cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
D-amphetamine, nicotine, and haloperidol produce similar disruptions in spatial and nonspatial temporal discrimination procedures

Two different and generally noncomplimentary disruptions of timing by pharmacological agents have been found. One is a lateral shift of the psychophysical curve for time, indicating a subjective shortening or lengthening of time, whereas the other is a flattening of the curve and decrease in temporal accuracy. This study assessed the role of a methodological variation in producing this discrepancy. The procedure used required pigeons to classify stimulus duration intervals as short or long, using response alternatives that were defined either by the location of response keys (spatial), or by their color (nonspatial). D-amphetamine was used to replicate earlier findings, whereas nicotine and haloperidol extended the research to different drug classes. Dose-dependent decreases in the accuracy of classifying temporal intervals and a flattening of the psychophysical curve were found across drug classes for both spatial and nonspatial procedural variations. Procedural variations, under these conditions, could not explain the discrepancy. However, the results from this study added to the mounting body of literature showing decrements in temporal accuracy and a flattening of the psychophysical curve because of a number of diverse pharmacological and nonpharmacological disruptors.
Globalization: Setting a new agenda for engineering education

Rational for globalization and justification for setting a new agenda in engineering education are discussed. Avenues for meeting the long-term educational needs of the engineering workforce in a globally competitive market place, including revisiting the long-standing “engineering science”-based curriculum model, embracing diversity, and providing avenues for lifelong learning, are described. A balanced approach for setting an effective education agenda for globally competing workforce, while ensuring compliance with national security polices is examined. This as well as other pros and cons of an inevitable global transformation of the engineering workforce will be discussed.
Biological characteristics of cancers in the gallbladder and biliary tract and targeted therapy

Adenocarcinomas of the gallbladder (GBC) and bile ducts (cholangiocarcinoma) (combined as biliary tract cancers, BTC) are uncommon tumors in the United States, but are endemic in parts of South America and Asia. BTC are aggressive tumors with poor survival. Published response rates to chemotherapy are less than 30% and no survival benefit has been demonstrated from palliative systemic therapy. Improved understanding of the biological characteristics and molecular carcinogenic mechanisms of these malignancies may lead to improved therapeutic regimens for patients.
Effects of Waterborne Exposure to 4-Nonylphenol and Nonylphenol Ethoxylate on Secondary Sex Characteristics and Gonads of Fathead Minnows (Pimephales promelas)

Fathead minnows were exposed to 4-nonylphenol (NP) or nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPEO) to determine the effects of these weak estrogen agonists on secondary sex characteristics and gonads of sexually mature males and females during 42-day continuous-flow exposures. Neither NP nor NPEO caused statistically significant effects on tubercles or fatpad size at the concentrations tested. Exposure to 1. 1 or 3.4 micrograms NP/L caused changes in the number and size of Sertoli cells and germ cell syncytia. Necrotic aggregates of various stages of germ cells in the spermatogenic sequence were observed in the testes of males exposed to NP. Electron microscopy of the testes of NP-exposed males revealed the presence of phagocytic cells in the lumina of seminiferous tubules. The cytoplasm of some Sertoli cells was distended with myelin figures and necrotic spermatozoa. No significant effects on the stages of follicular development were observed in females exposed to NP. There were no differences in the gonads or secondary sex characteristics of males or females exposed to 5.5 micrograms NPEO/L, the greatest concentration studied. The histologic responses observed are sensitive indicators of waterborne exposure to NP at environmentally relevant concentrations, but not as sensitive as induction of plasma vitellogenin. The secondary sex characteristics were not affected by concentrations of NP or NPEO as great as 3.4 or 5.5 micrograms/L, respectively. Histologic responses occurred at concentrations that were less than the final chronic value based on survival and approximately the same as those required to cause effects on egg production. The histologic effects caused by NP were similar to, but not exactly the same as those caused by exposure of fathead minnows to 17 beta-estradiol.
Controller design for a manipulator in the presence of a time delay

A controller design method for a robot manipulator with a time delay introduced into the manipulator dynamics model is presented. The approach is based on a recently suggested multivariable control scheme for a robot arm using a linearized model of the manipulator describing the incremental behavior of the arm. The difficulties arising in controller design in the presence of a time delay and the effects on the tracking performance of the arm are analyzed. A predictive control scheme is used to remove the time delay from the characteristic equation and therefore allow application of the control schemes developed with the assumption that a time delay is not present in the dynamics of the arm. >
Communicative Pressure and the Evolution of Musical Styles

Music functions, at least in part, to convey certain structures to the listener via a surface of notes. For communication to occur successfully, the structures must be recoverable from the surface. I argue that this consideration has been an important factor in the shaping of musical styles, and sheds light on a number of phenomena: the greater degree of syncopation and lower degree of rubato in traditional African music and rock versus common-practice music; the extensive use of rubato in pieces with consistent repeated patterns (e.g., much Romantic piano music); the rise of swing tempo and the higher degree of syncopation in jazz as opposed to ragtime; and the greater variety of chord-tones and lower tolerance for chordal inversion in jazz as opposed to common-practice music.
Instantaneous Heating of a Flowing Spray

The interaction of a cold liquid fuel spray and a cold air stream flowing in a duct is analyzed when the duct wall is locally heated. The effects of the location and temperature of the heating zone on the spray distribution, air temperature, mass evaporated, and droplet temperature are studied. Applications pertaining to this work fall in the localized heating of a cold fuel/air mixture in the induction system of certain engines and in the instrumentation and control of the behavior of such systems. A knowledge of the magnitude of the fuel mass evaporated and the resulting gas temperature under such conditions also is highly significant in assessing the fuel-to-gas ratio and the resulting spray distribution at various duct locations and branching points, which in turn directly affects the combustion characteristics of such a mixture.
Bare die testing and MCM probing techniques

The author discusses two important issues regarding the development and manufacture of multichip modules (MCMs). First, a method is described which is used for testing bare chips at the full operating frequency and over temperature extremes. This approach utilizes a modified wafer probe system and a high-speed digital tester for at-speed performance characterization of individual chips prior to insertion into an MCM. The purpose is to fully assure that the device will perform as required once committed to the module. Second, a system is described for automated internal probing of functioning MCMs. Again, a standard wafer probe system is adapted for this purpose. This system permits characterization of fully populated MCMs. >
Characterization of glycopeptide-resistant enterococci from U.S. hospitals.

Abstract We examined 105 clinical isolates of glycopeptide-resistant enterococci collected from 31 U.S. hospitals in 14 states during May 1988 to July 1992. The isolates included 82 Enterococcus faecium, 8 E. faecalis, 6 Enterococcus spp., 5 E. gallinarum, 3 E. casseliflavus, and 1 E. raffinosus. The isolates were categorized into the following four phenotypes of glycopeptide resistance on the basis of their MIC patterns: (i) 70 VanA (vancomycin [Vm] MIC, > or = 64 micrograms/ml; teicoplanin [Tei] MIC, 16 to > or = 128 micrograms/ml), (ii) 26 VanB (Vm MIC, 16 to 1,024 micrograms/ml; Tei MIC, < or = 2 micrograms/ml), (iii) 5 VanC (Vm MIC, 4 to 16 micrograms/ml; Tei MIC, < or = 2 micrograms/ml) in E. gallinarum, and (iv) 3 E. casseliflavus and 1 E. raffinosus isolates for which Vm MICs were 4 to 16 micrograms/ml and Tei MICs were < or = 1 micrograms/ml were called unclassified. Of the 101 isolates with the VanA, VanB, and VanC phenotypes, 99 were confirmed by production of a specific 1,030-, 433-, or 796-bp polymerase chain reaction product, respectively, and hybridization with the respective gene probe. The vanA gene was also detected in the E. raffinosus isolate for which the Vm MIC was 16 micrograms/ml and the Tei MIC was 1 microgram/ml. The vanA gene was located on either a 34- or a 60-kb plasmid in all of the U.S. isolates examined. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis demonstrated both intrahospital and interhospital diversity among Vmr enterococci in the United States and was more useful than plasmid analysis for epidemiologic studies.
203: Right Ventricular Failure (RVF) in Patients with Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVAD)

Right Ventricular Failure (RVF) in Patients with Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVAD) R.L. Kormos, J. Teuteberg, S.D. Russell, T. Massey, D. Feldman, N. Moazami, D.J. Farrar, C. Milano, Heart Lung and Esophageal Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD; Surgery, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY; Surgery, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO; Thoratec Corporation, Pleasanton, CA; Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
The Internet Sex Screening Test: A comparison of sexual compulsives versus non-sexual compulsives

This study compared individuals who are sexually compulsive with their non-compulsive counterpart on selected demographic characteristics and online sexual activities through the use of the Internet Sex Screening Test (ISST). Selected demographic variables were compared, as well as seven empirically derived subscales on the ISST. Male (n=5005) and female (n=1083) data were analysed separately with a one-way between-subjects multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Results indicated that there were no meaningful differences between the age of offline sexual compulsives and non-sexually compulsive individuals, or the total amount of time they spent online. However, the ratio of total online time to time spent online in pursuit of sexual behaviours was found to be meaningful, since sexual compulsives spent significantly more time engaged in online sexual behaviour than non-sexual compulsives. In addition, scores on all seven subscales of the ISST (online sexual compulsivity, online sexual behaviour-social...
Defect-tolerant digital filtering with unreliable molecular electronics

Molecular electronics such as silicon nanowires (NW) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) are considered to be the future computational substrates due to their ultra-high density and superior energy efficiency. However, excessive defects from bottom-up self-assembly fabrication pose a major technological barrier to achieving reliable computing at the molecular scale. Existing solutions targeting absolute correctness introduce high cost and complexity in post-fabrication testing and defect diagnosis. In this paper, we propose a new approach exploiting algorithm level enhancements for defect-insensitive signal processing. By deliberately allowing molecular-scale integrated systems to bear defects, the proposed design framework achieves reliable signal processing while significantly reduces the cost of defect tolerance.
Hierarchical Broadcast Ring Architecture for High-Speed Ethernet Networks

Recently, Ethernet technology has received a lot of attention for large area networks as well as local area networks (LANs) due to its economical advantage. However, the Ethernet technology has scalability issues when it is applied to large area networks. In this paper, we present hierarchical broadcast ring architecture that provides scalability to high-speed Ethernet networks. The proposed Ethernet switch-based network architecture adopts mechanisms of IP router-based networks. The logical ring topology of the architecture provides the broadcast service without a broadcast storm problem. A shortest path link-state routing is used for data forwarding for high link utilization. Furthermore, the hierarchical proxy ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) scheme and an aggregation scheme of IP addresses are proposed to reduce the number of broadcast frames and the forwarding table size. As a result, the hierarchical broadcast ring architecture can support millions of hosts with a high-speed Ethernet network. The proposed architecture maintains the simple and efficient management and operation of the Ethernet network for large area networks.
Audiology: Purdue University and the Indiana University School of Medicine Joint Doctor of Audiology Program: Administration of the 4th Year Clinical Experience

Purdue University and the Indiana University (IU) School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery formed a joint Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program approved in 2002. Students ga...
Thick position-sensitive silicon detectors using a wafer bonding technique

We have shown that a wafer-bonded silicon power transistor, consisting of two thin device wafers bonded onto either side of a 2 mm-thick high-resistivity silicon wafer, functions as an X-ray detector. The hydrophobic bonding process was performed at 400/spl deg/C. This low temperature wafer bonding technique should enable the development of large-area, position-sensitive detectors, using thick, high-resistivity intrinsic silicon bonded to thin readout wafers fabricated using conventional CMOS technology. These devices should enable fabrication of thicker intrinsic silicon detectors than currently available. Thick, position-sensitive detectors based on double-sided strip detectors and pixellated detectors will be possible. Applications for such detectors include X-ray and gamma-ray astrophysics, nuclear medicine, nuclear physics, and homeland defense. We present initial results obtained with devices made using this wafer bonding process.
The Effects of Casting on Upper Extremity Motor Disorders After Brain Injury

Objectives This study compares casting to traditional techniques, such as passive range of motion, static stretch, and splinting, in the treatment of the hypertonic upper extremity in individuals with severe brain injury. Method Fifteen subjects with brain injury were randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group received a month of casting followed by a month of traditional therapy; the second group received 1 month of traditional therapy followed by casting. The subjects' limbs were evaluated for range of motion, clinical indications of spasticity, and functional use of the extremity at three intervals--before intervention, after the first month of intervention, and after the second month of intervention. Two sample t-tests and paired t-tests were used in data analysis. Results All but one subject showed a greater improvement in range of motion with casting than with traditional treatment; 11 subjects showed a greater improvement in clinical measures of spasticity with casting. There was no apparent correlation between these measures and functional use of the extremity. Conclusion These findings suggest that casting is more effective than traditional techniques in reducing contracture and in decreasing hypertonicity in some cases. The greater improvements in these motor indicators with casting did not translate into greater gains in functional use of the upper extremities.
Management of uterine leiomyosarcoma: an update

Uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a rare, but clinically aggressive smooth muscle malignancy. Although uterine malignancies such as endometrial cancer are common, uterine LMS accounts for only 1% of uterine cancers. Patients typically present with vaginal bleeding, pain and a high pelvic mass. Treatment for uterine LMS includes hysterectomy. Uterine LMS is histologically characterized by nuclear atypia, mitotic figures and coagulative necrosis. Surgical staging and grade are valid prognostic indicators for survival. However, in the absence of metastatic disease or enlarged lymph nodes, there is no evidence supporting the survival benefit of bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy or lymphadenectomy. Although adjuvant radiation reduces the risk of pelvic relapse, it does not improve overall survival. Additionally, there is no evidence supporting adjuvant chemotherapy to improve survival. The combination of gemcitabine plus docetaxel demonstrates significant response rates for both advanced and metastatic disease. Se...
On theory and fast algorithms for error correction in residue number system product codes

The authors develop a coding theory approach to error control in residue number system product codes. Based on this coding theory framework, computationally efficient algorithms are derived for correcting single errors, double errors, and multiple errors, and simultaneously detecting multiple errors and additive overflow. These algorithms have lower computational complexity than previously known algorithms by at least an order of magnitude. In addition, it is noted that all the literature published thus far deals almost exclusively with single error correction. >
Induction of Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Antigen 4 (Ctla-4) Restricts Clonal Expansion of Helper T Cells

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen (CTLA)-4 plays an essential role in immunologic homeostasis. How this negative regulator of T cell activation executes its functions has remained controversial. We now provide evidence that CTLA-4 mediates a cell-intrinsic counterbalance to restrict the clonal expansion of proliferating CD4(+) T cells. The regulation of CTLA-4 expression and function ensures that, after approximately 3 cell divisions of expansion, most progeny will succumb to either proliferative arrest or death over the ensuing three cell divisions. The quantitative precision of the counterbalance hinges on the graded, time-independent induction of CTLA-4 expression during the first three cell divisions. In contrast to the limits imposed on unpolarized cells, T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2 effector progeny may be rescued from proliferative arrest by interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-4 signaling, respectively, allowing appropriately stimulated progeny to proceed to the stage of tissue homing. These results suggest that the cell-autonomous regulation of CTLA-4 induction may be a central checkpoint of clonal expansion of CD4(+) T cells, allowing temporally and spatially restricted growth of progeny to be dictated by the nature of the threat posed to the host.
Performance measurement for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders

Background Co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders (COD) are the norm rather than the exception. It is therefore critical that performance measures are developed to assess the quality of care for individuals with COD irrespective of whether they seek care in mental health systems or substance abuse systems or both.
Analysis of Borrelia burgdorferi Sequentially Isolated from Peromyscus leucopus Captured at a Lyme Disease Enzootic Site

Thirty isolates of Borrelia burgdorferi sequentially cultured from 15 naturally infected white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) were examined for variability in protein and plasmid profiles. Heterogeneity was detected in OspB and OspC and in proteins between 18.0 and 28.0 kDa by PAGE. Plasmid profiles were heterogeneous in the first isolate from 11 mice (73%) and between the first and last sequential isolate from 13 mice (87%). Comparison of the first and last isolates showed increased expression of OspC in 6 mice (40%) and was associated in each case with a shift in mobility of a 16.0-kb plasmid, suggesting that regulatory elements of ospC may reside on this plasmid. Hybridization studies suggested that individual mice may have been infected by a heterogeneous population of spirochetes and that changes in the protein and plasmid profiles between the first and last sequential isolates from some mice may have been the result of clonal selection.
A numerical investigation of wave interactions in dielectric waveguides with periodic surface corrugations

The modal properties of planar multilayered waveguides with a rectangular surface corrugation are investigated. A rigorous full Floquet numerical analysis is performed for the fundamental TE mode of the infinite periodic structure. The algorithm is based on a boundary element solution of the integral wave equation in the grating region. A generalized transverse resonance-type matrix equation is sought that matches all continuity, periodicity, and boundary conditions. The resonant solutions of this characteristic equation represent all the surface and leaky waves supported by the structure. The exact dispersion characteristics, as well as the amplitudes of the space harmonics are computed and discussed in connection with radiation losses and coupling mechanisms near resonant Bragg conditions. In particular, a specific double-heterostructure GaAs/AlGaAs waveguide geometry is examined in detail. >
Cardiovascular and metabolic response of tumour-bearing dogs to whole body hyperthermia.

Whole body hyperthermia was induced in older, tumour-bearing dogs using a radiant heat device. Dogs were anaesthetized (thiopental), paralysed (atracurium), and mechanically ventilated (100 per cent O2) during the heating procedure. Heart rate, systolic/diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure, and arterial blood gases were monitored throughout the procedure. Serum biochemical parameters, complete blood count, and coagulation profiles were evaluated before, during, and after whole body hyperthermia.Significant increases (p > 0.05) were noted in heart rate, systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, and mean arterial pressure during the treatment period. A significant decrease in arterial oxygen partial pressure due to unknown causes occurred during the treatment period. Clinical evidence of cardiac decompensation was not manifested in any dog following whole body hyperthermia.Total white blood cell count, neutrophil count, alkaline phosphatase, and creatinine kinase were significantly (p > 0.05) increased ...
Constrained optimal interferometric imaging of extended objects

Correlative interferometry has been proposed for terahertz imaging in applications such as standoff detection of concealed explosives. It offers the advantage of low cost image reconstruction in the pupil plane given the current unavailability of ready-to-use focal plane imaging technology at these wavelengths. Current interferometric approaches are based on finding the inverse Fourier transform of the spatial correlation computed from field measurements at a distance. This paper proposes an image reconstruction approach that provides a constrained least squares fit between computed autocorrelation from sensor measurements and the expression for the far field autocorrelation for extended objects and line arrays
Chemical Oxygen-Iodine Laser Technology Development using 3-D Navier-Stokes Simulation

Chemical lasers are complex devices that couple two-phase chemistry, fluid dynamics, and optics to generate coherent radiation capable of projecting high energy fluxes very large distances at the speed of light. Such a capability is an obvious candidate for precision engagement of targets in multiple theaters of operation, as evidenced by development programs that are intended to advance chemical lasers from the laboratory to the weapon platform. Given the complexity of the interactions between the various physical processes, simulation of chemical lasers presents an obvious opportunity for the application of high performance computing to facilitate the understanding and optimization of these devices. The work presented here illustrates how high performance computing is used to achieve an increased understanding of the physics underlying chemical oxygen iodine lasers (COILs) and improve their operation. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) for the chemically reacting COIL flowfield coupled to radiation transport models for the optical field are executed concomitant with achieving these goals
Interpersonal Responding to Discrete Emotions: A Functionalist Approach to the Development of Affect Specificity:

To date, emotion research has primarily focused on the experience and display of the emoter. However, of equal, if not more, importance is how such displays impact and guide the behavior of an observer. We incorporate a functionalist framework of emotion to examine the development of differential responding to discrete emotion, theorize on what may facilitate its development, and hypothesize the functions that may underlie such behavioral responses. Although our review is focused primarily on development, the theoretical and methodological ideas laid out are relevant for researchers of emotion at all ages.
Deceptive Advertising and Taking Responsibility for Others

This paper considers how the law of deceptive advertising embeds within it an extended form of responsibility, making advertisers sometimes responsible for the mistakes of consumers. The paper defends this pattern of liability as an attractive form of social cooperation and answers worries about paternalism and freedom of speech.
Projection of wildfire activity in southern California in the mid-21st century.

We estimate area burned in southern California at mid-century (2046–2065) for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change A1B scenario. We develop both regressions and a parameterization to predict area burned in three ecoregions, and apply present-day (1981–2000) and future meteorology from the suite of general circulation models to these fire prediction tools. The regressions account for the impacts of both current and antecedent meteorological factors on wildfire activity and explain 40–46 % of the variance in area burned during 1980–2009. The parameterization yields area burned as a function of temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity, and includes the impact of Santa Ana wind and other geographical factors on wildfires. It explains 38 % of the variance in area burned over southern California as a whole, and 64 % of the variance in southwestern California. The parameterization also captures the seasonality of wildfires in three ecoregions of southern California. Using the regressions, we find that area burned likely doubles in Southwestern California by midcentury, and increases by 35 % in the Sierra Nevada and 10 % in central western California. The parameterization suggests a likely increase of 40 % in area burned in southwestern California and 50 % in the Sierra Nevada by midcentury. It also predicts a longer fire season in southwestern California due to warmer and drier conditions on Santa Ana days in November. Our method provides robust estimates of area burned at midcentury, a key metric which can be used to calculate the fire-related effects on air quality, human health, and the associated costs.
Evaluation of 1-deoxy-1-[18F]fluoro-D-mannitol as a brain imaging tracer for measuring osmotic disruption following cancer therapy

1123 Objectives One of several methods for increasing brain drug delivery and bioavailability is osmotic disruption of the blood-brain barrier. Intracarotid injection of a hypertonic mannitol solution is used for improving chemotherapeutic drug administration to brain tumors. Here we report the evaluation of 1-deoxy-1-[18F]fluoro-D-mannitol in rat brain as a potential tracer for evaluating BBB permeability prior to chemotherapy administration and monitoring brain permeability changes during intracranial chemotherapy administration. Methods [18F]Mannitol was prepared from the corresponding pentaacetyl-protected tosylate in a manner similar to that for 2-FDG production. Radiofluorination was performed in acetonitrile at 120°C. After hydrolysis (0.1M HCl, 130°C), the tracer was purified by a series SepPaks: ion-retarding resin, alumina and C18 using water as the eluent. PET imaging was performed in a rat using a Siemens Focus 220 scanner with Neurologica CT scanner. [18F]Mannitol (1.2 mCi) was injected via tail-vein and imaged in list mode for one hour. Results The tracer was produced in 1.2h with yields of 10-20% (EOS) and >98% radiochemical purity. PET imaging showed very fast flow related brain accumulation and washout in the first 60 sec. Brain accumulation increased to 0.1% injected dose (%ID) at 47 second and decreased to 0.04 %ID at 5 min. Surprisingly, brain activity increased and doubled to 0.08% ID at 1 hour (SUV at 1 hour was 0.3). The images clearly indicated high brain uptake of the agent. The increased brain uptake is associated with [18F]mannitol release from blood plasma and other tissues. Conclusions High yield and no carrier added [18F]mannitol radiosynthesis was demonstrated. One hour rat imaging indicated that [18F]mannitol has adequate brain uptake. The utility of this tracer for monitoring brain chemotherapy administration should be studied further.
FIELD MEASUREMENTS OF IMPACT PRESSURES IN SURF

Field measurements were made of the vertical distribution of impact pressures exerted by breaking waves. Four distinct types are recognized and compared. These are near-breaking wave, plunging breaker, spilling breaker and post-breaking bore. The measurements were obtained by placing a 6 foot aluminum flat plate, backed by a cylinder in the surf zone, so that the fiat faced the approaching breakers. Five sensors were placed at one foot intervals on the flat. The sensors consisted of strain gage mounted aluminum diaphragms. Results indicated that impact pressure is significantly influenced by breaker type. The bore generated the largest impact pressures, followed in decreasing order by plunging breaker, spilling breaker and near breaking wave. In the vertical array, the largest impact pressures were recorded at or near the top, except for the bore where the reverse occurred. A qualitative explanation is given of various phenomena associated with impact pressures, by considering breaker mechanics.
Time-of-Flight Measurement on a-Ge:H and a-SiGe:H Alloys

We report TOF measurements on high quality intrinsic a-Ge:H and a-SiGe:H films of E04=1.4eV in temperature ranges of 200 to 280 and 230 to 300K, respectively. Complete charge collection is achieved in all measurements. For a-Ge:H films, the ( μ τ )e product obtained from the Hecht plot is (5±3)x—10-8 cm2/V above 240K and decreases at lower temperatures. The electron transit signal is dispersive at all temperatures. The α obtained from ttV-1/αis 0.23 at 200K and approaches 1.0 at 260K. The electron drift mobility μd shows activated behavior, with an energy of 0.37 ± 0.05eV, and has an extrapolated room temperature value of 0.03 cm2/Vs. Compared to a-Ge:H, μ d of a-SiGe:H alloy samples is lower by one order of magnitude but has a similar activation energy. These results are consistent with a band tail hopping transport model.
Survey analysis on infection knowledge papers of medical staff from 63 hospitals in Urumchi

Objective To understand the situation of medical staff's knowledge of hospital infection at all levels medical institutions in Urumchi. And take appropriate management measures. Method Take Cluster sampling survey methods to conduct knowledge of hospital infection papers survey of 551 medical staff in 63 hospitals in Urumchi. Results Internal medicine,surgical,gynecological and pediatric and other sections of the medical staff for hospital infection knowledge exam pass rate difference was statistically significant( P 0. 05); primary,intermediate and above the title of the medical staff for hospital infection knowledge exam pass rate difference was statistically significant( P 0. 05); Doctors,nurses for hospital infection knowledge exam pass rate difference was not statistically significant( P 0. 05). Conclusions Urumchi medical staff's knowledge of hospital infection at all levels medical institutions training efforts need to be strengthened; junior medical staff hospital infection should strengthen training efforts; There is an urgent need to establish the medical staff 's knowledge of hospital infection assessment system.
Effect of Integrin-Linked Kinase in Biological Behavior Changes of Glomerular Mesangial Cells

Objective To investigate the effects of integrin-linked kinase (ILK) on the cytobiology action of mesangial cell such as cellular morphology, adhesion, migration, proliferation, differentiation, and extracellular matrix(ECM) abnormal deposited,and to further probe into its mechanism of ILK in the pathological and physiological functions of kidney disease.Methods Used the gene transfer technique in SD rats mesangial cell culture, the recombinant mouse full-length ILK cDNA expression adenovirus vector was transfected into the cultured mesangial cell as the high-level-ILK group, at the same time, the carrier-blanked and the normal control groups as control. The protein levels were tested by Western blot for expression of ILK, fibronectin(FN),smooth muscle actin protein(α-SMA); the ratio of the cell adhesion and stretch were observed by cytobiology;the cell proliferation were assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol -2-yl)-2,5-dipitenyl-tetrazolium bromide(MTT) colorimetric assay.Results By Western blot, the protein expression level of ILK,FN,α-SMA of high-level-ILK, were higher than these of the others(Pa0.01), but there were no difference between the control and carrier-without; the protein semiquantity of ILK in groups control,carrier-withouted and high-level-ILK,respectively were 0.42±0.06, 0.49±0.07 and 2.79±0.16;FN were 0.46±0.07, 0.50±0.07, and 2.53±0.19;then α-SMA were 0.52±0.19, 0.58±0.07, 2.61±0.18;the stretch ratio were (69±4)%, (63±8)%, (80±3)% (Pa0.01);the adhere ratio were (42±4)%, (38±4)%, (75±5)%(Pa0.01). The proliferative index of ILK-high-expressed was the highest,and were higher than the others(P0.01);the MTT index of the three were 0.60±0.07,0.58±0.06, 1.16±0.10.Conclusions The mesangial cell of high ILK-expressed biological action changes in their phaenotype,adhesion,translocation,proliferation,the deposited of ECM. The study suggested that ILK may have important effect on the progression of renal disease.
The Huggable: A Platform for Research in Robotic Companions for Eldercare.

Robotic companions are one new type of technology being created to assist and care for elders. One important research question is how should such systems be designed? In this paper we present the Huggable, a new type of robotic companion which is being designed to function as both a fully autonomous robot and semi autonomous robot avatar. In this paper we describe how the semi autonomous robot avatar version of the Huggable can be used as a research tool to help determine exactly how robotic companions for eldercare applications should be designed. In addition to describing the system, we present four research scenarios in which the Huggable can be used to help motivate this discussion.
Surfactant in surgery

The observed changes in surfactant, the surface-active material which lines the alveoli of mammalian lungs, suggest a secondary effect rather than causation, which is no less important to pulmonary function. In the complex interdependency of many factors permitting adequate gas exchange, it appears that pulmonary surfactant has a significant yet incompletely defined role to play.
Upper and lower blepharoplasty. Standard technique.

The standard technique for blepharoplasty— incision, piercing the orbicularis oculi and septum orbitale, removal of protruding fat, excision of excessive skin, and closure — is elaborated upon and illustrated in this article.
Lumbar disk replacement: restoring mobility.

Lumbar disk replacement, a procedure performed for backache, restores mobility to the spine and allows patients to return to work.
XTFDs: FDs for XML Documents

Functional Dependencies (FDs) are a common constraint for many applications. Specifying FDs in XML documents, however, is difficult because XML documents do not have uniform structures. We introduce XML Template Functional Dependencies (XTFDs), which can specify FDs in XML documents, in this paper. Previously, we defined XTFDs in terms of variables only (Mok, 2005). In this paper, we extend our previous work by incorporating XPath expressions. By incorporating XPath expressions, we can express more FDs in XML documents. Since XTFDs are based on simple concepts like variables, functions, and XPath expressions, XTFDs are more intuitive than other proposals of the same purpose in the literature. We are currently comparing XTFDs with the approaches in Arenas & Libkin (2004); Vincent et al. (2004). A preliminary comparison shows that XTFDs improve the approaches in Arenas & Libkin (2004); Vincent et al. (2004) if recursive structures, mixed content and optional attributes are allowed.
SU-F-T-188: A Robust Treatment Planning Technique for Proton Pencil Beam Scanning Cranial Spinal Irradiation

Purpose: To propose a proton pencil beam scanning (PBS) cranial spinal irradiation (CSI) treatment planning technique robust against patient roll, isocenter offset and proton range uncertainty. Method: Proton PBS plans were created (Eclipse V11) for three previously treated CSI patients to 36 Gy (1.8 Gy/fractions). The target volume was separated into three regions: brain, upper spine and lower spine. One posterior-anterior (PA) beam was used for each spine region, and two posterior-oblique beams (15° apart from PA direction, denoted as 2PO_15) for the brain region. For comparison, another plan using one PA beam for the brain target (denoted as 1PA) was created. Using the same optimization objectives, 98% CTV was optimized to receive the prescription dose. To evaluate plan robustness against patient roll, the gantry angle was increased by 3° and dose was recalculated without changing the proton spot weights. On the re-calculated plan, doses were then calculated using 12 scenarios that are combinations of isocenter shift (±3mm in X, Y, and Z directions) and proton range variation (±3.5%). The worst-case-scenario (WCS) brain CTV dosimetric metrics were compared to the nominal plan. Results: For both beam arrangements, the brain field(s) and upper-spine field overlap in the T2–T5 region depending on patient anatomy. The maximum monitor unit per spot were 48.7%, 47.2%, and 40.0% higher for 1PA plans than 2PO_15 plans for the three patients. The 2PO_15 plans have better dose conformity. At the same level of CTV coverage, the 2PO_15 plans have lower maximum dose and higher minimum dose to the CTV. The 2PO_15 plans also showed lower WCS maximum dose to CTV, while the WCS minimum dose to CTV were comparable between the two techniques. Conclusion: Our method of using two posterior-oblique beams for brain target provides improved dose conformity and homogeneity, and plan robustness including patient roll.
Challenges to Achieving a Sustainable Future

This paper explores the issue of sustainable energy from a multi-flux perspective, and has shown clearly that some of the choices being vigorously pursued today, such as bio-fuels, may have significant limits on scalability. While a Bio-Fueled World does not seem to be sustainable, an Inorganically Fueled World, seems to have the potential to be able to scale to meet global needs, without in any way constraining global growth for the foreseeable future.
Creating Incentives to Improve Soil Health Through the Federal Crop Insurance Program

American farmers are increasingly relying on the subsidized Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP) to manage weather-related risks. Unfortunately, the program is structured so that it does not recognize soil security and may actually be putting American soil resources at risk. The FCIP is highly subsidized; on average, 62 % of individual premium costs are paid for by the federal government. As climate change causes more extreme weather and the cost of the FCIP continues to rise, lawmakers will be forced to consider whether the US government can continue to afford the heavy subsidies offered by the FCIP without changes to the program. The FCIP is currently structured using a flawed formula that lets high-risk farmland and management off the hook and ignores soil regenerative practices that would secure the soil. What if the FCIP rewarded good stewardship practices, like cover crops, that could result in lower indemnity payments and also improve carbon sequestration, water quality, and biodiversity? NRDC proposes the development of a pilot crop insurance program offered by the FCIP in select areas of the Mississippi River Basin. The 508(h) pilot program would offer actuarially sound crop insurance discounts to producers whose appropriate use of cover crops puts them at a lower risk for crop loss.
An efficient direct mapped instruction cache for application-specific embedded systems

Caches may consume half of a microprocessor's total power and cache misses incur accessing off-chip memory, which is both time consuming and energy costly. Therefore, minimizing cache power consumption and reducing cache misses are important to reduce total energy consumption of embedded systems. Direct mapped caches consume much less power than that of same sized set associative caches but with a poor hit rate on average. Through experiments, we observe that memory space of direct mapped instruction caches is not used efficiently in most embedded applications. We design an efficient cache - a configurable instruction cache that can be tuned to utilize the cache sets efficiently for a particular application such that cache memory is exploited more efficiently by index remapping. Experiments on 11 benchmarks drawn from Mediabench show that the efficient cache achieves almost the same miss rate as a conventional two-way set associative cache on average and with total memory-access energy savings of 30% compared with a conventional two-way set associative cache.
Novel chemical degradation pathways of proteins mediated by tryptophan oxidation: tryptophan side chain fragmentation.

Objectives This minireview focuses on novel degradation pathways of proteins in solution via intermediary tryptophan (Trp) radical cations, which are generated via photo-induced electron transfer to suitable acceptors such as disulfide bonds. Methods Gas-phase mass spectrometry studies had indicated the potential for Trp radical cations to fragment via release of 3-methylene-3H-indol-1-ium from the side chain. HPLC-MS/MS analysis demonstrates that analogous fragmentation reactions occur during the exposure of peptides and proteins to light or accelerated stability testing. Key findings The light exposure of selected peptides and monoclonal antibodies leads to the conversion of Trp to glycine (Gly) or glycine hydroperoxide (GlyOOH), where GlyOOH could be reduced to hydroxyglycine, which undergoes subsequent cleavage. Product formation is consistent with Cα -Cβ fragmentation of intermediary Trp radical cations. For the peptide octreotide and specific glycoforms of IgG1 Fc domains, Trp side chain cleavage in aqueous solution is indicated by the formation of 3-methyleneindolenine (3-MEI), which adds to nucleophilic side chains, for example to Lys residues adjacent to the original Trp residues. Conclusions Trp side chain cleavage leads to novel reaction products on specific peptide and protein sequences, which may have consequences for potency and immunogenicity.
Racial Differences in Response to Tilt-Table Testing in Patients Refered.

BACKGROUND Syncope is a common problem in the general population and results in significant societal and patient costs. Several small studies have demonstrated differences in orthostatic response, and possibly tolerance, between blacks and whites. Based on these observations, we retrospectively reviewed results from our tilt table database to identify potential differences in response to tilt-table testing with regards to race, between black and white patients. METHODS The reports of 446 tilt-table tests performed on adults, older than 18 years of age, at Boston Medical Center, an urban, tertiary-care, academic hospital, were reviewed. Clinical variables were retrieved from the procedure report. Occurrence of syncope was noted and hemodynamic classification was recorded as neurocardiogenic response, with subcategories of mixed, vasodepressor, or cardio-inhibitory. RESULTS Of records reviewed, 360 patients (80.7%) identified as white and 86 patients as black (19.3%). There was a significantly lower observed frequency of syncope with a neurocardiogenic response in black vs. white patients (45.5% vs. 60.3%, p=0.015). In addition, significantly fewer black patients demonstrated a mixed neuro-cardiogenic response as compared to white patients (7.0% vs. 15.8%, p=0.038) or cardio-inhibitory response (0% vs. 5.3%, p=0.032). There was no difference in frequency of vasodepressor response in black vs. white patients (39.2 vs.38.4%, p=1.000). CONCLUSIONS We observed a statistically-significant lower incidence of neurocardiogenic syncope among black patients compared to white patients referred for tilt-table testing for evaluation of syncope.