cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence-Based Policy and the Politics of Criminal Justice Reform

Across the country, declining revenue and a new political rhetoric of fiscal austerity are forcing state officials to reassess their budget priorities. In the recent past, economic downturns brought similar soul searching, often resulting in cuts to programs deemed nonvital to states’ “core mission” to protect people from violent crime (Beckett, 1997; Feeley, 2003). Although governors today still talk of cuts to social services, healthcare, and education, for the first time in 20 years, some of them are (sometimes quietly) looking for ways to trim the outsized scale and cost of incarceration. In California, the effort to reduce the prison population is further motivated by a federal court order resulting from unconstitutional overcrowding and inadequate medical care in the state’s prisons. In a parallel development, over the past decade, criminologists, criminal justice professionals, private foundations, and research centers have coalesced around “evidencebased” practice as a standard for crime control and criminal justice initiatives. Begun as a movement in the medical field, evidence-based practice fits well within tightening financial constraints, the emphasis on risk reduction, and increased managerialism (Traynor, 2002). Questions aside (Rycroft-Malone et al., 2004; Lin, 2012, this issue), the promise of evidencebased practice in the crime control field aligns with public officials’ desire to reallocate scarce resources while complying with taxpayers’ demands for accountability. Consequently, governors and corrections administrators have turned to quasi-public, “evidence-based” research centers to design and evaluate programs that can reduce corrections costs while maintaining public safety.
Wandering through infinity

A transfinite graph is a generalization of an ordinary graph. It extends beyond infinity in a manner roughly analogous to the extension of the natural numbers to the transfinite ordinals. Corresponding to random walks on ordinary graphs, the possibility exists of random walks on transfinite graphs, walks that may pass beyond infinity through 1-nodes where those 1-nodes represent connections at infinite extremities of transfinite graphs. The author summarizes a theory for transfinite random walks. Just as ordinary random walks can be based on electrical network analysis, the theory of transfinite random walks is based on transfinite electrical network analysis. >
Therapeutic Effects of α1-Antitrypsin on Psedumonas aeruginosa Infection in ENaC Transgenic Mice.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease with many airway pathological features, including aberrant epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) function, persistent Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infection and neutrophil-dominant inflammation. PA infection in CF airways is difficult to treat due to antibiotic resistance and other factors. Recently, α1-antitrypsin (A1AT) have been shown to be effective to reduce CF airway PA infection. However, there is a dearth of studies about the mechanisms underlying A1AT’s therapeutic effects. The goal of our study is to provide an animal model of A1AT therapy in CF lungs. ENaC transgenic mice with PA infection were used as a CF-like model. Mice were intratracheally treated with PA or saline (control) in a fibrin plug. Two hours after PA infection, aerosolized A1AT were delivered to mouse lungs once daily. At day 1 and day 3 post PA infection, lung inflammation, PA load as well as host defence protein short palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone 1 (SPLUNC1) were measured. At day 1 post PA infection when A1AT was delivered once to ENaC transgenic mouse lungs, A1AT did not reduce lung inflammation (e.g., neutrophils) and PA load. However, at day 3 post PA infection when ENaC transgenic mice received three repeated A1AT treatments, a significant decrease in airspace inflammation and PA load was observed. Although A1AT prevented the loss of SPLUNC1 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of PA-infected wild-type mice, it did not restore SPLUNC1 levels in ENaC transgenic mice. Our current study has provided a valid and quick A1AT therapeutic model in CF-like lungs that may serve as a platform for future mechanistic studies about how A1AT exerts beneficial effects in human CF patients.
Sample preparation and gas chromatography of primary fatty acid amides

A method for the isolation of bio-active primary fatty acid amides (PFAM's) from total lipid extract by solid-phase extraction (SPE) was developed and validated. The lowest mass of amide to be loaded and recovered by this method was detected as 0.5 microg using 500 mg of normal phase adsorbent. The isolated PFAM's were separated and quantified by GC/MS and percent recoveries were calculated. An HP-5MS column was able to provide base line separation between the saturated and unsaturated PFAM's whereas clear resolution between geometric and positional isomers having the same number of carbons was obtained using a BPX70 column. The separated amides were all 18 carbon analogs of cis-9-octadecenoamide (oleamide). Detection limits in the single ion monitoring mode were found to be on the order of 10 pg in a 1 microl injection. Solid phase extraction of amides from total lipid extract before GC/MS analysis provides clean detection and interference free analysis.
Electrical and thermal properties of La0.2Sr0.8Cu0.1Fe0.9O3−δ and La0.2Sr0.8Cu0.2Fe0.8O3−δ

Abstract La 0.2 Sr 0.8 Cu 0.1 Fe 0.9 O 3− δ and La 0.2 Sr 0.8 Cu 0.2 Fe 0.8 O 3− δ both exhibit cubic perovskite structures with lattice parameters a =0.38711 and 0.38694 nm, respectively. The initial oxygen non-stoichiometry, δ , of the as-synthesized materials was 0.24 for the sample with 10% Cu and 0.34 for 20% Cu. La 0.2 Sr 0.8 Cu 0.1 Fe 0.9 O 3− δ has a lower p O 2 stability limit at 1×10 −4 atm, whereas La 0.2 Sr 0.8 Cu 0.2 Fe 0.8 O 3− δ starts to decompose at 1×10 −3 atm. The conductivity is ∼10 S cm −1 and it decreases with decreasing p O 2 from 1 atm to the lower p O 2 stability limit, following a 1/4 power p O 2 dependence for temperatures above 800 K. The activation energy in O 2 is 1–2 kJ mol −1 and this increases to about 10 kJ mol −1 for the lower p O 2 limit. The Seebeck coefficient is very small, usually within ±15 μV K −1 of zero. Below 650 K, the weight is constant with temperature, whereas above 750 K δ increases with increasing temperature, causing an increase in thermal expansion. The thermal expansion coefficient below 650 K is approximately 15×10 −6 K −1 , and approximately 30×10 −6 K −1 above 750 K.
Recurrent lumbar spinal stenosis: Etiology and surgical management

Abstract Surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is commonly performed and generally results in substantial symptom relief. Unfortunately, recurrent stenosis develops in many cases, which can lead to regression of functional gains achieved from the index surgery. Recurrent stenosis can arise from a variety of mechanisms and presents with a broad spectrum of symptoms. In those cases that are recalcitrant to nonoperative treatment, revision decompression surgery may be elected, sometimes involving fusion and/or stabilization. Revising a previously operated segment can be a challenging prospect. Attention must be paid toward achieving the correct diagnosis and subsequently developing the most effective surgical plan. Among these considerations, the spinal surgeon must decide which levels and anatomic locations are responsible for recurrent symptoms, whether or not fusion is indicated to address instability, and which techniques are most safely and effectively used. Adhering to sound diagnostic and technical principles, surgery for recurrent stenosis can be performed safely with a reasonably high rate of symptomatic relief. For a variety of reasons, the incidence of complications can be higher than with index surgery, such as dural tears and wound infections. Vigilance and early recognition can help limit any adverse impact on overall outcome.
Ca2+-dependent ryanodine binding site: soluble preparation from rabbit cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Abstract The Ca 2+ -dependent ryanodine binding site of rabbit cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum is solubilized by treatment with 20 mM CHAPS detergent and 1 M NaCl for 30 min at 0°C. Ca 2+ added at 5 μM enhances binding, at 0.5 mM increases both the affinity and number of [ 3 H]ryanodine binding sites, while at 10 mM only the number of binding sites is increased. Mg 2+ up to 1 mM does not significantly affect [ 3 H]ryanodine binding. Radioligand binding is strongly enhanced by all alkali metal chlorides except LiCl. NaCl increases the rate of association of the ligand and the affinity of the binding site but does not influence the dissociation. NaCl and CaCl 2 enhance the thermal stability of the [ 3 H]ryanodine-binding protein. Thiol groups are essential for [ 3 H]ryanodine binding. Ruthenium red and Cd 2+ inhibit binding, while theophylline is stimulatory at low (micromolar) Ca 2+ concentrations by a mechanism other than phosphodiesterase inhibition. Gel permeation chromatography establishes that the ryanodine binding protein is localized only in the high molecular mass fraction (> 669 kDa). Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the proteins following treatment with SDS and 2-mercaptoethanol indicates that more than 90% are of low molecular mass (34–70 kDa) and that two stain blue with Stains-all as expected of Ca 2+ -binding proteins.
Real-time gradient-domain painting

We present an image editing program which allows artists to paint in the gradient domain with real-time feedback on megapixel-sized images. Along with a pedestrian, though powerful, gradient-painting brush and gradient-clone tool, we introduce an edge brush designed for edge selection and replay. These brushes, coupled with special blending modes, allow users to accomplish global lighting and contrast adjustments using only local image manipulations --- e.g. strengthening a given edge or removing a shadow boundary. Such operations would be tedious in a conventional intensity-based paint program and hard for users to get right in the gradient domain without real-time feedback. The core of our paint program is a simple-to-implement GPU multigrid method which allows integration of megapixel-sized full-color gradient fields at over 20 frames per second on modest hardware. By way of evaluation, we present example images produced with our program and characterize the iteration time and convergence rate of our integration method.
Comparing Fleming-Viot and Dawson-Watanabe processes

Abstract Fleming-Viot processes and Dawson-Watanabe processes are two classes of “superprocesses” that have received a great deal of attention in recent years. These processes have many properties in common. In this paper, we prove a result that helps to explain why this is so. It allows one to prove certain theorems for one class when they are true for the other. More specifically, we show that product moments of a Fleming-Viot process can be bounded above by the corresponding moments of the Dawson-Watanabe process with the same “underlying particle motion”, and vice versa except for a multiplicative constant. As an application, we establish existence and continuity properties of local time for certain Fleming-Viot processes.
High-temperature thermal analysis of high boron alloys using automatic optical pyrometry

Abstract An automatic optical pyrometer and an induction furnace were used to obtain heating and cooling curves for boron and high boron compounds. Non-variant phase transformations were easily detectable, causing the usual classical thermal arrest shapes on thermal analysis curves. The onset of precipitation of a primary phase in the melt was exaggerated because of a combination of factors affecting the surface, and the liquidus was indicated by a sharp peak on the cooling curve. Using this technique, the melting point of boron was established as 2315 ±20°K, and erbium dodecarboride was found to melt peritectically at 2356°K.
Alkaloids of Andrachne rotundifolia

1. The content of total alkaloids in the hypogeal parts ofAndrachne rotundifolia C. A. Mey. (family Euphorbicease) is 0.2–0.3% and in the epigeal parts 0.06–0.08%.
Ockhamism vs Molinism, round 2: a reply to Warfield

Ted Warfield has argued that if Ockhamism and Molinism offer different responses to the problems of foreknowledge and prophecy, it is the Molinist who is in trouble. I show here that this is not so – indeed, things may be quite the reverse.
Questioning the role of abuse in behavioral spells and epilepsy.

article i nfo Past sexual trauma is frequently linked to the development of behavioral spells, present among 30% of patients admitted for video/EEG monitoring. Current attempts to verify and explore mechanisms in this reported association revealed that patients with epilepsy (n=58) and those with behavioral spells (n=38) did not differ in their self-report of past sexual trauma (among approximately 38% in each group). Ninety percent (90%) of men with behavioral spells endorsed past physical abuse, however, compared with 45% of men with epilepsy, and 40% of men with spells likely met current criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder. Among all patients, the presence of past physical, but not sexual, abuse positively predicted the diagnosis of spells rather than epilepsy. Current findings do not support a preponderance of sexual trauma in behavioral spells, yet within the subset of men with spells, greater exposure to physical abuse and current symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder may be important etiological and sustaining factors.
An investigation of a PRESAGE® in vivo dosimeter for brachytherapy.

Determining accurate in vivo dosimetry in brachytherapy treatment with high dose gradients is challenging. Here we introduce, investigate, and characterize a novel in vivo dosimeter and readout technique with the potential to address this problem. A cylindrical (4 mm × 20 mm) tissue equivalent radiochromic dosimeter PRESAGE® in vivo (PRESAGE®-IV) is investigated. Two readout methods of the radiation induced change in optical density (OD) were investigated: (i) volume-averaged readout by spectrophotometer, and (ii) a line profile readout by 2D projection imaging utilizing a high-resolution (50 micron) telecentric optical system. Method (i) is considered the gold standard when applied to PRESAGE® in optical cuvettes. The feasibility of both methods was evaluated by comparison to standard measurements on PRESAGE® in optical cuvettes via spectrophotometer. An end-to-end feasibility study was performed by a side-by-side comparison with TLDs in an 192Ir HDR delivery. 7 and 8 Gy was delivered to PRESAGE®-IV and TLDs attached to the surface of a vaginal cylinder. Known geometry enabled direct comparison of measured dose with a commissioned treatment planning system. A high-resolution readout study under a steep dose gradient region showed 98.9% (5%/1 mm) agreement between PRESAGE®-IV and Gafchromic® EBT2 Film. Spectrometer measurements exhibited a linear dose response between 0–15 Gy with sensitivity of 0.0133 ± 0.0007 ΔOD/(Gy ⋅ cm) at the 95% confidence interval. Method (ii) yielded a linear response with sensitivity of 0.0132 ± 0.0006 (ΔOD/Gy), within 2% of method (i). Method (i) has poor spatial resolution due to volume averaging. Method (ii) has higher resolution (~1 mm) without loss of sensitivity or increased noise. Both readout methods are shown to be feasible. The end-to-end comparison revealed a 2.5% agreement between PRESAGE®-IV and treatment plan in regions of uniform high dose. PRESAGE®-IV shows promise for in vivo dose verification, although improved sensitivity would be desirable. Advantages include high-resolution, convenience and fast, low-cost readout.
Polycytidylate hydrolysing ribonuclease activity of human pancreatic secretions.

Pure human pancreatic juice contains polycytidylate hydrolysing ribonuclease. In 0.05M sodium phosphate buffer and 0.05M sodium phosphate-borate buffer, its pH optimum is at 6.5. In 0.05M Tris-acetate buffer, its pH optimum is at 7.5. Its activity in 0.05M sodium phosphate-borate buffer of pH 6.5 and 0.05M Tris-acetate buffer of pH 7.5 respectively is 86% and 52% of that in 0.05M sodium phosphate buffer of pH 6.5. Thus, sodium phosphate buffer is preferable to other two buffers. However, the concentration of phosphate is critical. For optimal activity the phosphate concentration is 0.05M. Above this concentration, phosphate has a pronounced inhibitory effect. It is inhibited by borate. The presence of phosphate obviates to a great extent the borate inhibition. Polyadenylic and polyguanylic acids are refractory to its action. Its activity on polyuridylic acid is less than 2% of that on polycytidylic acid. Basal duodenal aspirates and those derived after secretin stimulation contain RNase with properties similar to those described above. In basal duodenal aspirates, RNase is not detectable in 7 out of 28 patients. During the first ten minute period after secretin administration, there is a rapid and dramatic increase in the RNase levels of duodenal aspirates. This rapid increase is followed by a decrease and considerable fluctuation in the RNase levels of duodenal aspirates collected during the subsequent periods.
Radiative cooling in valleys and hollows

Abstract A modular FORTRAN 77 program for calculating the net radiative energy absorbed by the air in a valley or hollow is presented. The net energy loss by the ground also can be calculated by altering an input parameter. The program assumes the existence of either a horizontal or vertical axis of symmetry and that the ground surface can be represented by a series of straight-line segments. The multiple integral involved in the calculation is evaluated by a Monte-Carlo technique. The example program uses band models for the transmission function, but the modularity and Monte-Carlo technique permits efficient computations to be carried out with higher resolution transmission functions.
A new model for public-private partnerships

Abstract In the United States, federal technology transfer programs, public-private initiatives, national centers for technology and manufacturing, research and development consortia, and university outreach centers have all been developed as public-investment-based solutions to enhancing economic competitiveness. Each of these activities has problems and shortcomings associated with it. In lieu of these traditional programs, an expanded, integrated, and self-sufficient model for public-private partnerships is proposed through which 503(c) nonprofit organizations can manage and operate technology extension programs for the state or federal government. This approach addresses small, medium, and large business in an integrated fashion in terms of nine sectors of economic competitiveness. Methods for acquiring and utilizing technology and accessing government markets are proposed. A unique method for obtaining self-sufficiency and growth is developed. The presented model leverages federal investments into an independent and self-sufficient, privately-funded partnership. This type of entrepreneurial approach to public-private initiatives has been conspicuously absent from the majority of existing federal and state funded technology programs. It is expected that this model will lead to a higher rate of return on public investment.
Performance Criteria For Remote Sensing With Spaceborne Linear Array Detectors

A NASA laboratory for evaluating linear detector arrays for remote sensing applications from the visible to shortwave infrared is described. Nominal requirements for acceptable sensor performance are presented for the critical parameters of signal-to-noise ratio, modulation transfer function, response linearity, dynamic range, and detector-to-detector response uniformity. Results of tests are presented for a custom-developed multispectral linear array from RCA and two commercial arrays from Texas Instruments and Reticon for the visible and near infrared. The custom array was clearly superior to its off-the-shelf counterparts in signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range. All the arrays were found to have somewhat less than desirable modulation transfer functions but excellent response linearity.
Fatigue, Creep and Electrical Performance of Subsea Power Cable

Subsea processing is a key aspect of ExxonMobil’s subsea technology qualification efforts. Consequently, the reliable delivery of high voltage power to subsea equipment offshore, such as multi-phase pumps, is essential. The base case involves power delivery up to 30 kV via copper cables embedded in umbilicals to a water depth of 1,500m over a design life of 30 years. Since umbilicals are often suspended from a floating facility in deepwater, the power cables are subjected to static load due to the umbilical weight and to cyclic loads in response to the floating facility motions. Therefore, sufficient mechanical resistance to preclude electrical failure is needed to achieve safe and cost-effective designs.To that end, an experimental program was completed aimed at developing a qualification methodology and collecting data on the effect of static and cyclic loads on the mechanical and electrical performance of copper power cables. This paper presents the experimental approaches and results obtained from creep, fatigue, and electrical tests performed on 18/30kV, 95mm2 copper conductor cable specimens.Specifically, the program included (a) five monotonic tension tests to failure to characterize the cable, (b) 11 creep tests to develop a load-time performance curve, and (c) 59 fatigue tests under pulsating tension, of which 50 used short-cable samples to evaluate the effect of mean load and nine used long samples for electrical testing following fatigue. A fatigue curve is proposed that includes the effect of mean load and temperature. However, fatigue results can be sensitive to the cable material and mechanical characteristics of a particular cable.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Educational Methods of the Franciscans in Spanish California

The Mission, so fundamental in the transformation of colonial Hispanic America, has been characterized as the “kingpin” in Spain’s New World frontier system. The culminating stage in the evolution of the mission system, as well as the final fling of Spain’s “aggressive-defensive” in America, is to be found in Alta California. For the missionary sons of St. Francis, the achievements of their Fernandinos on our present Southwest Pacific slope constituted a fitting installment in a long series of “spiritual and temporal conquests.” During the sixty-five years between 1769 and 1834, over 80,000 Indians appear to have been baptized by the Franciscans in California. These savages were not only converted to Christianity, but also, in greater or lesser degree, habituated to Christian practices and morality, civilized, agriculturalized, industrialized and Hispanicized. This despite the fact that the California natives were described as a heterogeneous lot of culturally destitute, peripheral peoples, among the most backward and abject of American red men. For the Franciscans, the Gospel and whatsoever might be necessary thereto must be taught to every human creature. The distinguished lineage of mission methods in California may be traced back to the Sierra Gorda and southern Texas, to the plains of Paraguay and the jungles of Brazil, and—still further—to the labors of missionary monks among the rude barbarians of early medieval Europe.
A note on gravity wave‐driven volume emission rate weighted temperature perturbations inferred from O2 atmospheric and O I 5577 airglow observations

A full-wave dynamical model and chemistry models that simulate ground-based observations of gravity wave-driven O2 atmospheric and O I 5577 airglow fluctuations in the mesopause region are used to demonstrate that for many observable gravity waves modeling is required to infer temperature perturbation amplitudes from airglow observations. We demonstrate that the amplitude of the altitude-integrated volume emission rate weighted temperature perturbation differs by at least about 30% from the amplitude of the temperature perturbation of the major gas in the vicinity of the peak of the airglow volume emission rate for gravity waves with horizontal phase speeds less than about 150 m s−1 and vertical wavelengths less than about 50 km and that the amplitude of the altitude-integrated volume emission rate weighted temperature perturbation differs considerably from the amplitude of the temperature perturbation averaged over the vertical extent of the emission layer for waves with horizontal phase speeds less than about 65 m s−1 and vertical wavelengths less than about 20 km. For waves with phase speeds less than about 100 m s−1 and vertical wavelengths less than about 30 km the amplitude of the altitude-integrated volume emission rate weighted temperature perturbation differs by at least about 30% from the altitude-integrated mean volume emission rate weighted temperature perturbation, demonstrating that the nonthermal fluctuation contribution to the former (involving volume emission rate perturbations) needs to be included in such modeling. We conjecture that the observed brightness perturbation is a simpler and better quantity to simulate using detailed modeling than the observed airglow temperature perturbation for the determination of wave amplitude in cases where nonthermal effects or cancellation effects (for short vertical wavelengths) are strong.
Complex system governance requires systems thinking - how to find systems thinkers

Systems thinking offers a particularly useful worldview for dealing with increasing complexities faced by individuals. This paper explores the nature, assessment, and implications that systems thinking holds for individuals challenged by the shifting landscape of modern complex system governance. Following an introduction that identifies the main attributes of complex systems faced by individuals who engage in governance activities, three major themes are developed: 1) exploration of the concept of systems thinking; 2) suggestion of how enhanced systems thinking can increase the capability of individuals to more effectively design for system governance; 3) a strategic framework and initial findings for application of an instrument for assessment of the level of systems thinking for an individual. Systems thinking is suggested as a critical capability for individuals who must design, analyse, and transform complex system governance and address its derivative problems. Effectiveness in systems thinking is a critical skill for addressing some of the most vexing problems of the 21st century. This paper summarises the findings of a systems thinking instrument developed to identify the systems skills individuals need to engage complex system governance. The paper concludes with future research and application of the systems thinking instrument to better understand complex system governance.
Determination of molybdenum in hair and wool by neutron activation analysis

Abstract Neutron activation analysis was applied to the determination of molybdenum in hair and wool. Ashed samples of hair and wool were irradiated for 15 min at a flux of 5·1013 n/cm2/sec to produce 101Mo. An acid solution of the ash was first boiled in the presence of sodium bromide and bromate to volatilize bromine (80Br and 82Br radioisotopes interfere) and then extracted with 0.1% α-benzoinoxime in chloroform to remove 101Mo from other interfering radionuclides. The 101Tc daughter from 101Mo was measured over the 0.31-MeV γ-ray photopeak after allowing the separated 101Mo to decay for 15 min. The molybdenum concentration in hair varied from 0.02 to 0.13μg/g while wool was found to contain 0.04–0.58 μg/g.
Rethinking the History of the Kāma World in Early India

This essay introduces a special issue on the history of kāmaśāstra in medieval India. It briefly reviews the secondary scholarship on the subject from the publication of the first translations of the genre at the end of the nineteenth century. It highlights the relatively unexplored history of later kāmaśāstra, and stresses the need for contexualized and detailed studies of the many kāmaśāstra treatises produced in the second millennium CE. The introduction, and the essays that follow, also argue for an expanded interpretive framework for the genre, moving beyond ‘sex’ and ‘sexuality,’ to a more widely defined notion of a ‘kāma world’, in which sensual pleasure is understood as being deeply enmeshed with aesthetic, ethical and cosmopolitan cultures.
SU‐GG‐I‐166: Design and Evaluation of an Optical Tactile Imaging Device for Tumor Detection

Purpose: To present a novel tactile imagingdevice for cancer detection. Method and Materials: Unlike traditional tactile devices, which are formed of pressuresensor array, this new device uses an optical waveguide and total internal reflection principle to maximize the tactile resolution. In order to emulate the detection range of the human tactile sensation, a multi‐layer polydimethylsiloxane waveguide has been fabricated as a sensing probe. The elastic modulus of each layer has been matched to the dermis, epidermis, and subcutaneous of the human finger. The light is illuminated under the critical angle for full reflection within the waveguide. When a waveguide is compressed by an object, the contact area of the waveguide deforms, which causes the light to scatter. The scattered light is then captured by a high resolution camera. The applied forces can be detected by measuring changes in the amount of diffused light. To test the performance of the proposed device, a realistic tissue phantom with hard inclusions is developed. Total of nine inclusions with different diameters and depth were placed in the phantom. We estimated the diameter and the depth of the inclusions with the tactile imagingdevice. We also performed experiments using the mice with globus tumors. We grew three different sizes of tumors and imaged them using the proposed device.Results: The result showed that the proposed sensor can estimate the inclusion diameter within 4.09% and the inclusion depth within 7.55%. The mice test results show that the proposed device successfully detects the tumors. In the animal study, the sensor detected a subsurface tumor as small as 2.74 mm. Conclusion: A novel tactile imagingdevice for tumor identification has been designed and experimentally evaluated to be effective.
Heritage values and functions of wetlands in Southern Mexico

Abstract There is a wealth of heritage values and contemporary functions of freshwater and estuarine wetlands along the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico and northern Belize. These vary from ancient Maya use for multicropping and aquaculture to current use for fishing, hunting, freshwater supplies, salt extraction and nature tourism. Potential conflicts and collaborations will be discussed with reference to proposed restoration of ancient Maya water management systems combined with modern technologies. Particular attention will be paid to wetland use, which combines both traditional and “new” uses including partial restoration, agro-ecology and ecotourism.
Adler-Weisberger theorem reexamined

We consider the nature of the current-algebra constraints on the on-mass-shell amplitudes of pion-nucleon scattering at $s=m_{N}^{}{}_{}{}^{2}$, $t=2m_{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{}{}_{}{}^{2}$. We prove that, at this point, an even amplitude is determined up to corrections of order $m_{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{}{}_{}{}^{4}$ and that the corrections to an odd amplitude are of order $m_{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{}{}_{}{}^{2}$. Thus, the $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ term in the even amplitude, which is of order $m_{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{}{}_{}{}^{2}$, can be determined, confirming the recent work of Cheng and Dashen. However, such a determination cannot be made with a mixture of even and odd amplitudes as von Hippel and Kim have attempted to do. We estimate the actual magnitude of the corrections from what should be the dominant physical mechanisms: the large nucleon size and the proximity of the strong 3-3 resonance state. These corrections are insignificant for the even amplitude. For the odd amplitude, they are separately large, about 10%, but they cancel for the most part and give a much smaller contribution. Corrections due to other resonances are insignificant compared to the 3-3 contribution. The Adler-Weisberger theorem, with our on-shell method, relates the pion-nucleon coupling constant $f$ to the pion decay constant and an integral over the absorptive part of the physical $\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{-}N$ scattering amplitude; it does not involve the axial-vector coupling constant ${g}_{A}$. We find that this relation gives ${f}^{2}=0.077$, which is to be compared to direct evaluations which range from ${f}^{2}=0.082$ to ${f}^{2}=0.076$. We conclude that these current-algebra theorems may well be satisfied to a considerable degree of accuracy. More precise low-energy pion-nucleon scattering data are needed, however, for a definitive test.
TV Answers - Using the Wisdom of Crowds to Facilitate Searches with Rich Media Context

Television has always been a popular entertainment medium with considerable impact on consumer purchase behaviors. However. unlike mobiles and pes, it has yet to support an explicit search capability that extends beyond simple content navigation. A core reason for this is lack of usable input inteifaces for TV coupled with the dtfJiculty of creating and executing queries based on rich media context, In this paper, we present TV Answers - a system that combines a novel context capture capability (Freeze-Frame) with an intelligent web services mediator (Edge Proxy) to "crowd-source" user-generated queries. We describe the design and implementation of an early prototype of TV Answers and highlight the challenges and opportunities presented by such systems. Our goal is to demonstrate the viability of using "social search" as a complement to existing algorithm-driven search solutions for rich media consumption.
gp130 at the nexus of inflammation, autoimmunity, and cancer

Glycoprotein 130 (gp130) is a shared receptor utilized by several related cytokines, including IL-6, IL-11, IL-27, Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF), Oncostatin M (OSM), Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor (CNTF), Cardiotrophin 1 (CT-1) and Cardiotrophin-like Cytokine (CLC). Gp130 plays critical roles during development and gp130-deficient mice are embryonically lethal. However, the best characterized facet of this receptor and its associated cytokines is the ability to promote or suppress inflammation. The aim of this review is to discuss the role of gp130 in promoting or preventing the development of autoimmunity and cancer, two processes that are associated with aberrant inflammatory responses.
Use of oxidized zirconium hemiarthroplasty in hip fractures: clinical results and spectrum analysis

Oxidized zirconium may have improved wear characteristics against polyethylene, but its performance against native cartilage is unknown. Between 1996 and 1998, 52 patients received an oxidized zirconium hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of a hip fracture. Twelve patients (23%) died within 1 year of surgery, and 24 (46%) were surviving at 5 years. In 38 patients with minimum 2-years follow-up, clinical evaluation after surgery averaged 4.5 years with Harris hip scores averaging 78 (range, 55-92). Three patients radiographically showed acetabular protrusion or significant wear, with 2 undergoing revision surgery. An explanted prosthesis demonstrated no appreciable damage by spectrum analysis. Because of the high mortality rate after hip fracture, the clinical benefits of oxidized zirconium hemiarthroplasty in this population, if existent, are difficult to appreciate and currently show no benefits over standard prostheses.
Mutations that overcome plasmid-mediated relaxation affect (p)ppGpp.

A recombinant plasmid, pMY3, was constructed in this laboratory to express the amber suppressor allele, Su+7, of the tRNATrp gene from E. coli (Yarus, 1979a). This plasmid also relaxes control of the synthesis of all stable RNA species in its host cell after amino acid deprivation. Guanosine penta and tetra-phosphate (MSII and MSI) concentrations are reduced to about one-half the levels achieved by starving the host cells carrying the cloning vehicle (pMB9) alone.
Aggression versus courtship in threespine sticklebacks and the role of habituation to neighbours

Abstract Interaction of courtship and territorial aggression in male threespine sticklebacks, Gasterosteus aculeatus, was investigated by presenting dummy females to subjects nesting alone (solitary situation) and in view of males nesting in adjacent tanks (rival situation). During dummy presentation subjects engaged in more courtship and nest activity when solitary than when in the rival situation. Behaviour of subjects in the latter situation was dominated by threats and attempts to bite rivals during dummy presentation. Thus, rivals can interfere with another male's courtship by competing for the time during which he could court a female or by eliciting in him an aggressive state that is incompatible with sexual behaviour. Subjects in the rival situation gradually decreased the time spent with rivals but increased the time spent courting the dummy and tending the nest during presentations. This decrease in aggression towards neighbouring males is presumed to result from habituation. Thus, habituation can play an important role in mitigating the aggressive response to familiar rivals, allowing males to devote more time and energy to courtship and nest activities while still forming breeding aggregations in which members may mutually benefit.
Evaluation and analysis of daily atmospheric circulation patterns of the 500 HPA pressure field over the southwestern USA

Abstract Daily atmospheric circulation patterns (CP's) are defined and analyzed on the basis of the 500 hPa pressure field for the purpose of describing and then later generating local hydroclimatological variables such as precipitation under possible climate change over the southwestern USA. To obtain the CP's we first use a so-called objective or automated clustering method, namely, principal component analysis (PCA) coupled with K-means clustering algorithm. To obtain a set of CP types that are more distinguishable and so more useful for our purpose we follow two possible ways: (1) reduce subjectively the number of CP's from PCA coupled with K-means clustering analysis by aggregating the types on the basis of the precipitation producing characteristics, (2) perform K-means clustering analysis with fewer types. Thus we have three different cluster systems: original types from the result of PCA coupled with K-means clustering (8 or 9 types depending on the season), types from the K-means clustering analysis with fewer types (5 or 6 types in each season) and the subjectively aggregated types (3 types in any seasons). We compare them from the point of view of information content for precipitation modeling. An analysis is made for these types for comparison: statistical properties of these patterns are evaluated and analyzed using first observed data, and then General Circulation Model (GCM) outputs for 1 × CO 2 and 2 × CO 2 scenarios to estimate climate change effects. On the basis of the historical circulation pattern catalogue and observed precipitation data in Arizona, simple calculations are provided to find the “precipitation-producing” types of each system in each season. Three indices are evaluated using the same observed precipitation data from ten Arizona stations in order to measure objectively the information content of each type in the three cluster systems. It turns out that the larger number of types in a given season gives higher information content as we expected.
INCORPORATING LIFE-CYCLE COSTS IN HIGHWAY-BRIDGE PLANNING AND DESIGN

Many state departments of transportation employ life-cycle cost analysis in their highway bridge-management systems as a means of decision-making in maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement. Life-cycle cost analysis is based on the concept of discounted cash-flow analysis. The authors of this technical paper present a brief review of current methods for life-cycle cost analysis implementation, and based on that review, identify key factors that influence life-cycle cost analysis. The value index model is introduced, which considers bridge age, condition rating, and cost--the most critical factors in the decision-making process. The value index parameter incorporates these variables for the optimization strategy. This allows rational decisions to be made regarding the type of work to be performed that best suits a bridge's needs within the appropriate constraints. The "objective function," or the function to be optimized, is written in terms of the key factors that control the decision-making process. The method is demonstrated in several case studies for highway bridges in Illinois. Also discussed is the significance of certain limits imposed on the key factors in the optimization process and the various options that can be selected within these limits. Although the proposed model is suggested for project-level analysis, it can be extended for use in a network-level analysis as well. This application, however, necessitates development of a separate allocation-of-fund process that in turn needs input from the bridge engineer and information on the individual bridges in the network in terms of their needs and priorities for rehabilitation, repair, or replacement.
The epidemiology of giant cell arteritis. Report of a Ten‐Year Study in Shelby County, Tennessee

We have studied the epidemiology of giant cell arteritis (GCA) in an urban population in south central United States. The incidence of GCA in Shelby County, Tennessee for the years 1971 through 1980 was determined for the total population and for age-, sex-, and race-specific groups. Over this period 26 cases were identified. The average annual incidence was 0.35/100,000. This was increased to 1.58/100,000 for those over the age of 50. The incidence was 7 times greater in whites than in blacks and 7 times greater in females than in males. Clinical and laboratory features of the patients were reviewed and found to be similar to those in other populations. GCA is considerably less frequent in Shelby County, Tennessee than in other areas where similar epidemiologic studies have been performed. This difference can be accounted for only in part by racial distributions. Similar studies in southern geographic areas are needed to place our findings in perspective and point to specific factors which may have etiologic significance in GCA.
Young's modulus of polyethylene in the microstrain region

The stress–strain behavior of various polyethylenes was measured with a strain sensitivity of 2 × 10−7. Young's modulus was measured as a function of the strain rate. The shapes of the stress–strain curves in the vicinity of room temperature were nonlinear down to the lowest measurable strain. The stress–strain behavior in the microstrain region was well described by the model of the standard linear solid. From the model, the relaxation time was determined along with the relaxed and unrelaxed moduli. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 39: 2420–2429, 2001
The Effect of the Extinction Procedure in Function-Based Intervention

In this study, we examined the contribution of the extinction procedure in function-based interventions implemented in the general education classrooms of three at-risk elementary-aged students. Fu...
The Effect of Breaking Waves on a Coupled Model of Wind and Ocean Surface Waves. Part II: Growing Seas

This is the first of a two-part investigation of a coupled wind and wave model that includes the enhanced form drag of breaking waves. In Part I here the model is developed and applied to mature seas. Part II explores the solutions in a wide range of wind and wave conditions, including growing seas. Breaking and nonbreaking waves induce air-side fluxes of momentum and energy above the air–sea interface. By balancing air-side momentum and energy and by conserving wave energy, coupled nonlinear advance–delay differential equations are derived, which govern simultaneously the wave and wind field. The system of equations is closed by introducing a relation between the wave height spectrum and wave dissipation due to breaking. The wave dissipation is proportional to nonlinear wave interactions, if the wave curvature spectrum is below the “threshold saturation level.” Above this threshold the wave dissipation rapidly increases so that the wave height spectrum is limited. The coupled model is applied to mature wind-driven seas for which the wind forcing only occurs in the equilibrium range away from the spectral peak. Modeled wave height curvature spectra as functions of wavenumber k are consistent with observations and transition from k 1/2 at low wavenumbers to k 0 at high wavenumbers. Breaking waves affect only weakly the wave height spectrum. Furthermore, the wind input to waves is dominated by nonbreaking waves closer to the spectral peak. Shorter breaking waves, however, can support a significant fraction, which increases with wind speed, of the total air–sea momentum flux.
Flavonoid and ceroptin pigments from frond exudates of Pityrogramma triangularis

Abstract Two chemically distinct golden-yellow flavonoid exudates occur on the underside of fronds of Pityrogramma triangularis : ceroptin and a newly described flavonol, 6-methyl-8-methoxy-3,5,7-trihydroxyflavone were detected in one of the exudates and two methylated kaempferol derivatives, 4′-methoxy-3,5,7-trihydroxyflavone and 3,5-dihydroxy-7,4′-dimethoxyflavone were isolated from the other.
Strain determination from the measurement of pebble shapes: the special case of a bent foliation

Abstract When strain in a deformed conglomerate with strongly flattened pebbles was estimated by the method of Oertel (1978), using the modification by Miller and Oertel (1979), paradoxical results were obtained, inasmuch as the procedure nominally yielded one negative principal half-axis of the shape ellipsoid. This being meaningless, assumptions were relaxed to allow non-homogeneity of orientation of the foliation plane. By allowing variable rigid-body rotation of each plane and by adjusting this rotation weighted by the uncertainties of orientation in each plane, an ellipsoid was found that has plane sections with axial ratios equal, within specified limits, to those of the mean observed pebble cross-sections in the same planes. Weighted adjustment minimizes the amount of information about orientation that is discarded in achieving compatibility.
Sphingosine-1-phosphate and immune regulation: trafficking and beyond

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid with important functions in the immune system. S1P levels are regulated by the balance between its synthesis through sphingosine kinases and its degradation by S1P lyase. S1P signals through plasma membrane G-protein-coupled receptors (S1PR1–S1PR5) or acts directly on intracellular targets. Although it has long been known that the S1P–S1PR1 axis mediates T cell egress from lymphoid organs, recent studies have revealed intrinsic functions of S1P and its receptors in both innate and adaptive immune systems that are independent of immune cell trafficking. Here I summarize recent advances in understanding of the roles of S1P and S1P receptors in inflammatory and allergic responses and lymphocyte differentiation, which directly contribute to the regulation of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. I also describe strategies to target S1P and S1P receptors for immune-mediated diseases, particularly the immunosuppressant FTY720 (fingolimod), which has recently become the first oral therapy for relapsing multiple sclerosis.
Childhood Molestation Reported by Women with Somatization Disorder

AbstractFew adult symptoms were associated with a history of childhood sexual molestation in women with somatization disorder (SD). Molested SD women were more likely to come from broken childhood homes with absent fathers and young mothers. These patients report anorgasmia, suicide attempts, and substance abuse, but these differences were not significant when corrected statistically for the effect of multiple comparisons. Alcoholism in patients was strongly correlated with alcoholism in biologic parents. No substantial evidence implicated childhood molestation in the etiology of SD.