cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Velocity-resolved 3D retinal microvessel imaging using single-pass flow imaging spectral domain optical coherence tomography

We demonstrate in vivo velocity-resolved, volumetric bidirectional blood flow imaging in human retina using single-pass flow imaging spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SPFI-SDOCT). This technique uses previously described methods for separating moving and non-moving scatterers within a depth by using a modified Hilbert transform. Additionally, a moving spatial frequency window is applied, creating a stack of depth-resolved images of moving scatterers, each representing a finite velocity range. The resulting velocity reconstruction is validated with and strongly correlated to velocities measured with conventional Doppler OCT in flow phantoms. In vivo velocity-resolved flow mapping is acquired in healthy human retina and demonstrate the measurement of vessel size, peak velocity, and total foveal blood flow with OCT.
A phenomenological model for pressure drop, liquid holdup, and flow regime transition in gas-liquid trickle flow

Abstract A phenomenological, pore-scale, hydrodynamic model is developed for representation of the uniform, two-phase, gas-liquid cocurrent flow in the low interaction regime in trickle bed reactors. The model provides improved predictions for both the pressure drop and liquid holdup using the parameters obtained exclusively from single phase flow data. In addition, a new criterion for prediction of trickle to pulsing flow regime transition is developed based on Kapitza's (1948) work on laminar film stability. Agreement with available data is good.
Nuclear data sheets update for A = 181*

Abstract Evaluated spectroscopic data for all nuclei with mass number A=181 and corresponding level schemes from radioactive decay and reaction studies are presented. This evaluation for A=181 supersedes one by R.B. Firestone (84Fi19), published in Nuclear Data Sheets 43 , 289 (1984). The data have been reevaluated using the improved techniques for decay scheme analysis described below, and new data have been added. The justifications for multipolarity assignments have been included in this evaluation.
Modified Magnesium Hydride and Calcium Borohydride for High-Capacity Thermal Energy Storage

MgH2 and Ca(BH4 )2 are potential thermal energy storage (TES) materials that possess extraordinarily high inherent thermal energy densities of up to 2 MJ/kg. However, the high desorption temperatures at atmospheric pressure [>300°C for Ca(BH4 )2 , >400°C for MgH2 ] coupled with slow kinetics represent significant challenges for their use in TES. In order to address these challenges, the present work focuses on the development of new modification approaches based on nanostructuring via high-energy vibratory ball milling and catalytic enhancement using pure Ni and Ni alloys. Our work reveals that high-energy vibrating-mill technique with ball-to-powder weight ratio as low as 13:1can produce MgH2 powders with nanocrystallites after 2h of milling. MgH2 milled with Ni (5 wt%) and Ni5 Zr2 (5 wt%) catalysts for 2 h showed apparent activation energies, EA of 81 and 79 kJ/mol, respectively, corresponding to ∼50% decrease in EA and ∼100°C decrease in the decomposition temperature (Tdec ). On the other hand, the decomposition reaction of Ca(BH4 )2 does not seem to be catalyzed by the Ni-based catalysts tested.© 2011 ASME
Spektroskopische Untersuchungen an Diazonium‐Diazotat‐Gleichgewichten

Die Gleichgewichtskonstanten fur die Reaktion des Diazoniumsalzes zu syn-Diazotat fur 16 Diazoniumsalze sind spektroskopisch ermittelt worden. Die Ergebnisse erfullen die HAMMETT-Beziehung.
A systematic review of stakeholder engagement in comparative effectiveness and patient-centered outcomes research.

OBJECTIVES We conducted a review of the peer-reviewed literature since 2003 to catalogue reported methods of stakeholder engagement in comparative effectiveness research and patient-centered outcomes research.
A longitudinal linear model of patient characteristics to predict failure to attend an inner-city chronic pain clinic.

Abstract Patients often fail to attend appointments in chronic pain clinics for unknown reasons. We hypothesized that certain patient characteristics predict failure to attend scheduled appointments, pointing to systematic barriers to accessing chronic pain services for certain underserved populations. We collected retrospective data from a longitudinal observational cohort of patients at an academic pain clinic in Newark, New Jersey. To examine the effect of demographic factors on appointment status, we fit a marginal logistic regression using generalized estimating equations with exchangeable correlation. A total of 1,394 patients with 3,488 total encounters between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2009, were included. Spanish spoken as a primary language (alternatively Hispanic or other race) and living between 5 and 10 miles from the clinic were associated with reduced odds of arriving for an appointment; making an appointment for a particular complaint such as cancer pain or back pain, an interventional pain procedure scheduled in connection with the appointment, unemployed status, and continuity of care (as measured by office visit number) were associated with increased odds of arriving. Spanish spoken as a primary language and distance to the pain clinic predicted failure to attend a scheduled appointment in our cohort. If these constitute systematic barriers to access, they may be amenable to targeted interventions. Perspective We identified certain patient characteristics, specifically Spanish spoken as a primary language and geographic distance from the clinic, that predict failure to attend an inner-city chronic pain clinic. These identified barriers to accessing chronic pain services may be modifiable by simple cost-effective interventions.
Should families be present during resuscitations

Study objectives: We determine opinions about the presence of family members during resuscitation of loved ones. Methods: This was a descriptive survey of a convenience sample of adults presenting to a suburban emergency department (ED). We used a standardized collection of demographics, and adults were given a multiple-choice questionnaire concerning their opinions and wishes about the presence of family members during resuscitation of their loved ones. The outcome was responses to questions. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and χ 2 tests. Results: Four hundred eighty-two adults were surveyed. Mean age was 37.5 years (SD 13.0 years), 59% were female participants, 61% were white, and 82% had at least high school education. Twenty-five percent of those surveyed had cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification, and 15% worked at a health care facility; 32% had witnessed CPR. Of those surveyed, roughly three quarters would prefer to be present at their own family member's resuscitation, and 64% would want a family member present during their resuscitation, even though many thought that their presence would increase the anxiety of the staff (60%) and interfere with the resuscitation (71%). Most of those surveyed thought that they should be present only after performance of invasive procedures. Only 30% believed that the presence of family members violated the patient's confidentiality and privacy, and most thought it was ethical (68%) and the family's right (70%). The presence of family members during CPR was believed to increase professionalism yet prolong resuscitative and heroic efforts. Opinions were evenly split about psychologic risks and benefits to those witnessing their loved one's resuscitation. Most of those surveyed recommended adding patient's future wishes about the presence of family members during CPR to living wills and health care proxies. Previous CPR training and presence at resuscitations did not affect the opinions of those surveyed. Conclusion: Most surveyed adults support the presence of family members during resuscitation of their loved ones.
Attempts to Assemble a Universal NMR Database without Synthesis of NMR Database Compounds

The feasibility of assembling 3JH,H profiles from NMR data collected on relevant, but not necessarily specific, NMR database compounds representing a given stereocluster was demonstrated. By this approach, the 3JH,H profile was created for the contiguous tetraol peracetate stereocluster. The reliability and applicability of the database thus assembled were demonstrated for known peracetates derived from two heptoses.
Children with special needs in private day care centers

A study of 27 private day care centers showed that less than half enroll children with special needs and they represent only 1% of the current enrollment. Staff training and professional health consultation are both needed if more such children are to be “mainstreamed” in private day care centers.
Effect of soil texture and microtopography on germination and seedling growth inBoltonia decurrens (Asteraceae), a threatened floodplain species

Boltonia decurrens, a perennial species endemic to the Illinois River Valley, is threatened with extinction. Field observations indicate thatB. decurrens is confined to areas with sandy soils formed from alluvial deposits, but there is little understanding of the factors controlling its distribution. Plans for reintroduction of the species to suitable habitats within its historical range are hampered by a lack of understanding of the site characteristics necessary for germination and seedling growth. This study examined the effect of soil texture and soil surface features on germination and growth ofB. decurrens under greenhouse conditions. We found that both parameters are greater on sand, compared to clay, and on bare soil with either a smooth or lumpy surface, compared to litter-covered surfaces. These conditions are identical to those in whichB. decurrens has persisted along the Illinois River and may be important in determining its distribution pattern.
Regulation Of Cardiac Na+ Channel By NAD+/NADH

Introduction: Glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 1-like (GPD1-L) mutations have been shown to reduce cardiac Na+ current and cause Brugada Syndrome. Our previous work suggests that mutations in GPD1-L act through NAD(H) to alter Na+ current. NADH results in downregulation of Na+ current and NAD+ can reverse the downregulation of Na+ current by mutant (MT) GPD1-L or NADH. Here, we studied potential signaling pathways between GPD1-L, NAD(H), and Na+ channel.Methods: Currents were measured using whole-cell patch clamp of HEK cells stably expressing the human cardiac sodium channel with and without chelerythrine (a PKC inhibitor, IC50 = 660 nM), PKAI6-22 (a PKA inhibitor, IC50 = 1.6 nM), apocynin (a NADPH oxidase inhibitor), or elevated intracellular Ca2+ in the pipette solution. MT GPD1-L (A280V) was co-transfected with red fluorescent protein with Fugene6 to HEK cells 40 hours prior to measuring current.Results: The 2-fold reduction in Na+ current mediated by NADH (100 μM) was inhibited by 200 μM apocynin (50±6% vs. 86±15% of the control current, n=14, p<0.001), 6 mM [Ca2+]i (107±17% of control, n=12, p<0.001), or 10 μM chelerythrine (86±14% of control, n=10, p<0.05). PKAI6-22 blocked the NAD+-mediated upregulation of Na+ currents in the presence of MT GPD1-L (n=10, p<0.001). Chelerythrine (10-50 μM) or PKAI6-22 (50 nM - 5 μM) alone did not affect the peak currents of Na+ channels.Conclusions: Our experiments suggest that NAD(H) can alter Na+ currents. Downregulation by NADH seems to involve the NADPH oxidase and PKC. PKA appears to be involved in NAD+-dependent current upregulation. This implies that redox/metabolic state can influence Na+ current.
A post-processing system for automated rectification and registration of spaceborne SAR imagery†

An automated post-processing system has been developed that interfaces with the raw image output of the operational digital SAR correlator. This system is designed for optimal efficiency by using advanced signal processing hardware and an algorithm that requires no operator interaction, such as the determination of ground control points. The standard output is a geocoded image product (i.e. resampled to a specified map projection). The system is capable of producing multiframe mosaics for large-scale mapping by combining images in both the along-track direction and adjacent cross-track swaths from ascending and descending passes over the same target area. The output products have absolute location uncertainty of less than 50 m and relative distortion (scale factor and skew) of less than 0.1 per cent relative to local variations from the assumed geoid.
Special properties of the modified DFT to achieve algorithmic fault tolerance in Adaptive Filters

Previously published results showed that when an FFT-based transform domain Fault Tolerant Adaptive Filter (FTAF) operates on real-valued signals, parameter redundancy inherent in the complex arithmetic provides fault tolerant capabilities. It was shown experimentally that the Modified Discrete Fourier Transform (MFFT) generates frequency domain samples that are not strictly real-valued or constrained to have conjugate symmetry in the transform domain. This paper provides a more detailed analysis of the fault tolerant capabilities of MFFT-FTAF architectures and further demonstrates how the MFFT-FTAF architecture is able to overcome certain fault conditions that cannot be properly handled in a conventional FFT-based FTAF architecture.
Immunohistochemical detection of tumour-associated aldehyde dehydrogenase in formalin-fixed rat and mouse normal liver and hepatomas.

This communication describes a method and results for the immunohistochemical detection of a tumour-associated isoenzyme of aldehyde dehydrogenase (BALDH). The method is a substantial improvement over standard histochemical detection methods which require either frozen or mildly fixed tissues, since BALDH expression was detected in the cells of formalinfixed paraffin-embedded liver tissues of both mice and rats.
Coadministration of glyburide and minoxidil, drugs with opposing effects on potassium channels.

Introduction Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium (K+) channels are modulated by drugs, so that they are opened by vasodilators such as minoxidil but are closed by hypoglycemic agents such as glyburide (glibenclamide). Animal studies and in vitro evidence suggests that the coadministration of drugs with opposing effects on K+ channels attenuates their pharmacodynamic effects. Methods To investigate whether this important pharmacodynamic interaction occurs in humans, we administered 5 mg minoxidil, 2.5 mg glyburide or both in a double-blind fashion to nine healthy subjects. Glucose and insulin responses during an intravenous glucose tolerance test (0.3 gm/kg) were measured and blood pressure was recorded for 8 hours. In an additional four subjects the effect of 5 mg glyburide on the hypotensive effect of 5 mg minoxidil was examined. Results None of the parameters of glucose metabolism differed significantly when subjects received glyburide alone, minoxidil alone, or glyburide with minoxidil. Minoxidil or minoxidil in combination with 2.5 mg glyburide resulted in a similar significant decrease in blood pressure compared with the response to glyburide alone. The hypotensive effect of minoxidil was smaller in the four subjects who received the higher dose of glyburide, but significant hypoglycemia (blood glucose concentration <60 mg/dl) occurred in three of the four subjects. Conclusion We conclude that, in healthy volunteers, the coadministration of 2.5 mg glyburide and 5 mg minoxidil does not result in attenuation of the blood pressure-lowering effect of minoxidil. The smaller hypotensive response in four subjects who received 5 mg glyburide and 5 mg minoxidil suggests the possibility of a dose-related drug interaction. Studies with strict clamping of blood glucose concentrations will be required to address this possibility. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (1997) 61, 662–668; doi:
A deterministic loss model based analysis of CUBIC

Effective congestion control is one of the most critical issues in the utility efficiency of network resources. Because of better scalability and higher flexibility, CUBIC has become a widely deployed TCP congestion control protocol in high-speed long-delay networks and it is the current default algorithm implemented in the Linux kernel. However, the behavior of CUBIC is not fully understood. In this paper, a deterministic loss model has been proposed to analyze the characteristics of the concave region in the congestion avoidance state. This paper aims to provide deeper insight on the function and mechanism of CUBIC protocol. Through extensive mathematical analysis and simulation experimental study, this work verified that the CUBIC protocol effectively improved the bandwidth utility efficiency in high-speed long-delay networks.
RASSF1A and the Taxol Response in Ovarian Cancer

The RASSF1A tumor suppressor gene is frequently inactivated by promoter methylation in human tumors. The RASSF1A protein forms an endogenous complex with tubulin and promotes the stabilization of microtubules. Loss of RASSF1A expression sensitizes cells to microtubule destabilizing stimuli. We have observed a strong correlation between the loss of RASSF1A expression and the development of Taxol resistance in primary ovarian cancer samples. Thus, we sought to determine if RASSF1A levels could dictate the response to Taxol and whether an epigenetic therapy approach might be able to reverse the Taxol resistant phenotype of RASSF1A negative ovarian tumor cells. We found that knocking down RASSF1A expression in an ovarian cancer cell line inhibited Taxol-mediated apoptosis and promoted cell survival during Taxol treatment. Moreover, using a combination of small molecule inhibitors of DNA Methyl Transferase enzymes, we were able restore RASSF1A expression and Taxol sensitivity. This identifies a role for RASSF1A in modulating the tumor response to Taxol and provides proof of principal for the use of epigenetic therapy to overcome Taxol resistance.
Covalent Bonding and Charge Density in Diamond

Recently G\"ottlicher and W\"olfel have measured x-ray scattering factors from diamond powder that differ appreciably from the older values of Brill. Because scattering from the $1s$ core is small, information about the crystal covalent band can be obtained. In the Brillouin zone theory of crystal wave functions the valence charge density varies throughout the valence band. Free-atom approximations to the diamond charge density replace the $s{p}^{3}$ crystal wave functions at k=0 by atomic $s{p}^{3}$ charge densities. This approximation is insufficient to explain covalent bonding effects, such as the "forbidden" reflection ${F}_{222}$. We have examined crystal charge densities throughout the valence band. We find that there are two important mechanisms which affect the valence charge density. The first is a linear response to the ionic potentials. This may be called dielectric screening; it is dominant in metals, and it gives no contribution to ${F}_{222}$. The second is nonlinear in the ionic potentials, and may be called crystal hybridization; it is responsible for covalent effects in the charge density, and it makes no contribution to ${F}_{220}$. The contributions of both mechanisms to ${F}_{111}$, ${F}_{220}$, ${F}_{222}$, ${F}_{311}$, and ${F}_{400}$ have been computed. Surprisingly, the results are in good agreement with the older data of Brill and simple models of the covalent bond, while significant disagreement with G\"ottlicher and W\"olfel's measurements is found.
Tetrahymena extract protects Paramecium from oxygen-free radicals

Cells of Paramecium tetraurelia will age and die, while cells of Tetrahymena thermophilia are immortal. Both are free-living, ciliated protozoa. Whole cells and homogenates of both Paramecium and Tetrahymena were treated with iron(+2) to induce peroxidation of membrane lipids and other cellular constituents. Paramecium is far more susceptible to such peroxidative damage than Tetrahymena. Indeed, addition of Tetrahymena extract protects Paramecium from peroxidative damage. Tetrahymena’s protective molecules block the initial attack of oxygen-free radicals on Paramecium constituents. A portion of the protective molecules are high molecular weight and temperature sensitive, but others are of small size. Some of the protective molecules are tightly bound to membranes or cytoskeletal elements pelleted from Tetrahymena sonicates.
Double‐strand breaks in DNA caused by repair of damage due to ultraviolet light

DNA DSBs are formed in normal human IMR-90 cells during repair incubation after 100 and 300 J.m-2 of UVL. By contrast, no DSBs are formed after UVL in human XPA cells that are unable to excise pyrimidine dimers. The DSBs are not due to immediate cell death since all the cells excluded trypan blue at the time of assay and because XPA cells, which are much more UVL-sensitive than IMR-90, did not form DSBs after UVL. We suggest that these repair-induced DSBs should be potent lesions that might lead to cytotoxicity, chromosome aberrations, deletion mutations, and perhaps cellular transformation. transformation.
788 EOSINOPHILIA AFTER BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTATION

Eosinophilia (EOS) is seen after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and has been described in several case reports of graftversus-host disease (GVHD). Increased numbers of eosinophils (Eo) are also seen in skin, liver and bone marrow biopsies from patients with GVHD. EOS is often associated with in vivo neutropenia and inhibits in vitro granulopoiesis. EOS was examined in 74 BMT patients and correlated with the incidence of GVHD and polymorpho-nuclear granulocyte (PMN) recovery. EOS (weekly average > 10%) was seen in 6/33 syngeneic patients (S), 10/27 syngeneic patients with GVHD (S/GVH) and 2/14 autologous/allogeneic patients (A/A). These incidences are not significantly different. Of the 16 patients with EOS, 9/16 had GVHD (P 20%, 6/8 patients had GVHD (P .05). EOS did not correlate with the severity of GVHD. In 8 patients where the weekly Eo percentage was >20%, there were significant negative correlations between weekly PMN and Eo percentages (P<.02), as well as weekly changes in PMN and Eo counts (P<.01) and percentages (P<.001). PMN and Eo recovery after BMT may be interrelated, EOS after BMT is suggestive of GVHD and may be a helpful criterion in diagnosing the presence, but not the severity of GVHD.
The morbidity of cardiac nondisease revisited. Is there lingering concern associated with an innocent murmur

• Background. —The phenomenon of cardiac nondisease was first reported in 1967 to call attention to the fact that some children were being restricted from their normal activities because their parents believed that they had a heart problem when, in fact, the child's heart was perfectly normal. This influential article and others have suggested that there may be significant morbidity in children who have been found to have innocent cardiac murmurs. Methods. —Parents of 71 schoolchildren were interviewed 1 to 5 years after their child had been examined by a pediatric cardiologist. Parents were asked about the presence of a family history of heart disease, their recall of the diagnosis and recommendations made by the cardiologist, and their level of satisfaction with the visit to the cardiologist. Parents were extensively questioned for evidence of restriction of the child's activities and for the presence of a belief that their child's murmur was something to still be concerned about. Results. —None of the parents reported restricting their child's activity, but 12(17%) were still concerned about the murmur. A statistically significant relationship between parents reporting being less than "very satisfied" with the visit to the cardiologist and the presence of concern was found ( P =.0006 by χ 2 , Yates' correction). No other associations were noted. Conclusion. —The association with a lower degree of satisfaction suggests that communication issues are relevant to the presence of lingering parental concern. Because the parents of a child with an innocent murmur may consider him or her to be "vulnerable," primary care physicians should follow up with parents of children referred to pediatric cardiologists for evaluation of a murmur so that any potential misunderstandings can be clarified. ( AJDC . 1993;147:975-977)
Management of disease due to Mycobacterium kansasii

Mycobacterium kansasii presents clinically in a manner most resembling tuberculosis. Diagnosis is usually not difficult; however, the significance of M kansasii isolates from some patients may be hard to determine. Usually, the presence of even one respiratory culture positive for M kansasii is sufficient to make a diagnosis, though few patients can have single respiratory culture positive for M kansasii without evidence of active disease. If not started on medication, these patients must be followed closely. Effective treatment can usually be accomplished with a rifampin-based regimen, or a rifabutin-based regimen for HIV-seropositive patients receiving antiretroviral therapy. Short course and intermittent regimens for treating M kansaii disease show promise but are not yet recommended for routine use.
An Evaluation of Blending Technology with Pedagogy for Teacher Education and its Implication for their Classroom Teaching

Although research has been conducted on the benefits and drawbacks of online courses, more is specifically needed in teacher-education to increase understanding of the transfer process from technology integration learning to the classroom. This study was designed to evaluate a model for blending technology with traditional classroom methods in preparing teachers to do the same. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods was used to examine the collaborative and scaffolding approaches to the teacher learners construction of meaning in the online discourse. Data has been collected from blended graduate level courses taught in the area of educational technology for in-service and pre-service teachers from 2001 through 2006. These findings will be used to help identify best-practices for technology integration with teacher-education through informed applied research, and to create a new model for more comprehensive future blended course design.
A new toolkit for non-admissible heuristic search

A collection of tools for finding good solutions to cost-minimization problems by means of nonadmissible heuristic search is discussed. The origin of these tools lies in the assumption that many biased heuristics are orderly. Their usefulness will depend upon how well the orderliness assumptions are realized. Therefore, domain-dependent knowledge must be applied in selecting a good search strategy. A simple quadratic sort is used to illustrate, discuss, and test some of the node-selection and tree-pruning methods. Most of the results presented are not demonstrably optimal. The primary requirements for using a search effectively to solve any set of optimization problems are therefore given as follows: (1) adequately define the problem set, (2) have good representations of the problem states and the search tree nodes, (3) adequately define the state transformation operators, and (4) find as good a heuristic as circumstances permit. When these requirements have been met, it may be found that optimization is possible and worth while. If this is not the case, some optimization methods should be considered. >
Changes in the extent of surface mining and reclamation in the Central Appalachians detected using a 1976-2006 Landsat time series

Surface mining and reclamation is the dominant driver of land cover land use change (LCLUC) in the Central Appalachian Mountain region of the Eastern U.S. Accurate quantification of the extent of mining activities is important for assessing how this LCLUC affects ecosystem services such as aesthetics, biodiversity, and mitigation of flooding.We used Landsat imagery from 1976, 1987, 1999 and 2006 to map the extent of surface mines and mine reclamation for eight large watersheds in the Central Appalachian region of West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. We employed standard image processing techniques in conjunction with a temporal decision tree and GIS maps of mine permits and wetlands to map active and reclaimed mines and track changes through time. For the entire study area, active surface mine extent was highest in 1976, prior to implementation of the Surface Mine Control and Reclamation Act in 1977, with 1.76% of the study area in active mines, declining to 0.44% in 2006. The most extensively mined watershed, Georges Creek in Maryland, was 5.45% active mines in 1976, declining to 1.83% in 2006. For the entire study area, the area of reclaimed mines increased from 1.35% to 4.99% from 1976 to 2006, and from 4.71% to 15.42% in Georges Creek. Land cover conversion to mines and then reclaimed mines after 1976 was almost exclusively from forest. Accuracy levels for mined and reclaimed cover was above 85% for all time periods, and was generally above 80% for mapping active and reclaimed mines separately, especially for the later time periods in which good accuracy assessment data were available. Among other implications, the mapped patterns of LCLUC are likely to significantly affect watershed hydrology, as mined and reclaimed areas have lower infiltration capacity and thus more rapid runoff than unmined forest watersheds, leading to greater potential for extreme flooding during heavy rainfall events.
The Use of Human Tissues in Research: What Do We Owe the Research Subjects?

In the past decade, there have been a number of high-profile legal cases that have involved the removal of human blood samples from the hands of researchers.7 In one case, more than 5 × 106 dried blood spots from infants were destroyed after a suit was filed that challenged the state of Texas' right to store infant blood spots for use in future research. In all these cases, there was argument over whether the participants in these research studies had been properly informed about how their samples were going to be used. With the recent publication of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot, about a women who unknowingly provided the first immortal human cells grown in culture (HeLa cells), the topic of informed consent is now being discussed by book clubs in living rooms and coffee shops across the country. These cases have raised important questions about the timing and type of consent needed to obtain, store, and use samples for research purposes. To address these questions, we asked the opinions of 4 experts who represent different views on the subject of informed patient consent. David S. Wendler is an advocate for the rights of individuals who contribute to research, Arthur L. Caplan is a bioethicist, Michael Christman is the president and CEO of an independent not-for-profit basic biomedical research institution that maintains a large biorepository, and Jack Moye, Jr., is a researcher involved with the NIH's National Children's Study. Should researchers be required to get consent for biological specimens, or are you in favor of a presumed consent with an opt-out option, with the idea that the human tissue is a common heritage of humanity, to be used for the collective good? Jack Moye, Jr. (researcher): The concept that human tissue is a shared …
Knowledge Management Capability in Education

In this chapter we extend the theory of knowledge management capability to the educational domain. A review of existing literature and examination of knowledge types, knowledge management, and modeling techniques are presented. A specific case study from a Department of Defense educational organization solidifies the application of a formative third-order model for measuring knowledge management capability, and underscores the uniqueness of distinct knowledge management capability areas. Implications for today’s knowledge managers and recommendations for future research are concluding points of the chapter.
TIES, LEADERS, AND TIME IN TEAMS: STRONG INFERENCE ABOUT NETWORK STRUCTURE'S EFFECTS ON TEAM VIABILITY AND PERFORMANCE

How do members’ and leaders’ social network structures help or hinder team effectiveness? A meta-analysis of 37 studies of teams in natural contexts suggests that teams with densely configured inte...
Lord Cecil and the Pacifists in the League of Nations Union

In the third volume of his political memoirs, devoted to the I930s, L. S. Amery refers to a powerful propagandist body that brought together all 'the theoretical idealists' who believed in making war to suppress war and the extreme pacifists who were prepared 'to run any risks rather than contemplate the possibility of another war'. This was the League of Nations Union led 'with fanatical fervour' by Lord Robert Cecil.' Others, equally unsympathetic, described the Union in similar but cruder terms as a collection of 'bloodthirsty Pacifists' and total ' 2 non-resisters . Union leaders naturally rejected these pejorative labels, but privately sought to reconcile a 'pacifist wing' that preached 'pure pacifism' with a much larger wing of 'orthodox Leaguers' that embraced the concept of 'mutual defence' as outlined in the League Covenant.3 These internal differences were muted in the I92os, but in the early I 930S events served to sharpen contrasting attitudes and force opposing strategies for peace to the surface, and into public discussion. Inside and outside the Union 'pure' pacifists and 'true' Leaguers articulated and advocated their differing approaches to peace. This article proposes to consider Lord Cecil's relationship with the English pacifists, especially during the Locarno era, I925-33.4 As an orthodox Leaguer, how did he respond intellectually to the pacifist position, and as president how did he respond tactically to the pacifist wing within the Union? How could differences with the pacifists be composed, or even muted, without seriously
Numerical solution of the Bloch equations provides insights into the optimum design of PARACEST agents for MRI

Paramagnetic lanthanide complexes that display unusually slow water exchange between an inner sphere coordination site and bulk water may serve as a new class of MRI contrast agents with the use of chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) techniques. To aid in the design of paramagnetic CEST agents for reporting important biological indices in MRI measurements, we formulated a theoretical framework based on the modified Bloch equations that relates the chemical properties of a CEST agent (e.g., water exchange rates and bound water chemical shifts) and various NMR parameters (e.g., relaxation rates and applied B(1) field) to the measured CEST effect. Numerical solutions of this formulation for complex exchanging systems were readily obtained without algebraic manipulation or simplification. For paramagnetic CEST agents of the type used here, the CEST effect is relatively insensitive to the bound proton relaxation times, but requires a sufficiently large applied B(1) field to highly saturate the Ln(3+)-bound water protons. This in turn requires paramagnetic complexes with large Ln(3+)-bound water chemical shifts to avoid direct excitation of the exchanging bulk water protons. Although increasing the exchange rate of the bound protons enhances the CEST effect, this also causes exchange broadening and increases the B(1) required for saturation. For a given B(1), there is an optimal exchange rate that results in a maximal CEST effect. This numerical approach, which was formulated for a three-pool case, was incorporated into a MATLAB nonlinear least-square optimization routine, and the results were in excellent agreement with experimental Z-spectra obtained with an aqueous solution of a paramagnetic CEST agent containing two different types of bound protons (bound water and amide protons).
35Cl N.M.R. relaxation in aqueous sodium perchlorate solutions

The relaxation time, T 1ρ, for 35Cl in perchlorate ion in aqueous solutions is found to be 0·25 s. T 1ρ is insensitive to the presence of most first row transition metals; however, a weak complex with manganous ion is demonstrated, and the perchlorate ion-manganous exchange rate is shown to be between 3 × 104 s-1 and 3·6 × 107 s-1. In the absence of manganous ion, the relaxation is dominated by the nuclear electric quadrupole interaction; however, a dipolar contribution is observed with manganous ion present.
3-Aminopiperidones V: 2-Ethoxy and 2-Carbethoxy Derivatives of 2-p-Methoxyphenylglutarimide

The syntheses of two new modifications of the model compound, 2-(N,N-diethylamino)-2-phenylglutarimide (I), bearing, in both instances, the methoxy substituent on the para-position of the phenyl group and, respectively, the ethoxy and the carbethoxy groups in place of the substituted amino function on carbon 2 are described. The preparation of these compounds is an extension of work designed to provide a basis for studies of structure versus potential anticonvulsant activity relationships among the 3-aminopiperidones.
The vitamin D receptor, Runx2, and the Notch signaling pathway cooperate in the transcriptional regulation of osteopontin.

Osteopontin (OPN), a glycosylated phosphoprotein that binds calcium, is present in bone extracellular matrix and has been reported to modulate both mineralization and bone resorption. Targeted disruption in mice of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) or Runx2 results in marked inhibition of OPN expression in osteoblasts. In this study, we addressed possible cross-talk between VDR and Runx2 in regulating OPN transcription. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) or Runx2 stimulated OPN transcription (mouse OPN promoter -777/+79) 2–3-fold. However, coexpression of Runx2 and VDR in COS-7 cells and treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 resulted in an 8-fold induction of OPN transcription, indicating for the first time functional cooperation between Runx2 and VDR in the regulation of OPN transcription. In ROS 17/2.8 and MC3T3-E1 cells that contain endogenous Runx2, AML-1/ETO, which acts as a repressor of Runx2, significantly inhibited 1,25(OH)2D3 induction of OPN transcription, OPN mRNA, and protein expression. Both a Runx2 site (-136/-130) and the vitamin D response element (-757/-743) in the OPN promoter are needed for cooperative activation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses showed that 1,25(OH)2D3 can enhance VDR and Runx2 recruitment on the OPN promoter, further indicating cooperation between these two factors in the regulation of OPN. In osteoblastic cells, Hes-1, a downstream factor of the Notch signaling pathway, was found to enhance basal and 1,25(OH)2D3-induced OPN transcription. This enhancement was inhibited by AML-1/ETO, an inhibitor of Runx2. Immunoprecipitation assays indicated that Hes-1 and Runx2 interact and that 1,25(OH)2D3 can enhance this interaction. Taken together, these findings define novel mechanisms involving the intersection of three pathways, Runx2, 1,25(OH)2D3, and Notch signaling, that play a major role in the regulation of OPN in osteoblastic cells and therefore in the process of bone remodeling.
Anaplasmosis in Uganda. II. Prevalence of bovine anaplasmosis.

The prevalence of bovine anaplasmosis was studied in 320 Zebu cattle randomly selected from three regions of Uganda (central, south-western and north-western) using DOT-ELISA, Western immunoblotting. Rapid Card Agglutination Test (RCAT), Capillary Tube Agglutination Test (CAT), Complement Fixation Test (CFT), and parasitological techniques. Dried blood on Whatman filter paper no. I was eluated in PBS 0.05% Tween 20 prior to testing at an initial dilution of 1:25. The incidence of parasitaemia ranged from 25% in the central region to 35% in the northwestern region and the serological prevalence was lower in the central region and highest in the north-west. Prevalence rates assayed by DOT-ELISA and Western immunoblotting were 1.5-fold greater than those tested with RCAT and 3-fold greater than in CAT. The overall prevalence rates by DOT-ELISA and Western immunoblotting compared favourably with CFT data. The present data utilizing dried blood on filter papers indicate that there is a high prevalence of anaplasmosis in those regions of Uganda surveyed and it confirms our observations and those of others that collecting blood on filter papers is a suitable technique for large-scale screening and for seroepidemiological studies.
Coercion in the selling of credit life insurance

Credit life insurance, which repays some or all of a borrower's outstanding debt in the event of death, has been a controversial subject for many years. Critics assert that, despite regulations that limit tied sales, pressure on loan officers to generate fee income through cross selling creates an incentive for coercion of borrowers. Allegedly, some sales techniques leave the consumer with the false impression that the purchase of credit insurance was necessary to obtain the loan. This article measures the frequency with which creditor efforts to sell credit insurance transform the sales message from persuasive to coercive. A methodology is developed for measuring the impact of coercive selling pressure applied to borrowers at the point of sale. Data used to measure the effect of coercive pressure are taken from an extensive survey of borrowers conducted during 1993. Not only are public policy concerns about coercion in the selling of credit insurance addressed, but more generally the article offers a methodology to quantify the influence of the customer's point-of-sale experience on the decision to purchase any financial service. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Managing a portfolio of overlay paths

In recent years, several architectures have been proposed and developed for supporting streaming applications that take advantage of multiple paths through the network simultaneously. We consider the problem of computing a set of paths and the relative amounts of data conveyed through them in order to provide the desired level of performance for data streams. Given the expectation, variance, and covariance of an appropriate metric of interest for overlay links, we attempt to solve the underlying resource allocation problem by applying methods used in managing a finance portfolio. We observe that the flow allocation problem requires constrained application of these methods, and we discuss the tractability of enforcing the constraints. We finally present some simulation results to evaluate the effectiveness of our proposed techniques.
Assimilation of near-surface temperature using extended Kalman filter

In order to improve the soil temperature profile predictions in land-surface models, an assimilation scheme using the extended Kalman filter is developed. This formulation is based on the discretized diffusion equation of heat transfer through the soil column. The scheme is designed to incorporate the knowledge of the uncertainties in both the model and the measurement. Model uncertainty is estimated by quantifying the model drift from observations when the model is initialized using the observed values. Furthermore, the initial error covariance has a significant influence on the performance of the assimilation scheme. It is shown that an inaccurate initial value for the error covariance can actually diminish the predictive capabilities of the model. When an appropriate initial error covariance is specified, using the top layer soil temperature observations in the assimilation scheme allows for improved predictive capabilities in lower layers. Observations at 30 min intervals have a significant effect on the model predictions in the lower layers. Assimilation of observations at 24 h intervals also has an effect on the lower layer predictive capability of the model, albeit more slowly than the 30 min assimilation scenario.
Predisposition in Plant Disease: Exploiting the Nexus in Abiotic and Biotic Stress Perception and Response

Predisposition results from abiotic stresses occurring prior to infection that affect susceptibility of plants to disease. The environment is seldom optimal for plant growth, and even mild, episodic stresses can predispose plants to inoculum levels they would otherwise resist. Plant responses that are adaptive in the short term may conflict with those for resisting pathogens. Abiotic and biotic stress responses are coordinated by complex signaling networks involving phytohormones and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Abscisic acid (ABA) is a global regulator in stress response networks and an important phytohormone in plant-microbe interactions with systemic effects on resistance and susceptibility. However, extensive cross talk occurs among all the phytohormones during stress events, and the challenge is discerning those interactions that most influence disease. Identifying convergent points in the stress response circuitry is critically important in terms of understanding the fundamental biology that under...
Smooth geometry images

Previous parametric representations of smooth genus-zero surfaces require a collection of abutting patches (e.g. plines, NURBS, recursively subdivided polygons). We introduce a simple construction for these surfaces using a single uniform bi-cubic B-spline. Due to its tensor-product structure, the spline control points are conveniently stored as a geometry image with simple boundary symmetries. The bicubic surface is evaluated using subdivision, and the regular structure of the geometry image makes this computation ideally suited for graphics hardware. Specifically, we let the fragment shader pipeline perform subdivision by applying a sequence of masks (splitting, averaging, limit, and tangent) uniformly to the geometry image. We then extend this scheme to provide smooth level-of-detail transitions from a subsampled base octahedron all the way to a finely subdivided, smooth model. Finally, we show how the framework easily supports scalar displacement mapping.
A Privacy-Aware Architecture for Demand Response Systems

We explore the privacy issues implicated by the development of demand response systems. We begin by highlighting the invasive nature of fine-granularity power consumption data, showing that the data collected by Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) reveals detailed information about behavior within the home. We then show how privacy-aware design principles lead to novel system architectures that realize the benefits of demand response without requiring that AMI data be centrally collected. The resulting systems avoid both harm to subscribers and the potential need to scrap AMI-based demand response efforts in the face of public outcry. We also show that Trusted Platform Modules can be used to develop privacy-sensitive metering infrastructure.
Some Evidence on The Accuracy and Rationality of Businessmen's Forecasts: How Well Do Western Australian Businessmen Forecast?*

Abstract The accuracy of some businessmen's forecasts are conparec with subsequent outturns. The data set consists of responses to a quarterly survey of business opinion in western Australia. The businessmen's perceptions of the near future and the recent past for twenty-four variables are scaled quantitatively and compared. The measures of forecasting accuracy used are the mean-absolute-error, the median-absolute-error and the root-mean- squared-error, The predictions are less accurate than those generated by a random walk. The forecasts were also tested for rationality. For data of the type used here it is shown that orthogonal least squares is to be preferred to ordinary least squares in testing for rationality. Both estimation techniques lead to the rejection of rationality.
The Extent of Separation in Continuous Multistage Binary Distillation

Abstract Rony's extent of seapration has been applied to binary distillation, analyzing both single equilibrium stages and the cumulative separation obtained in a multistage column both at finite and total reflux. Both separation indices depend on relative volatility, reflux ratio, and composition. The cumulative extent of separation clearly shows the influence of reflux ratio on the separation obtained in a continuous distillation column. Small variations in the single-stage extent of separation appear to have a pronounced effect on the cumulation extent of separation and the number of stages required to make a given separation.