zn2+ adsorption with the component additivity modeling approac...
Analysis of flap tension in surgical rejuvenation of the midface: a cadaver study.

Objective. To determine the flap tension present for 2 different surgical approaches for midface lifts and whether a gingivobuccal incision for release of the midface periosteum will diminish the resultant load on the midface flap.Study Design. Cadaver study.Setting. Anatomy laboratory at the University of Florida.Subjects and Methods. Twelve fresh-frozen cadaver heads are subjected to a transblepharoplasty (TB) approach on one side of the cadaver head while a transtemporal (TT) approach is performed on the contralateral side. The tension (grams) generated by moving the midface flap a distance of 1.03 cm is recorded by a digital load cell. A gingivobuccal incision is made on each side to allow transoral periosteal release (TOPR) of the midface flap, and the experiment is repeated. Three trials are performed for each operation, and the average load is calculated. A paired t test is applied.Results. The tension resulting from the TT approach (172 g) was not found to be significantly different from that of t...
Real-time query-by-image video search system

We demonstrate a novel multimedia system that continuously indexes videos and enables real-time search using images, with a broad range of potential applications. Television shows are recorded and indexed continuously, and iconic images from recent events are discovered automatically. Users can query an uploaded image or an image in the web. When a result is served, the user can play the video clip from the beginning or from the point in time where the retrieved image was found.
Microclimates in a desert city were related to land use and vegetation index

A heterogeneous patchwork mosaic of soil, vegetation, and built surfaces that result from a variety of urban land uses cause urban microclimates within cities. We studied the seasonal relationships of land use, urban plant cover and microclimate in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, metropolitan. Early morning (0500 HR) and afternoon (1500 HR) near-surface temperatures and humidities were measured along multiple transects in this desert city and outlying areas during June and December 1999. A Landsat thematic mapper normalized differential vegetation index (NDVI) image was used to quantify spatial patterns of plant density. Land use had the most pronounced effect on microclimate during the early morning hours of summer. Agricultural and residential land uses had the highest relative humidities, dew point temperatures, and NDVI, and the lowest air temperatures. Commercial and industrial land uses had highest temperatures and lowest NDVI. Temperatures were generally negatively correlated to NDVI, while humidity and dew point temperatures were generally positively correlated to NDVI. Distance from the urban core did not affect NDVI but had a significant negative effect on adjusted air temperature. In addition, a historical comparison of land use, NDVI and microclimate data collected during 1976 and again during 1999 along two transects revealed overall decreases in NDVI and relative increases in air temperature indicative of urban expansion. These findings show that microclimates in this desert city are caused by more than just variations in plant cover, and are likely an interactive effect of vegetation density and other non-vegetative urban surfaces.
Late Paleozoic tropical climate response to Gondwanan deglaciation

Coupled climate-biome model simulations of the late Paleozoic were developed to determine the response of Pangean tropical climate to Gondwanan deglaciation. The model simulations predict substantial changes over equatorial Pangea including continental drying, a reversal of equatorial winds, warming, heavier δ 18 O values of meteoric precipitation, and the expansion of deserts and the contraction of forests. The magnitude of these tropical responses is sensi- tive to the extent of Gondwana continental ice and the deglacial rise in atmospheric pCO 2 , boundary conditions that are not well known for the late Paleozoic. Nonetheless the model predictions are consistent with climatic and environmental trends determined from terrestrial proxy data, implying that the deglaciation of Gondwana was a transformational climate event in tropical Pangea.
Phase diagram and phase transitions of krypton on graphite in the one-to-two-layer regime

We report a high-resolution x-ray diffraction study of the freezing transitions of krypton on graphite for coverages above one monolayer. For pressure $Pg430$ Torr there is a single continuous incommensurate-fluid-to-incommensurate-solid freezing transition. For $Pl430$ Torr the freezing at fixed pressure is doubly reentrant with the succession of phases fluid \ensuremath{\rightarrow} commensurate solid \ensuremath{\rightarrow} reentrant fluid \ensuremath{\rightarrow} incommensurate solid. The first transition is of first order, whereas the other two are continuous within the experimental resolution.
The effect of moderate exercise training on oxygen uptake post-aortic/mitral valve surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study determined the response of aortic and/or mitral valve replacement/reconstruction (AVR/MVR) surgery patients to a 3-month exercise rehabilitation program (ERP) of moderate intensity, frequency, and duration that commenced approximately 9 weeks post-operatively. METHODS: Based on geographic proximity and availability of transportation to attend ERP classes, 29 experimental subjects were enrolled in the ERP and 20 control subjects received standard care that did not include the ERP, but did not prohibit activity/exercise. Exercise tolerance was determined from estimated oxygen uptake (VO2) during exercise tolerance testing (GXT) before and after standard care or the ERP. RESULTS: VO2 at the maximum stage of the GXT increased significantly (P < or = 05) for the experimental (4.89 +/- 5.07 mL/kg/min) and control (5.11 +/- 4.48 mL/kg/min) groups. No significant between-group differences were noted in VO2 at the maximum stage of the exercise testing or at the target heart rate (HR). Furthermore, reported exercise levels of subjects in both groups were comparable and sufficient for training effects to occur. CONCLUSION: Alternate strategies to improve exercise tolerance such as home-based rehabilitation programs should be investigated for relatively healthy aortic and/or mitral valve surgical patients.
Characterization of Submicrometer Aerosol Deposition in Extrathoracic Airways during Nasal Exhalation

Submicrometer and especially fine aerosols that enter the respiratory tract are largely exhaled. However, the deposition of these aerosols under expiratory conditions is not well characterized. In this study, expiratory deposition patterns of both ultrafine (<100 nm) and fine (100–1000 nm) respiratory aerosols were numerically modeled in a realistic nasal-laryngeal airway geometry. Particle sizes ranging from 1 through 1000 nm and exhalation flow rates from 4 through 45 L/min were considered. Under these conditions, turbulence only appeared significant in the laryngeal and pharyngeal regions, whereas the nasal passages were primarily in the laminar regime. Exhaled particles were simulated with both a continuous-phase drift flux velocity correction (DF-VC) model and a discrete Lagrangian tracking approach. For the deposition of ultrafine particles, both models provided a good match to existing experimental values, and simulation results corroborated an existing in vivo–based diffusion parameter (i.e., D 0....
Inclusion of the generalized Breit interaction in electron-impact excitation of ions to specific magnetic sublevels

A relativistic distorted wave method for calculating cross sections for excitation of ions to specific magnetic sublevels by impact with an electron beam is expanded to include the generalized Breit interaction between the bound and free electrons. Illustrative numerical results are given for heliumlike iron and xenon. The effect of inclusion of the generalized Breit interaction is very large for xenon and is even non-negligible for iron.
Encoding a priori information in feedforward networks

Abstract Theoretical results and practical experience indicate that feedforward networks are very good at approximating a wide class of functional relationships. Training networks to approximate functions takes place by using exemplars to find interconnect weights that maximize some goodness of fit criterion. Given finite data sets it can be important in the training process to take advantage of any a priori information regarding the underlying functional relationship to improve the approximation and the ability of the network to generalize. This paper describes methods for incorporating a priori information of this type into feedforward networks. Two general approaches, one based upon architectural constraints and a second upon connection weight constraints form the basis of the methods presented. These two approaches can be used either alone or in combination to help solve specific training problems. Several examples covering a variety of types of a priori information, including information about curvature, interpolation points, and output layer interrelationships are presented.
Edge-data compression using Bézier polynomials

Edge-data compression is concerned with obtaining a representation of an edge while preserving its shape, continuity and smoothness with fewer data points than required for a bitmap. Achieving a very high degree of edge-data compression without much loss in shape, continuity and smoothness is an extremely difficult problem in edge representation. Bezier polynomials have parametric form of equations and are frequently used in computer graphics for interactive generation of smooth curves. Recent studies have resulted in algorithms for an approximate solution to the edge fitting problem using Bezier polynomials. It is shown that application of these algorithms to edges results in a mathematical model capable of a very high degree of data compression. Suitable choices of optimality criteria and applications are also discussed.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Gendered livelihoods and the politics of socio-environmental identity: women's participation in conservation projects in Calakmul, Mexico

A livelihoods approach positions individuals, situated within households, as active agents within processes occurring at various scales. Environmental conservation efforts represent one such process with direct implications for local sustainable livelihoods and the gendered nature of livelihood strategies. In this article, I examine collective processes of socio-environmental identity construction as gendered sustainable livelihood strategies, articulated in and through the activities of women's agricultural organizations in communities bordering the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve in rural southern Mexico. I present group histories and visual evidence from group activities – adapted from participatory rural appraisal (PRA) methodology – to highlight two important concepts. These are: (1) that gendered livelihood strategies are outcomes of negotiations within households and communities, in response to specific gendered opportunities and constraints; and (2) that gendered livelihood strategies consist of linked...
Women's experience of intimate partner violence in Haiti

This study examined individual, partner, and community characteristics associated with the occurrence of intimate partner violence among ever-married women of reproductive age, using data from the 2000 Haiti Demographic and Health Survey. Separate logistic regressions were analyzed to assess women's risks of experiencing emotional, physical and sexual violence and multiple forms of intimate partner violence in the past 12 months. Twenty-nine percent of women in the sample experienced some form of intimate partner violence in the past 12 months, with 13 percent having experienced at least two different forms of violence. Significant positive associations with all forms of violence were found for lack of completion of primary school, history of violence exposure in women's families of origin either through witnessing violence between parents while growing up or direct experience of physical violence perpetrated by family members, partner's jealousy, partner's need for control, partner's history of drunkenness, and female-dominated financial decision-making. Significant positive associations were found between men's physical abuse of children at the community level and women's risk of experiencing emotional and physical violence. Neighborhood poverty and male unemployment, number of children living at home, women's attitudinal acceptance of wife beating, and male-dominated financial decision-making were additional risk factors for sexual violence. Women's economic independence was a protective factor for emotional and physical violence, while relationship quality was protective for all forms of violence and multiple victimizations.
Effect of Hydrogen on the Mechanical Properties of Iron-Base Superalloys

In this study the effect of Ti, Al, Ni, and Mn variations on the strengths of eight laboratory scale heats of an iron-base superalloy (Fe + 15 pct Cr + 25 pct Ni + Ti + Al) was investigated. The aging response at 873 K, after either a 1173 or 1323 K solution treatment temperature, was monitored to determine which alloys (with respective heat treatment) had the highest yield strengths. Those having yield strengths of 700 to 1055 MPa and ductilities of 22 to 56 pct (RA) were thermally charged in hydrogen and tested in air, 69 MPa hydrogen and 69 MPa helium. After charging, the yield strengths were unchanged, but RA losses ranged from 40 to 90 pct. Microstructural observations are consistent with hydrogen transport by dislocations and trapping at the matrix-precipitate interface where the hexagonal Ni3Ti(ώ) is the precipitate.
Review of Dynamic Logic (Foundations of Computing): authors of book: D. Harel, D. Kozen and J. Tiuryn

In the 1960s, as programming languages were being used to write larger programs, those programs became harder to understand, and people began to worry about issues such as correctness, that is, determining whether a program computed what it was supposed to compute. As a consequence, researchers started to look into the pragmatics of programming, leading among others to a criticism of the GOTO statement [2] and the development of structured programming by Knuth and Wirth. These greatly helped writing programs that were easier to understand, but the issue of showing program correct remained. Undoubtedly helped by the fact that programs had a cleaner structure, researchers began investigating formal approaches to proving programs correct, or, in general, proving that programs satisfied properties of interest. Most approaches involved deriving the proof of a property as one was writing the program, taking advantage of the structured way these programs were written [3, 8]. These approaches were formalized, leading to the total or partial correctness assertions of Hoare [10] or the weakest-precondition calculus of Dijkstra [3]. Essentially, the logic of Hoare dealt with assertions {A}P{B} around a program P, indicating that if A were true, executing program P would result in B being true. Inference rules indicated how to transform assertions about programs into assertions about larger programs. For instance, if {A}P1{B} and {B}P2{C} were true, then one could infer that {A}P1;P2{B} was true, with the intuitive reading of P1; P2 as the sequential composition of P1 and P2. Many more formal systems along such lines were devised, and they collectively acquired the name logics of programs, or program logics.In a 1976 landmark paper, Pratt recognized that many such program logics could best be understood as modal logics, by essentially associating with every program a modal operator [13]. His idea was developed and refined by Fischer and Ladner [6] and others, culminating into a particular form of program logic called Dynamic Logic. Basically, the recognition of the relationship between program logic and modal logic allowed researchers to make use of the vast array of results on modal logics.The book "Dynamic Logic", by Harel, Kozen, and Tiuryn, offers a self-contained introduction to the subject. The earlier treatments on the subject are either dated, such as the survey by Harel [9] giving the state of the field in 1984, or study Dynamic Logic as a non-trivial extension of modal logic [7]. The latter approach is much more abstract and technically involved. In this review, I hope to give a taste for the subject by looking at its simplest incarnation, the propositional variant of Dynamic Logic, called PDL. (The book describes both the propositional and the first-order variants.) Following which, I will return to the structure of the book, and some personal opinions.
Basel III in Reality

Financial regulation has shifted from a system as an oligopoly dominated by the G2/G5 to expanded clubs like the Basel Committee for Banking Supervision. Expansive clubs have to agree to terms that are closer to the preferences of soft-regulation members. Yet, once a global agreement on minimum standards, such as Basel III, is reached, the task is left to national or regional regulators. Deviations from the Basel III standards are bound to occur; the complexity of the agreement will facilitate an asymmetric implementation of national regulation and supervision. Countries like Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and some Scandinavian countries have chosen higher standards. On the other hand, we should expect deviations to take place in member countries of the Eurozone that are heterogeneous having different preferences and trade-off between regulatory stringency and economic activity. The requirements of both global clubs and regional club regarding transparency, monitoring, and a level playing field will also cause a collision. This paper reports examples of heterogenous applications of supervisions and reforms.
Spontaneous Fission Properties of Elements 97, 98, 99 and 100

ISOTOPES of several heavy elements (Z = 94–100) have recently been produced in the Materials Testing Reactor (MTR) in Arco, Idaho. It has thus been possible to extend the data on partial spontaneous fission half-lives to isotopes of berkelium, californium, element 99 and element 100 1–5. Table 1 gives a summary of the nuclear properties of several isotopes of these elements.
Planar Impedance Standards and Accuracy Considerations in Vector Network Analysis

An equation is given for theoretical errors in oneport corrected vector S-parameter measurements (in any transmission media). The error analysis is used to investigate parasitics peculiar to planar impedance standards. Experimental results verify the error analysis, and show that parasitics as small as 5 pH are repeatably measurable. Application to GaAsFET measurements through 26 GHz is discussed.
Progress towards marketable earth-abundant chalcogenide solar cells

Kesterite-related photovoltaic materials are considered a promising alternative to CdTe and Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 absorbers, primarily because they are not reliant on scarce elements such as indium and tellurium or the heavy metal cadmium. Recently, we reported a performance breakthrough for this materials class, reaching by a simple hydrazine-based deposition technique 9.6% power conversion efficiency for Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 devices (40% improvement over vacuum-based methods). Here, more detailed characterization for a hydrazine-prepared device shows the potential of this technology for further efficiency improvement. We also present initial device results for Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 films deposited using a mixed water-hydrazine-based solvent, yielding devices with 8.1% efficiency.
α-Galactosidase A Deficiency Leads to Increased Tissue Fibrin Deposition and Thrombosis in Mice Homozygous for the Factor V Leiden Mutation

Background— Factor V Leiden (FVL) is a common genetic risk factor for vascular thrombosis in humans. Fabry disease, an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder attributable to α-galactosidase A (GLA) deficiency, is associated with premature vascular events that may be thrombotic in nature. Methods and Results— To examine a potential interaction between FvL and Gla deficiency in vivo, we analyzed tissue fibrin deposition in mice carrying combined mutations in FvL and Gla. Gla deficiency markedly increased tissue fibrin deposition in mice carrying the FvL mutation (0.33±0.03%; n=7) compared with FvL mutation (0.14±0.02%; n=10; P<0.0005). Conclusions— These observations demonstrate a synergistic interaction between Gla deficiency and FvL toward tissue fibrin deposition in mice. Concomitant mutations in these genes may increase the penetrance of vascular thrombotic events in humans.
Parallel shooting method for boundary-value problems: application to the neutron transport equation

A direct method is given for the solution of the spherical harmonics approximation to the Boltzmann equation for neutron transport in slab geometry. The roundoff instability of the problem is eliminated by performing linear transformations of the matrices involved, which ensure that the matrix columns are linearly independent. The novelty of the method lies in that only a minimum number of matrix transformations is performed, the precise number being determined dynamically, efficiently, and in a new way by the program itself in the course of the computation.
Fiber Bragg reflectors by single excimer pulse

In-fiber Bragg reflectors produced with coherent, transverse UV illumination promise to be versatile optical elements for spectral selection and distributed sensing. These fiber devices were generated by repetitive exposures to a moderate intensity, frequency-doubled dye laser under holographically stable conditions until sufficient periodic index modulation had accumulated to produce a strong reflection. Fluences in the range of 1000 J/sq cm were delivered over the course of many seconds to minutes to obtain an index modulation depth of about 1 x 10 exp -4. In an alternate approach, we used single about 1 J/sq cm pulses from a line-narrowed KrF excimer to produce gratings with a modulation depth of about 2 x 10 exp -5, and more recently have achieved values above 1 x 10 exp -4. An unanticipated benefit of the single-pulse preparation method appears to be the markedly enhanced thermal stability of the grating structure, as compared to that reported for gratings produced with multiple exposures.
Limits to the NEP of an intracavity LiNbO 3 upconverter

Limits to low noise equivalent power (NEP) operation of a lithium niobate upconverter are investigated. Upconversion is achieved inside the optical cavity of an Ar-ion laser. Limits to NEP are imposed by limits to conversion efficiency and by noise present in the upconversion process. Conversion efficiency is limited by thermal effects in the lithium niobate. Thermally induced wedging, focusing, and aberrations are caused by the lithium niobate absorption at the 514.5-nm argon pump wavelength. The primary component of noise in the upconverter is due to upconversion of thermal radiation from the lithium niobate crystal. The lowest NEP, at a wavelength of 3.4 microns, achieved in this study was 8.9 x 10 to the -14th W/(Hz to the 1/2 power).
Viral infections and nonspecific protection--good or bad?

Mice with latent herpesvirus infections are surprisingly resistant to infection by pathogenic bacteria.
Surface electrodes in perineal electromyography

In 40 elderly male patients undergoing multiple urodynamic evaluations, surface electrodes were used for recording electromyographic (EMG) activity of pelvic sphincter muscles; placement site was the external anal sphincter. The measured wave form was displayed as an analog plot. Different types of surface electrodes were evaluated in selected patients. The EMG wave form measurements varied with the type of surface electrode used and placement of the electrode. Surface electrodes for external anal sphincter EMG resulting in optimum signal response require a small metallic recording surface with an adhesive that will secure the electrode to the skin, proper anatomic placement of the electrode, appropriate preparation of the skin surface at the site of application of the electrode, and capabilities for oscilloscope monitoring of the sphincter EMG signal wave form. If properly used, surface electrodes result in a signal amplitude and frequency that approach the quality of concentric needle electrodes.
Elective Cesarean Birth: Issues and Ethics of an Informed Decision

Is elective cesarean birth an issue of a woman's autonomy to choose her mode of birth or fear of labor by both the patient and the providers? Are women consenting to this procedure truly informed about the short-term and long-term risks associated with cesarean birth versus vaginal birth? This article examines the issues associated with elective cesarean birth and the factors that have led to recent consideration of this option. It is essential that we evaluate how risks, benefits, and liability issues impact the recommendations for the mode of birth. The ethics of making an informed choice as well as ethical professional responsibilities are explored.
The resistive transition of superconducting Nd2−xCexCuO4−δ films

Abstract Thermal co-evaporation of neodymium, cerium and copper in an oxygen atmosphere produces thin films of the 20 K, n-type superconductor, Nd 2− x Ce x CuO 4− δ . The resistive transition is sharp (0.9 K, 90%-10%) and complete at 22 K in ambient magnetic field. The resistive transition broadens if a magnetic field is applied parallel to the superconducting planes, and shifts and broadens if the field is applied perpendicular to these planes. The transition can be well described by an Arrhenius-type behavior with a temperature dependent activation energy.
Personal Lineages and the Development of Community Psychology: 1965 to 2005.

The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to examine and document the role of personal influence in the history of community psychology, and (b) to measure the field's inclusion of traditionally marginalized populations. In addition to presenting visually the genealogy of community psychology, results suggest that people have mattered in the development of the field independently from intellectual influence. Furthermore, community psychology has become more inclusive of ethnic minorities and women in positions of authority. Yet, representation of real-world community psychologists appears to have stalled. Implications of findings on interventions to increase representation are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Localization of the binding site on plasma kallikrein for high-molecular-weight kininogen to both apple 1 and apple 4 domains of the heavy chain.

The C-terminal end of the heavy chain of human plasma prekallikrein or kallikrein contains a binding site for high-molecular-weight kininogen, the nonenzymatic procofactor of contact activation. To further map this binding site, a series of overlapping peptides were synthesized. The amount of kallikrein that bound to kininogen-coated microtiter plate wells in the presence of increasing concentrations of each peptide was determined by kallikrein amidolytic activity. A peptide encompassing Lys266-Gly295 of kallikrein, conformationally constrained by a disulfide bond, displayed the lowest Kd value (∼67 μM). The linear peptide, Leu262-Gly295, displayed lower affinity (129 μM). N-terminal or C-terminal truncation/extension peptides of this sequence diminished binding activity. Since the closely related protein, factor XI, has been shown to bind kininogen, a kallikrein-based peptide (Phe56-Gly86) homologous to the binding domain of FXI, was examined and found to possess less, but significant, binding affinity for kininogen (Kd 530 μM). Isothermal titration calorimetry was used to assess binding between the kallikrein-based peptides and a peptide encompassing the kallikrein binding domain in kininogen (Ser565- Lys595). Leu262-Gly295 possesses potent binding activity (Kd 52 μM), while Phe56-Gly86 displays poorer binding activity (Kd 400 μM). These interactions are endothermic and entropically favored, suggesting that a conformational rearrangement takes place upon binding. We conclude that the binding site for kininogen within prekallikrein is composed of discontinuous linear segments that form a contiguous surface in the folded protein.
Weighted k-NN graphs for Rényi entropy estimation in high dimensions

Renyi entropy is an information-theoretic measure of randomness which is fundamental to several applications. Several estimators of Renyi entropy based on k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) based distances have been proposed in literature. For d-dimensional densities f, the variance of these Renyi entropy estimators of f decay as 0(M−1), where M is the sample size drawn from f. On the other hand, the bias, because of the curse of dimensionality, decays as 0(M−1/d). As a result the bias dominates the mean square error (MSE) in high dimensions. To address this large bias in high dimensions, we propose a weighted k-NN estimator where the weights serve to lower the bias to 0(M−1/2), which then ensures convergence of the weighted estimator at the parametric rate of 0(M−1/2). These weights are determined by solving a convex optimization problem. We subsequently use the weighted estimator to perform anomaly detection in wireless sensor networks.
Incorporated robustness in narrow-band signal subspace spatial spectral estimators

Signal subspace spectral estimation algorithms are, by design, highly sensitive to differences between assumed source observation models and actual source observations. In spatial spectral estimation, where observations are derived from different array elements and are a function of various source propagation and observation parameters, accurate source modeling is often not possible. As a result, when incorrect values of model parameters are assumed, signal subspace algorithm performance is degraded. In this paper, an approach for incorporating robustness to assumed model parameter values is investigated. The approach is based on: 1) a representation of rank-1 sources in an low-rank subspace; and 2) a signal subspace projection algorithm suggested by Schmidt. In addition to providing robustness to certain types of parameter variations, the approach provides a computationally efficient way of searching through some multidimensional parameter spaces.
Influence of Climate Change on Future Hurricane Wind Hazards along the US Eastern Coast and the Gulf of Mexico

The effects of global climate change on hurricane activities have been the subject of constant debate in recent years. An analysis of the hurricane database (HURDAT) maintained by the National Hurricane Center reveals a change in the annual hurricane (or storm) genesis frequency in the Atlantic basin in recent years. Some studies have projected increases in both the frequency and intensity of landfalling hurricanes along the U.S. coastline in the near future. This paper presents the results of a preliminary study of the influences of possible change in the hurricane genesis frequency on the hurricane landfall rates and wind speed distributions along the U.S. coastline. A state-of-the-art stochastic hurricane simulation model was utilized to simulate and project the future hurricane activities. Instead of generating the number of storms per year based on a constant mean frequency, computed using historical data, two new hurricane genesis models were derived to project the future storm genesis frequency. The stochastic hurricane simulation model incorporating the new genesis models was utilized to generate multiple realizations of hurricane seasons for the next 50 years (2012 to 2161). The results of this preliminary study show appreciable increases in both the landfall rates and wind speeds under two different hurricane climate change scenarios. In particular, the results indicate that more storms are likely to strike the Florida peninsula and coastal regions of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.
Stability of large composite superconductors

High-current large composite conductors cooled in He II baths are planned for superconductive magnetic energy storage (SMES) systems. Such conductors have long time constant current diffusion causing high initial I/sup 2/R generation when driven normal. As a result, the front of a normal zone may propagate even though the back of the normal zone is recovering as current diffuses deeper (with less I/sup 2/R) into the stabilizer. Accurate knowledge of I/sup 2/R heat generation in the current sharing region and the time-dependent transient heat transfer to helium is determined for the stability analysis. Analytical and numerical procedures are developed to calculate the maximum nonpropagating currents and propagation velocities. Round and rectangular shaped conductors are considered via the computational model. Numerical results are compared with experimental data.
Intrinsic aging-related mortality in birds

Actuarial senescence in captive populations of 28 species of bird was quantified by estimating the parameters of Weibull models fitted to survival curves constructed from data obtained from zoos. Samples of natural and captive populations were compared using phylogenetically independent contrasts, which revealed that extrinsic mortality rates in captive populations are, on average, less than 30% of those of natural populations but that the component of mortality related to aging does not differ significantly between natural and captive birds. This result supports the hypothesis that aging-related mortality is associated with intrinsic causes of death that kill independently of the external environment. A logical implication of this result is that birds in natural populations maintain a high level of physical fitness into old age and do not become more vulnerable to extrinsic mortality factors with increasing age. Additional comparisons showed that the rate of aging in this sample of birds is correlated with body mass, but not with embryonic or postnatal growth rate. These analyses suggest that studies of aging in captive populations can provide powerful tools to help us understand senescence in natural populations.