cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Framework for integrating sound into virtual environment interfaces

ABSTRACTSound represents a largely untapped source of realism in Virtual Environments (VEs). In the real world,sound constantly surrounds us and pulls us into our world. In YEs, sound enhances the immersiveness of thesimulation and provides valuable information about the environment. While there has been a growing interest inintegrating sound into VE interfaces, current technology has not brought about its widespread use. This, we believe, can be attributed to the lack of proper tools for modeling and rendering the auditory world. We have been investigating some of the problems which we believe are pivotal to the widespread use of sound in VE interfaces.As a result of this work, we have developed the Virtual Audio Server (VAS). VAS is a distributed, real-time spatialsound generation server. It provides high level abstractions for modeling the auditory world and the events whichoccur in the world. VAS supports both sampled and synthetic sound sources and provides a device independentinterface to spatialization hardware. Resource management schemes can easily be integrated into the server tomanage the real-time generation of sound. We are currently investigating possible approaches to this importantproblem.1. INTRODUCTIONSound represents a largely untapped source of realism in Virtual Environments (VEs). In the real world,
Expansion Thoracoplasty Affects Lung Growth and Morphology in a Rabbit Model: A Pilot Study

Background Thoracic insufficiency syndrome represents a novel form of postnatal restrictive respiratory disease occurring in children with early-onset scoliosis and chest wall anomalies. Expansion thoracoplasty improves lung volumes in children with thoracic insufficiency syndrome; however, how it affects lung development is unknown.
Grain and cellulosic ethanol: History, economics, and energy policy

The United States (US) and Brazil have been the two leading producers of fuel ethanol since the 1970s. National policies have supported the production and use of ethanol from corn and sugarcane. US support in particular has included exemption from federal gasoline excise taxes, whole or partial exemption from road use (sales) taxes in nine states, a federal production tax credit, and a federal blender's credit. In the last decade the subsidization of grain-based ethanol has been increasingly criticized as economically inefficient and of questionable social benefit. In addition, much greater production of ethanol from corn may conflict with food production needs. A promising development is the acceleration of the technical readiness of cellulosic alcohol fuels, which can be produced from the woody parts of trees and plants, perennial grasses, or residues. This technology is now being commercialized and has greater long-term potential than grain ethanol. Cellulosic ethanol is projected to be much more cost-effective, environmentally beneficial, and have a greater energy output to input ratio than grain ethanol. The technology is being developed in North America, Brazil, Japan and Europe. In this paper, we will review the historical evolution of US federal and state energy policy support for and the currently attractive economics of the production and use of ethanol from biomass. The various energy and economic policies will be reviewed and assessed for their potential effects on cellulosic ethanol development relative to gasoline in the US.
Telecytology for EBUS-FNA immediate adequacy assessment: implementation experience at a large academic medical center.

Introduction Performing immediate assessment (IA) has become the standard of care for endobronchial ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EBUS-FNA) specimens. Despite the benefits of aiding interventional pulmonologists to achieve higher adequacy rates and fewer unnecessary passes, the time required by attending cytopathologists to be present for on-site assessments is significant and affects other clinical responsibilities. Telepathology, as implemented here, consists of a cytotechnologist-driven or trainee-driven microscope attached to a Nikon DS-Fi1 Camera and DS-L2 controller that displays dynamic microscopic images in real time on the attending pathologist's office computer. Materials and methods Preliminary assessment results, final diagnoses, and corresponding surgical pathology diagnoses, when available, were compared between consecutive EBUS-FNA specimens acquired before and after implementation of telepathology-assisted IA. Cases were divided into 3 categories: satisfactory for evaluation, indeterminate for evaluation, and unsatisfactory for evaluation. Results During the first half of 2012, immediate assessments for adequacy were performed in person by attending pathologists for all cases in the EBUS-FNA suite. There were 209 adequacy assessments performed without the use of telepathology and 289 with telepathology. There were no differences in the relative distribution of satisfactory, indeterminate, and unsatisfactory for evaluation cases, the percentages of diagnostic samples relative to the adequacy category or in the histologic concordance between pretelepathology and post-telepathology cases. Conclusions Telepathology-assisted IA of EBUS-FNA allowed for the same diagnostic accuracy as traditional on-site IA and is saves time for pathologists.
Cultivar Effects on Oat-Berseem Clover Intercrops

Oat (A vena sativa L.) intercropped with berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.), an annual forage legume, has economic and biological advantages for use as a rotation crop in the north-central USA. To investigate the effects of different oat and berseem clover cultivars on the productivity of the intercrop and its components, and to test for interspecific cultivar interactions, we evaluated binary combinations and monocultures of a sample of oat and berseem clover cultivars in three Iowa environments. Oat cultivars varied for oat traits, effects on clover stands and yield, and total intercrop biomass. Berseem clover cultivars varied for forage yield, stand, maturity, damage due to disease and insects, and effects on intercrop biomass. In one environment, only one of seven berseem clover cultivars survived after the first forage harvest. Adding oat to berseem clover reduced total forage and weed yields, clover stands, and relative maturity of clover, but increased total crop biomass and forage plant health. Adding berseem clover to oat did not reduce oat grain or straw yields, and in one year increased oat test weight. Cultivar rankings of each species differed in monoculture vs. intercrop. Interspecific cultivar interactions were not significant for most traits. Greater genetic improvement in the productivity of the oat-berseem clover intercrop will more likely be achieved by improvement of general agronomic productivity of berseem clover than by trying to enhance specific ecological combining ability of particular oat and berseem clover cultivar combinations.
On-line echocardiographic assessment of hemodynamic indexes by an adaptive Doppler analysis algorithm and signal/noise ratio calculation

Assessment of cardiac diseases commonly involves the use of spectral Doppler echocardiography. Its use, however, often requires manual digitization of various transvalvular flow profiles. A new approach has been developed for on-line analysis of Doppler data, which involves thresholding based on the signal/noise ratio, calculating instantaneous values, and plotting on the spectral display in real time. We examined the reliability of this new method in 32 patients with 59 various flow jets by comparing it with the data derived by manual analysis. Correlations between the algorithm analysis and manual analysis for peak velocity, peak gradient, velocity-time integral, and acceleration time were excellent. These indexes were obtained with the algorithm in a shorter time and with better reproducibility than with manual analysis. Thus this new adaptive Doppler analysis algorithm yields reliable on-line quantification of valuable hemodynamic variables and represents an advance in quantitative echocardiography.
ALS-Linked Cu/Zn–SOD Mutation Increases Vulnerability of Motor Neurons to Excitotoxicity by a Mechanism Involving Increased Oxidative Stress and Perturbed Calcium Homeostasis

Abstract We employed a mouse model of ALS, in which overexpression of a familial ALS-linked Cu/Zn–SOD mutation leads to progressive MN loss and a clinical phenotype remarkably similar to that of human ALS patients, to directly test the excitotoxicity hypothesis of ALS. Under basal culture conditions, MNs in mixed spinal cord cultures from the Cu/Zn–SOD mutant mice exhibited enhanced oxyradical production, lipid peroxidation, increased intracellular calcium levels, decreased intramitochondrial calcium levels, and mitochondrial dysfunction. MNs from the Cu/Zn–SOD mutant mice exhibited greatly increased vulnerability to glutamate toxicity mediated by α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate receptors. The increased vulnerability of MNs from Cu/Zn–SOD mutant mice to glutamate toxicity was associated with enhanced oxyradical production, sustained elevations of intracellular calcium levels, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Pretreatment of cultures with vitamin E, nitric oxide-suppressing agents, peroxynitrite scavengers, and estrogen protected MNs from Cu/Zn–SOD mutant mice against excitotoxicity. Excitotoxin-induced degeneration of spinal cord MNs in adult mice was more extensive in Cu/Zn–SOD mutant mice than in wild-type mice. The mitochondrial dysfunction associated with Cu/Zn–SOD mutations may play an important role in disturbing calcium homeostasis and increasing oxyradical production, thereby increasing the vulnerability of MNs to excitotoxicity.
Short-term eurocurrency rate behavior and specifications of cointegrating processes

Abstract This article presents empirical evidence on short-term behavior based on seven Eurocurrency market rates. Empirical analysis suggests that there is two-dimensional cointegration. First, the domestic short-term interest rate is cointegrated with longer-term interest rates within a particular country. Second, the domestic short-term interest rate is cointegrated with the comparable foreign short-term interest rate adjusted for the foreign exchange forward premium (discount). The empirical evidence confirms that an error-correction model combining both dimensional market-correcting processes better explains short-term interest rate movements.
Letter to the Editor---What is a System?

When a scientist of almost any specialty asks what Operations Research or Systems Analysis is, we can take it for granted that he knows the meaning of research and analysis. But this leaves an embarrassing question.
Comparison between the predictions of diffusion-reaction models and localized Ca2+ transients in amphibian skeletal muscle fibers

We developed a three-dimensional cylindrical diffusion-reaction model of a single amphibian myofibril in which Ca2+ release occurred only at the Z-line. The model incorporated diffusion of Ca2+, Mg2+, and all relevant buffer species, as well as the kinetic binding reactions between the buffers and appropriate ions. Model data was blurred according to a Gaussian approximation of the point spread function of the microscope and directly compared with experimental data obtained using the confocal spot methodology. The flux parameters were adjusted until the simulated Z-line transient matched the experimental one. This model could not simultaneously predict key parameters of the experimental M- and Z-line transients, even when model parameters were adjusted to unreasonably extreme values. Even though the model was accurate in predicting the Z-line transient under conditions of high [EGTA], it predicted a significantly narrower Ca2+ domain than observed experimentally. We modified the model to incorporate a broader band of release centered at the Z-line. This extended release model was superior both in simultaneously predicting critical features of the Z- and M-line transients as well as the domain profile under conditions of high [EGTA]. We conclude that a model of release occurring exclusively at the Z-line cannot explain our experimental data and suggest that Ca2+ may be released from a broader region of the sarcoplasmic reticulum than just the T-tubule-sarcoplasmic reticulum junction.
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), or Osler-Weber-Rendu disease, is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by multi-system telangiectasia, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and/or vascular dysplasia. The vascular anomalies of HHT are found as telangiectasia in the skin or mucosa of the aerodigestive tract. Aberrant vessels can also give rise to AVMs in visceral organs, such as the liver, lung, and brain. Mucosal telangiectasia usually leads to chronic often daily nose bleeds, while tissue-based AVMs can result in spontaneous aerodigestive tract or visceral organ hemorrhage. HHT clinical manifestations are heterogeneous within any given population, and lesions typically increase in severity with time. Severe presentations are particularly challenging for the provider and patient alike as symptoms are often refractory to traditional medical and/or surgical treatment regimens. In addition, the multi-system nature of HHT requires the coordination of many specialties including otolaryngology, hematology, pulmonology, hepatology, gastroenterology, neurological surgery, and dermatology.
Projection Training for Engineering Student Apprentices

This type of training centres on a group project, but its essence is the continuous ‘projection’ of company information into the students — once they have discovered what it is that they want to know. The information and guidance is given by high‐level staff, but the suggestions come from the students. This method is now also being tried experimentally with technical apprentices on block release
Botulinum toxin type B (MYOBLOC) versus botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX) frontalis study: rate of onset and radius of diffusion.

Background. Botulinum toxin types A and B can improve the appearance of facial wrinkles. Differences in the time until onset and the degree of diffusion have been observed anecdotally, but no direct comparative studies have been done. Objective. To compare the rate of onset and the radius of diffusion of botulinum toxin types A and B in the rhytides of the forehead. Methods. Adults with symmetrical moderate to severe forehead wrinkles at full contracture received botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX; 5 U) on one side of the forehead and type B (MYOBLOC; 500 U) on the other side. Photographs taken at rest and full frontalis contracture were analyzed by computer, and a time-lapse motion picture was created. Radius of diffusion and time until full effect were measured. Results. Botulinum toxin type B had a slightly faster onset of action than type A. All patients responded to type B quickly, whereas some had a delayed response to type A. A greater radius of diffusion was consistently observed with botulinum toxin type B, as measured by the greater area of wrinkle reduction at the doses used. Conclusions. In this comparative study of patients with symmetrical forehead wrinkles, botulinum toxin type B produced a greater area of diffusion and a more rapid onset of action than type A.
Two-, four-, and six-strand zone II flexor tendon repairs: an in situ biomechanical comparison using a cadaver model.

A dynamic in vitro model of zone II flexor tendon repair was used to compare gliding resistance, gap formation, and ultimate strength of the 2-, 4-, and 6-strand repair techniques. Each of 12 hands was mounted to a loading frame with 3 flexor tendons attached to individual pneumatic cylinders. A spring attached to a pin through the distal end of each digit provided a 1.25-kg resistance force. The force required to flex each proximal interphalangeal joint to 90° was determined. Following this, the tendons were sectioned and each was repaired using a different technique so that each specimen acted as its own control. The 2- and 4-strand core sutures were placed using a suture interlock technique with radial and ulnar grasping purchase of the tendon on each side of the transverse part of the repair. Each repair was, accomplished using a single core stitch with the knot buried between the tendon ends. The 4-strand repair involved an additional horizontal mattress suture with the knot buried. Repair of the dorsal side of the tendon was performed followed by core suture placement. The palmar portion of the peripheral locking suture was comp leted after core suture placement. Following repair, each hand was remounted on the frame and cycled 1,000 times. After cyclic loading, the resulting gap between the repaired ends of each tendon was measured, the tendons were removed from the hand, and each was loaded to failure in tension. All tendon repairs showed a small, but not statistically significant, increase in gliding resistance after reconstruction. The 2- strand repair had significantly greater gap formation after cyclic loading (mean gap, 2.75 mm) than either the 4-strand (0.30 mm) or 6-strand (0.31 mm) repair. The tensile strength of the 6-strand repair (mean, 78.7 N) was significantly greater than either the 4-strand (means, 43.0 N) or 2-strand (mean, 33.9 N) repair.
Extracorporal shock wave lithotripsy in the management of stones in children with oxalosis—still the first choice?

Primary hyperoxaluria (PH) is a recognised cause of nephrolithiasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the success of extracorporal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in treating nephrolithiasis in children with PH. This was a retrospective review of patient characteristics, treatments and outcomes of 36 children with oxalate stones due to PH. A total of 52 stones were formed in 28 patients, of which 23 stones were treated with ESWL. Of these 23 stones, ten improved and 13 did not; nine were located in the upper pole, nine in the lower pole and four and one in the pelvic and ureteric areas, respectively. All pelvic and ureteric stones improved, while 66.7 % of upper pole stones and 89.9 % of lower pole stones did not; 20 % of PH type 1 stones improved compared to 47 % of PH type 2 stones. The mean pre- and post-eGFR in stone-improvers was 98.82 and 104.7 ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively; in the non-improvers, these values were 100.75 and 95.68 ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Mean pre-ESWL stone size in the improved and non-improved groups was 7.3 mm and 8.5 mm respectively. Based on our results, ESWL is not the ideal method of stone therapy for patients with PH. ESWL was more effective in treating pelvic and ureteric stones, with upper pole stone response being better than lower pole response. PH2 patients were more than twice as likely to respond to ESWL treatment. Stone size and prior preventive treatment did not affect outcome. eGFR was not affected by ESWL.
4Bs or Not 4Bs: Bricks, Bytes, Brains, and Bandwidth.

The effective integration of planning to include bricks, bytes, brains, and bandwidth (the 4Bs) represents an opportunity for community colleges to extend their capacity as knowledge-intensive organizations, coupling knowledge, technology, and learning. Integration is important to ensure that the interplay among organizations, agents within them, and technology result in enhanced global performance within the organization rather than localized improvement that creates new difficulties elsewhere. Enhanced roles for chief information officers should include people-enhancing processes, such as learning, coaching, mentoring, and team development; attention to learning architectures that include the 4Bs; and a strategic emphasis on developing organizational intelligence through transformation of data into working knowledge.
Lesions of nigrostriatal pathway reduce expression of tyrosine hydroxylase gene in residual dopaminergic neurons of substantia nigra

The effects of unilateral mechanical transection of the nigrostriatal bundle of rat brain on the level of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA and on the activity of TH enzyme in the substantia nigra (SN) were examined. Lesions resulted, by 14 days, in reductions of TH mRNA level to 10% of control and of TH enzyme activity to 39% of control in the ipsilateral SN. The percentage of TH mRNA is lower than either the percentage of surviving dopaminergic neurons or the remaining TH enzyme activity. In situ hybridization analyses also demonstrated the reduction of TH mRNA concentration in surviving dopaminergic neurons in the ipsilateral SN.
Claimed Versus Calculated Cue-Weighting Systems for Screening Employee Applicants.

Abstract This research compares the cue-weighting system which assessors claimed they used with the cue-weighting system one would infer they used based on multiple observations of their assessing behavior. The claimed cue-weighting systems agreed poorly with the empirically calculated cue-weighting systems for all assessors except one who utilized only one cue. Methodological and substantive implications in the area of perceptions of competent people are discussed.
CHLOROPHYLL PHOTOSENSITIZED ELECTRON TRANSFER IN PHOSPHOLIPID VESICLE BILAYERS: INSIDE VS OUTSIDE ASYMMETRY*

— We have determined triplet quenching efficiencies. radical yields and radical recombination kinetics in mixed chlorophyll (Chl)-egg phosphatidylcholine vesicle suspensions in the presence of electrically-charged electron acceptors located either in the external. continuous aqueous phase or within the internal aqueous volume of the vesicles. There was a marked asymmetry between these processes as to whether they occurred at the outer or inner bilayer-water interfaces. With methyl viologen (MV2+) as acceptor, 52 ± 4% of the total Chl triplet could be quenched from the inside. whereas only 16 ± 2% was quenchable from the outside. Approximately 35% of the triplet population was inacccssible to quenching by MV2+ from either inside or outside. Ouenching rate constants were higher from the outside than from the inside (2 × 106M−lS-Ivs 1 × 106M−Is−1). A similar pattern was obtained when anthraquinone disulfonate or ferricyanide were used as acceptors. Radical yields and recombination kinetics also displayed asymmetric behaviour. From the inside. only 4 ± 2% of the quenched triplets gave rise to separated radicals using MV2+ as acceptor, whereas from the outside the conversion yield was 32 ± 2%. The halftime for the Chl+ MV+ reaction was approximately 100 times longer at the outer surface than at the inner surface. We conclude the following: (a) Chl is distributed asymmetrically within the bilayer such that more triplet Chl is located within quenching distance of the interface at the inner surface than at the outer surface. Furthermore, an appreciable fraction of the triplet Chl is located sufficiently far from either interface so that quenching is not possible. (b) The mobility of Chl and quencher molecules is greater at the outer surface of the vesicles than at the inner surface.
Respiratory Muscle Performance, Pulmonary Mechanics, and Gas Exchange Between the BiPAP S/T-D System and the Servo Ventilator 900C With Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure Ventilation Following Gradual Pressure Support Weaning

Study objective Our objective was to compare respiratory muscle performance, pulmonary mechanics, and gas exchange between the BiPAP S/T-D ventilation system (Respironics Inc; Murrysville, PA) and the Servo Ventilator 900C (Siemens-Elma AB; Sweden) with similar inspiratory and expiratory airway pressure in patients who are recovering from acute respiratory failure. Study design A prospective, randomized, clinical trial. Setting Medical ICU. Patients and methods We studied 27 medical patients on mechanical ventilators following gradual pressure support weaning. Each patient breathed while in the following equivalent modes: (a) an inspiratory pressure preset (pressure support mode) of 5 cm H 2 O with an external positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 5 cm H 2 O on the Servo Ventilator 900C and (b) an inspiratory pressure preset of 10 cm H 2 O with an expiratory pressure preset of 5 cm H 2 O on the BiPAP S/T-D. Using the CP-100 pulmonary monitor, we compared the total work of breathing (WOB), the pressure-time index (PTP), and other pulmonary mechanics and gas exchange parameters between the two modes. Results The WOB in joules per liter (mean ± SE) (0.76 ± 0.08 vs 0.73 ± 0.08, p = 0.70), the WOB in joules per minute (8.62 ± 1.06 vs 8.11 ± 0.96, p = 0.60), and the PTP in cm H 2 O/s/min (187 ± 18 vs 167 ± 18, p = 0.21) between the BiPAP S/T-D and the Servo Ventilator 900C were not statistically different. There were statistically significant differences between the two ventilators in auto-PEEP (1.34 ± 0.37 vs 0.88 ± 0.30 cm H 2 O, p = 0.03), duty cycle (0.44 ± 0.01 vs 0.37 ± 0.01, p 2 O/L/S, p 2 to the fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO 2 ) (333 ± 21 vs 300 ± 22, p 2 (48 ± 2 vs 47 ± 2 mm Hg, p = 0.59) between the BiPAP S/T-D and the Servo Ventilator 900C. Conclusions Despite differences in initiating and maintaining the inspiratory and expiratory phases, in breathing circuits, and in ventilator circuits between the two ventilators, the performance of the BiPAP S/T-D is equally efficacious to that of a conventional mechanical ventilator in supporting respiratory muscles. Thus, the BiPAP S/T-D is safe and effective when used in mechanically ventilated patients recovering from acute respiratory failure who do not require total ventilatory support.
Memory effects in a superconducting Y-Ba-Cu-O single crystal: A similarity to spin-glasses

We report on memory effects observed in the time dependence of the magnetization $M(T, H)$ of a superconducting Y-Ba-Cu-O single crystal. As in spin-glasses, the decay rate $S=\frac{\mathrm{dM}}{d\mathrm{ln}t}$ is not uniquely determined. It exhibits a characteristic change at time $t$ equal to the waiting time ${t}_{w}$ during which the specimen was kept at a given temperature $Tl{T}_{c}$ and magnetic field $H$ before a field perturbation $\ensuremath{\Delta}H$ is applied at time $t=0$. This phenomenon, seen for the first time in a superconductor, reveals the glassy nature of the superconducting state in the high-${T}_{c}$ oxides.
On the Alspach Conjecture

It has been conjectured by Alspach [2] that given integers n and m 1 , …, m t with 3 [les ] m i [les ] n and [sum ] t i =1 m i = ( n 2 ) ( n odd) or [sum ] t i =1 m i = ( n 2 ) − n /2 ( n even), then one can pack K n ( n odd) or K n minus a 1-factor ( n even) with cycles of lengths m 1 , …, m t . In this paper we show that if the cycle lengths m i are bounded by some linear function of n and n is sufficiently large then this conjecture is true.
The effect of temperature on the viscoelastic response of semicrystalline polymers

Three series of isothermal torsion relaxation tests were performed at various temperatures ranging from room temperature to T = 120°C on isotactic polypropylene, low-density polyethylene, and linear low-density polyethylene. Constitutive equations are derived for the viscoelastic behavior of a semicrystalline polymer at small strains. A polymer is treated as an equivalent network of strands bridged by temporary junctions (entanglements, physical crosslinks on the surfaces of crystallites, and lamellar blocks). The network is thought of as an ensemble of mesoregions with various activation energies for detachment of active strands from their junctions. The time-dependent response of the ensemble reflects thermally induced rearrangement of strands (separation of active strands from temporary junctions and merging of dangling strands with the network). Stress–strain relations are developed by using the laws of thermodynamics. The governing equations involve five adjustable parameters that are found by fitting the experimental data. This study focuses on the influence of temperature and crystalline morphology of polyolefins on the material parameters in the constitutive relations. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 9–23, 2004
Emission Spectra of Hydrogen-Seeded Helium Arcjets

Abstract : With currently available space electric power systems, the optimum specific impulse for electrically propelled satellite transfers from low Earth orbit to geosynchronous Earth orbit appears to be in the 1000 to 1200 second range. Arcjets operating with helium as a propellant may be the most efficient electric thruster capable of operating in this specific impulse range. This work reports on a recent set of experiments in which emission spectra of the plume of a helium arcjet were acquired and analyzed to obtain information on the internal energy modes of the arcjet. Of particular interest is the population of electronically excited helium states, as these carry a large energy, and would have a significant negative impact on arcjet performance if highly populated. Experiments were conducted using pure helium as a propellant, and using helium seeded with small amounts (<= 5%) hydrogen. Data are presented which show that the intensity of emissions from the excited helium states falls off rapidly as the hydrogen concentration is increased. Electron temperatures, as determined by Boltzman plots of three different series of helium lines, remain constant within limits of uncertainty as the hydrogen concentration is varied. It is also observed that, as a function of distance from the exit plane, the emission intensities of several lines in the helium spectrum fall off proportionally, indicating that the emission observed does not derive from re-emission of photons originating in the arc which were absorbed by the plume.
Airway Tube Exchanger Techniques in Morbidly Obese Patients

Morbidly obese patients may present a challenge during airway management. When airway tube exchange is required, it can even be more challenging than the primary intubation. With the increasing prevalence of morbid obesity over the years, there will be increasing numbers of these patients presenting for surgical procedures, including ones that require endotracheal tube exchanges. It is therefore important for anesthesiologists to be familiar with options and limitations of the airway tube exchanger techniques.
Using a classification of occupations to describe age, sex, and time differences in employment patterns

Abstract Employment data from the 1960 and 1970 censuses were organized using Holland's occupational classification to examine age, sex, and level differences in employment, and to detect changes over the 10-year period. Data were organized in terms of both kind and level of work. Arranging information about the occupational structure of the workforce in terms of a classification that parallels the way psychologists describe people facilitates some psychological interpretations of employment patterns. For example, realistic work is becoming relatively less common and the sexual composition of the occupational categories may be changing. The results provide structured information about the workforce and its changing nature that can be communicated to people planning their careers, personnel workers and counselors, and to government agencies and planners.
Strength vs. temporal-order information in delayed-matching-to-sample performance by monkeys

The usual procedure in delayed-matching-to-sample (DMTS) experiments is that the most recently presented sample stimulus is correct on choice tests. The present paper reports two experments in which the first of two samples was always correct. Theories based on trace strength, such as the Roberts and Grant trace strength competition model, predict that such a procedure will yield below chance performance, because on the average the more recently presented stimulus will have the greater trace strength. In contrast, D’Amato and others have proposed that DMTS performance is mediated by a temporal discrimination process and, since either stimulus may act as S+ in a discrimination problem, monkeys should be capable of learning to choose either the secondor the first of two sample stimuli. Performance did not exceed chance in either experiment. The generality of these results is tentatively explored.
ROS to the rescue.

overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in biological systems has been associated with the initiation or aggravation of diverse pathological states ([14][1], [19][2]). The presumed mechanism is through the ability of ROS to induce biochemical alterations in macromolecules such as DNA, lipids
One-neutron and two-neutron transfer in the scattering of 18O by 16O

Abstract Angular distributions have been measured for one- and two-neutron transfer reactions induced by 18 O beams on 16 O targets at lab bombarding energies of 42 and 52 MeV. The reactions populating the ground and first excited states of 17 O and 18 O are analyzed in terms of single-step finite range plus recoil DWBA theory taking into account antisymmetrization effects. Special attention is paid to an internally consistent description of the observed absolute magnitudes of all the reactions and to the theoretically expected interferences between various backward-forward scattering mechanisms. The importance of neutron transfer in accounting for different absorbing properties of the 16 O- 19 O system as compared to the 16 O- 16 O system is shown.
Aligning Darkness with Conspiracy Theory: The Discursive Effects of African American Interest in Gary Webb's “Dark Alliance”

Gary Webb's “Dark Alliance” series chronicles a drug ring that stretched from inner-city Los Angeles to the Nicaraguan Contra army. Frequently identified as a conspiracy theory in mainstream press coverage, Webb's work evoked widespread African American support. The mainstream media largely dismissed Webb's conclusions and portrayed the Black community as gullible conspiracy advocates. Using Foucault's concepts of the discursive formation and the discursive effect, the academic and public discourses surrounding the conspiracy theory are analyzed, and the discursive effects of the charge of conspiracy theory are considered in relation to the reporting of a large African American newspaper, the Los Angeles Sentinel.
The displacement of sport: media spectacles of street support in the 2002 World Cup

For South Korea, the 2002 World Cup came to be largely defined by the ‘street supporters’ – millions of Koreans who took to the streets to support their team and celebrate its achievements. Proclaimed as a cathartic experience that would revitalize Korean society and mentality, such interpretations obscured the actual operation of street support as primarily a scheme of media consumption. This article examines the Korean media's coverage of street support, and their production of the practice as a commoditized spectacle. The media used this coverage to develop a pervasive rhythm of media consumption, wherein the relationship between sport and nationalism was leveraged for a generalized and carnivalesque spectacle. This treatment of street support was a particularly explicit indicator of a more general trend, wherein the practice of sport spectatorship is increasingly displaced by the practice of general media consumption with regard to sport.
Correlation of MRI findings to histology of acetaminophen toxicity in the mouse

Acetaminophen (APAP) toxicity is responsible for approximately half of all cases of acute liver failure in the United States. The mouse model of APAP toxicity is widely used to examine mechanisms of APAP toxicity. Noninvasive approaches would allow for serial measurements in a single animal to study the effects of experimental interventions on the development and resolution of hepatocellular necrosis. The following study examined the time course of hepatic necrosis using small animal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) following the administration of 200 mg/kg ip APAP given to B6C3F1 male mice. Mice treated with saline served as controls (CON). Other mice received treatment with the clinical antidote N-acetylcysteine (APAP+NAC). Mouse liver pathology was characterized using T1- and T2-weighted sequences at 2, 4, 8 and 24 h following APAP administration. Standard assays for APAP toxicity [serum alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) levels and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of liver sections] were examined relative to MRI findings. Overall, T2 sequences had a greater sensitivity for necrosis and hemorrhage than T1 (FLASH) images. Liver injury severity scoring of MR images demonstrated increased scores in the APAP mice at 4, 8 and 24 h compared to the CON mice. APAP+NAC mice had MRI scores similar to the CON mice. Semiquantitative analysis of hepatic hemorrhage strongly correlated with serum ALT. Small animal MRI can be used to monitor the evolution of APAP toxicity over time and to evaluate the response to therapy.
Naloxone blocks 'anxiolytic' effects of neuropeptide Y.

Intracerebroventricular injection of neuropeptide Y (NPY) produces potent 'anxiolytic' effects in animal models of anxiety. Administration of opioid receptor antagonists suppresses NPY-induced food intake and thermogenesis. The present study examined whether the opiate antagonist naloxone would also suppress the 'anxiolytic' effects of neuropeptide Y. Following training and stabilization of responding in an operant conflict model of anxiety, rats were injected with either NPY or diazepam. Both NPY (veh., 2, 4, 6 microg, i.c.v.) and chlordiazepoxide (veh., 2, 4, 6 mg/kg, i.p.) produced a dose-dependent increase in punished responding in the conflict test. The 'anxiolytic' effects of NPY were not blocked by the administration of flumazenil (3, 6, 12 mg/kg, i.p.). The administration of naloxone (0.25-2.0 mg/kg, s.c.) antagonized the effects of NPY. Central administration of the selective mu opiate antagonist CTAP (1 microg, i.c.v.) partially blocked NPY-induced conflict responding. These results support the hypothesis that NPY may play an important role in experimental anxiety independent of the benzodiazepine receptor and further implicate the opioid system in the behavioral expression of anxiety.
Vagal component of the chronotropic response to baroreceptor stimulation in man.

Abstract The vagal component of the chronotropic response to baroreceptor stimulation in normal man was evaluated by measuring responses of heart rate and arterial pressure to the intravenous administration of the alpha-adrenergic stimulator methoxamine in the presence of total preganglionic sympathetic denervation produced by spinal anesthesia. Mean arterial pressure increased an average of 20.5 per cent with methoxamine. This was associated with a 26.5 per cent decrease in heart rate. Methoxamine-induced bradycardia observed during sympathetic denervation was abolished when total sympathetic denervation was combined with parasympathetic inhibition (atropine). It is concluded that in normal man vagal parasympathetic impulses contribute to the development of the reflex bradycardia associated with elevation of arterial pressure.
Histological and neurotrophic changes triggered by varying models of bladder inflammation.

Purpose: We determined whether bladder inflammation causes elevated expression of nerve growth factor by bladder parenchymal cells, leading to alterations in neurons innervating the bladder. To answer this question biochemical, histological and neuronal size data were obtained in rats following various experimental models of bladder inflammation.Materials and Methods: Chemical (2.5% formalin), immune (lipopolysaccharide 2 × 104 cfu/ml.) and mechanical (chromic catgut) inflammation was evaluated at various times and compared to control bladders. Hematoxylin and eosin, and Giemsa staining was done to characterize inflammation and quantify mast cells in the bladder. Nerve growth factor protein and messenger RNA were assayed in the bladder and major pelvic ganglion using 2-site enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Retrograde axonal tracing was done to size bladder neurons in the major pelvic and dorsal root ganglia.Results: All forms of inflammat...
Noise exposure in the rural setting

Noise levels of 155 tractors on 36 farms were studied. The range of noise levels at the driver's ear level with radios off and windows closed (if so equipped) was from 78 to 103 dB. Seventy-five percent of tractors without cabs had noise levels in excess of 90 dB, compared to only 18% of tractors with cabs. The use of a radio adds an average of 3.1 dB of noise. When some cab windows are open and the radio is on, an average of 4.2 dB is added to the cab noise. From the results of this study, the authors recommend hearing protection when time on a tractor with a cab approaches 3 to 4 hours and when time on a tractor without a cab approaches 1.5 to 2 hours. Limited use of the radio is also recommended.
Old and new moving-knife schemes

In general, moving-knife schemes seem to be easier to come by than pure existence results (like Neyman’s [N] theorem) but harder to come by than discrete algorithms (like the Dubins-Spanier [DS] last-diminisher method). For envy-free allocations for four or more people, however, the order of difficulty might actually be reversed. Neyman’s existence proof (for anyn) goes back to 1946, the discovery of a discrete algorithm for alln ≥ 4 is quite recent [BT1, BT2, BT3], and a moving-knife solution forn = 4 was found only as this article was being prepared (see [BTZ]). We are left with this unanswered question: Is there a moving-knife scheme that yields an envyfree division for five (or more) players?
Effect of Pectin and Lignin on Mutagenicity in the Ames Assay

The effect of incorporating varying concentrations of pectin and lignin into the Ames assay with the known mutagens, benzo(a) pyrene, 3-methyl cholanthrene, and N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, on mutagenic activity was investigated. The addition of 50 μg, 150 μg, and 300 μg concentrations of pectin and lignin failed to block the mutagenicity of benzo-pyrene and 3-methyl cholanthrene in the Ames/mammalian microsome assay using Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 and TA 100 with and without preincubation. The incorporation of 50 μg, 150 μg, and 300 μg of pectin and lignin did not block the mutagenic activity of MNNG in the Ames Spot test with Salmonella typhimurium TA 100.
Implementing a secure Teleradiology system using the internet

Abstract Recent advances in technology and the availability of the Internet, high bandwidth and the acceptance of standards and procedures to protect patients' privacy and confidentiality opened up a new era in Telemedicine and networking of all medical information [A. Alaoui, B.A. Levine, P. Beauchene, E.M. McAlinden, M.J.T. Hy, J. Choi, B.S.J.C. Welch, S.K. Mun, Implementation of a home monitoring network for patients with congestitive heart failure, IEEE EMBS Special topic Conference on Information Technology Applications in Biomedicine, Birmingham, 2003]. In this paper we will detail the implementation of a Teleradiology program in Georgetown University that leverages the availability of the Internet, security measures and procedures to protect patient confidentiality.
Two-dimensional NOESY nuclear magnetic resonance study of pH-dependent changes in humic acid conformation in aqueous solution

Two-dimensional homonulcear 1 H nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY) reveals pH-dependent changes in humic acid conformation in aqueous solution. The lack of cross-peaks spanning aliphatic structures in the pH 13 NOESY spectrurr supports a chainlike primary structure for humic aliphatic and oxygen-substituted aliphatic structures. The absence of cross-peaks in the pH 13 NOESY spectrum spanning aromatic structures indicates either negligible cross-linking or branching of humic aromatic structures or a very specific form of cross-linking: extensive aromatic-ring fusion resulting in low proton abundance. In either case, humic aromatic structures exhibit greater rigidity than aliphatic structures, oxygen-substituted or unsubstituted. A dense array of cross-peaks, forming a terrace that spans the full range of both humic aliphatic and oxygen-substituted aliphatic structures, appears at pH 12, revealing a compact folding and intimate mixing of aliphatic and oxygen-substituted aliphatic structures. The folding of humic macromolecules as pH decreases reveals a marked segregation of aromatic and aliphatic structures, as evidenced by the absence of cross-peaks between the two domains: humic aromatic structures do not fold into aliphatic structures as humic macromolecules change conformation.
Reproductive behaviour of the angelfish Pterophyllum scalare (Pisces: Cichilidae) II. Influence of male stimuli upon the spawning rate of females

Thirty female Pterophyllum scalare were individually exposed for 60 days to treatments varying in the types of available stimuli from conspecific males, (isolated from males, but not from another female; exposed to chemical stimulation; exposed to visual stimulation; exposed to both visual and chemical stimulation; and controls). The influence of these treatments upon spawning rate and interval was determined. The isolates spawned at lower rates than did all other groups. Chemical or visual stimulation increased spawning rates near to the control level. The two stimuli presented simultaneously resulted in higher spawning rates than when either were presented alone and hence, appeared to have an additive effect.
Solar powered wireless sensor systems for border security

A secure border necessitates the development of new technology for remote sensing and surveillance. We investigate and develop wireless sensor network systems consisting of spatially distributed sensor nodes that can monitor various environmental parameters including temperature, humidity, motion, and vibration, etc. The sensors, nodes and transceivers have low-power consumption and are powered by solar energy so that the systems can work over long time periods with minimal human intervention and maintenance. This paper presents the technology development, wireless sensor integration, power management, and communication architecture, as well as a demonstration of environmental monitoring.
A rare complication of infective endocarditis

An 85-year-old woman presents with a 2-hour history of dyspnea, dizziness, generalized weakness, nausea, and diaphoresis. What is the cause?
Transformations of Resin-Bound Pyridinium Ylides: I. A Stereoselective Synthesis of 2,2,3-Trisubstituted Cyclopropanecarboxylates

Abstract Trans-3-alkyl- or -arylcyclopropanecarboxylates, substituted in the 2-position with alkoxycarbonyl or nitrile groups, are efficiently prepared by coupling bromoacetic acid with Wang resin followed by pyridinium ylide formation and condensation of the ylide with ethylidene malonate derivatives. Good yields are obtained after cleaving the resin and esterifying the resulting cyclopropanecarboxylic acid with diazomethane. © 1997 DuPont Merck Pharmaceutical Company. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
Spike Sorting: The First Step in Decoding the Brain: The first step in decoding the brain

In this article, we present an overview of the spike-sorting problem, its current solutions, and the challenges that remain. Because of the increasing demand for chronically implanted spike-sorting hardware, we will also discuss implementation considerations.