cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Semiparametric modeling of grouped current duration data with preferential reporting

Current duration data arise in cross-sectional studies from questions on the length of time from an initiating event to the time of interview. For example in the National Survey on Family Growth, women who were considered at risk for pregnancy were asked (a) “Are you currently attempting pregnancy?” and (b) “If yes, how many months have you been attempting to get pregnant?” The responses to (b), referred to as the current durations, are length-biased because women with longer durations are more likely to answer yes to question (a) and therefore be included in the sample. Previous methods to analyze such data include continuous time nonparametric and parametric approaches. In this article, we propose a semiparametric Cox model and a piecewise constant baseline model (used to account for digit preference) to analyze grouped current duration data. We discuss and investigate through simulation studies, the robustness properties of the proposed methods when digit preference is present. Lastly, we present an analysis of the current duration data resulting from the 2002 National Survey on Family Growth.
Model-free voltage stability assessments via singular value analysis of PMU data

Ill-conditioning of the power flow, reflected in high sensitivity of bus voltage magnitudes to load variation, often serves as a basic indicator of vulnerability to voltage instability. This sensitivity may be quantified by the induced 2-norm associated with the power flow Jacobian inverse, as may be computed from Singular Value Decomposition(SVD). While this conceptual picture is simple, near-real-time assembly of the power flow Jacobian under volatile operating conditions, and monitoring its singular values, presents severe computational and data management problems. As an alternative, work here will propose a “model-free” voltage stability and conditioning monitor, based solely on phasor measurement unit (PMU) data, arguing that such an approach is much better suited to near-real-time application. We first review singular value analysis in voltage stability assessment, and relate these existing approaches to our proposed method. We offer computational evidence that the proposed measure closely tracks the largest singular value of the inverse of the power flow Jacobian under continuous change in operating point, without the need for any network admittance data nor construction of the power flow model. This work goes on to examine characteristics of the PMU-based SVD measure in scenarios of discontinuous changes to network topology. We demonstrate that the new measure also provides a highly sensitive indicator of the occurrence of topology change, that may offer a valuable “consistency check” to supplement directly reported breaker status.
Proton and metal ion binding to natural organic polyelectrolytes-I. Studies with synthetic model compounds

Abstract A unified physico-chemical model, based on a modified Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, for the analysis of ion complexation reactions involving charged polymeric systems is presented and verified. In this model pH = p K a +p( ΔK a ) + log( α /1 − α ) where K a is the intrinsic acid dissociation constant of the ionizable functional groups on the polymer, ΔK a is the deviation of the intrinsic constant due to electrostatic interaction between the hydrogen ion and the polyanion, and alpha (α) is the polyacid degree of ionization. Using this approach p K a values for repeating acidic units of polyacrylic (PAA) and polymethacrylic (PMA) acids were found to be 4.25 ± 0.03 and 4.8 ± 0.1, respectively. The polyion electrostatic deviation term derived from the potentiometric titration data (i.e. p( ΔK a )) is used to calculate metal ion concentration at the complexation site on the surface of the polyanion. Intrinsic cobalt-polycarboxylate binding constants (7.5 for PAA and 5.6 for PMA), obtained using this procedure, are consistent with the range of published binding constants for cobalt-monomer carboxylate complexes. In two phase systems incorporation of a Donnan membrane potential term allows determination of the intrinsic p K a of a cross-linked PMA gel, p K a = 4.83, in excellent agreement with the value obtained for the linear polyelectrolyte and the monomer. Similarly, the intrinsic stability constant for cobalt ion binding to a PMA-gel ( β CoPMA+ = 11) was found to be in agreement with the linear polyelectrolyte analogue and the published data for cobalt-carboxylate monodentate complexes.
Dynamics in the Bridged State of a Magnetic Recording Slider

A novel region of tribological interaction is explored by inducing near contact between the magnetic recording slider and disk. In this study, we performed frictional measurements over a wide range of subambient air pressure and disk rotation rate. Since the slider is supported over the disk by an air bearing, it has been found that cycling from ambient to subambient and then back up to ambient pressure over several minutes of time forms a frictional hysteresis loop. The high-friction branch of the loop, referred to as the bridged state, is characterized by an average frictional displacement and resonant vibration of the suspension mount assembly. The bridged state is currently employed for accelerated wear testing of magnetic slider/disk/lubricant systems. Future magnetic recording systems designed to operate at increasingly lower physical spacing will need to take into account these frictional forces which accompany the incipient contact between the lubricated disk and slider with finite surface roughness. A single degree of freedom model is solved to determine the equivalent dynamic friction force on the slider as an impulse series with random impulse frequency and amplitude from the measured frictional displacement in the bridged state. The mean slider-disk spacing in the bridged state is derived from the experimental friction force, the spacing probability density function, and the adhesion stress from the Lifshitz model for dispersion interaction energy.
QUANTITATIVE CHANGES IN THE WHITE AND RED PULP OF THE SPLEEN DURING HEMOLYSIN FORMATION IN X-IRRADIATED AND NONIRRADIATED RABBITS

Three series of rabbits received 500 r to the total body, to the body with the appendix shielded, and to the body with the spleen shielded. One day later, these animals were injected intravenously with a single dose of sheep erythrocytes. A fourth series of rabbits was not irradiated and received only antigen. At specified intervals after treatment, groups of 3 to 4 rabbits were sacrificed, and the amount of splenic white and red pulp in these animals was determined by planimetric measurement of microprojected spleen sections. Results are reported and discussed. (C.H.)
Induction of chemokine production by latent Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection of endothelial cells.

Infection with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS)-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is linked strongly to development of KS, an endothelial neoplasm also characterized by striking neoangiogenesis and infiltration with inflammatory cells. To elucidate the links between endothelial infection and inflammation, primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were examined for the production of chemokines following latent KSHV infection. Several chemokines that are produced in the ground state, including MCP-1, NAP 2 and RANTES, are upregulated significantly by KSHV infection. Moreover, the chemokine CXCL16, which is nearly absent in uninfected cells, is induced significantly following infection. This induction is attributable primarily to expression of vFLIP, a known inducer of NF-κB. CXCL16 induces the chemotaxis of activated T cells, whose products have been proposed to positively regulate KS tumour-cell survival and growth. Whilst CXCL16 has also been proposed as a direct endothelial chemoattractant and mitogen, neither proliferation nor chemotaxis of HUVECs was observed following CXCL16 exposure. These results suggest that CXCL16 induction by KSHV contributes to the inflammatory phenotype of KS, but plays little role in the recruitment of endothelial spindle cells.
Differences in mortality among Mexican-American, Puerto Rican, and Cuban-American dialysis patients in the United States.

Background The Hispanic ethnic group is heterogeneous, with distinct genetic, cultural, and socioeconomic characteristics, but most prior studies of patients with end-stage renal disease focus on the overall Hispanic ethnic group without further granularity. We examined survival differences among Mexican-American, Puerto Rican, and Cuban-American dialysis patients in the United States. Study Design Prospective observational study. Setting & Participants Data from individuals randomly selected for the End-Stage Renal Disease Clinical Performance Measures Project (2001 to 2005) were examined. Mexican-American (n = 2,742), Puerto Rican (n = 838), Cuban-American (n = 145), and Hispanic-other dialysis patients (n = 942) were compared with each other and with non-Hispanic (n = 33,076) dialysis patients in the United States. Predictors Patient characteristics of interest included ethnicity/race, comorbidities, and specific available laboratory values. Outcomes The major outcome of interest was mortality. Results In the fully adjusted multivariable model, 2-year mortality risk was significantly lower for the Mexican-American and Hispanic-other groups compared with non-Hispanics (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.73 to 0.85; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.71 to 0.92, respectively). Differences in 2-year mortality rates within the Hispanic ethnic groups were statistically significant ( P = 0.004) and ranged from 21% lower mortality in Mexican Americans to 3% higher mortality in Puerto Ricans compared with non-Hispanics. Limitations Include those inherent to an observational study, potential ethnic group misclassification, and small sample sizes for some Hispanic subgroups. Conclusion Mexican-American and Hispanic-other dialysis patients have a survival advantage compared with non-Hispanics. Furthermore, Mexican Americans, Cuban Americans, and Hispanic others had a survival advantage compared with their Puerto Rican counterparts. Future research should continue to examine subgroups within Hispanic ethnicity to understand underlying reasons for observed differences that may be masked by examining the Hispanic ethnic group as only a single entity.
Revitalizing Difference in the HapMap: Race and Contemporary Human Genetic Variation Research:

Through an examination of the International Haplotype Map (HapMap), this paper explores some of the ways in which relationships among categories of race and genetic variation are being reconfigured in contemporary genetic research.
A portable flood detection system using heterogeneous sensor networks

The area of the state of Oregon has 98,381 square miles, which is the 9th largest in United States. Its population ranks 27th in United States, and most of its population residents in the Willamette valley, a narrow area north to Portland and south to eugene and home to eight of ten most populous cities in Oregon. This implies that most of Oregon are rural areas. It is necessary to design and deploy a portable intelligent system to monitor the danger and protect drivers' safety. In this paper, we will introduce the design of our portable intelligent flooding monitor system. We deploy sensors to roadside and/or vehicles. The flood alert will be sent to central control office or vehicles accessing the network.
Asymmetry of S-R and R-S associations with the direction of recall equated

Following the suggestion by Richardson (1960) , it was reasoned that the direction during recall must be equated in order to make meaningful comparisons between forward and backward learning with pairs consisting of different S and R materials. Using adjective-number and number-adjective pairs it was found that R-S recall exceeded S-R recall when the materials recalled were single-digit numbers, but the reverse was true when the items recalled were adjectives. The results were interpreted as contrary to a principle of associative symmetry.
Optimal beam scheduling for multicasting in wireless networks

We consider the problem of efficient link-layer multicasting in wireless networks with switched beamforming antennas. The inherent tradeoff between multicasting and beamforming -- the broadcast advantage of low-gain omni-directional transmissions versus the high-gain but spatially restricted transmissions of beamforming antennas -- makes this problem especially challenging.In this paper, we design and evaluate optimal algorithms, and easy-to-implement greedy algorithms with performance guarantees, that generate and schedule efficient beam patterns for multicast transmissions. These algorithms are built upon the novel usage of composite beams that provide a knob to control the operating point of the tradeoff curve. This is in contrast to the sub-optimal usage of either purely directional or omni-directional beams by existing schemes. We further consider two models for composite beam pattern generation: one in which transmit power is (a) equally split, and (b) asymmetrically split between the constituent main lobes. A systematic evaluation, using real world traces obtained from measurements using an eight element switched beamforming antenna in an indoor office environment, indicates significant gains of about four folds over omni and two folds over prior art schemes.
Parallel thinning with two-subiteration algorithms

Two parallel thinning algorithms are presented and evaluated in this article. The two algorithms use two-subiteration approaches: (1) alternatively deleting north and east and then south and west boundary pixels and (2) alternately applying a thinning operator to one of two subfields. Image connectivities are proven to be preserved and the algorithms' speed and medial curve thinness are compared to other two-subiteration approaches and a fully parallel approach. Both approaches produce very thin medial curves and the second achieves the fastest overall parallel thinning.
Commentary: Preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex: What options for Nigerian women?

This commentary focuses upon the difficulties of obtaining viable unadulterated pharmaceutical products and the small number of pharmacies in Nigeria. It discusses a study which provides useful information about over-the-counter distribution of emergency contraception in southwest Nigeria and concludes with a discussion on maternal mortality in the country.
Kirschvink receives 2011 William Gilbert Award: Citation

Joseph Kirschvink received the William Gilbert Award at the 2011 AGU Fall Meeting, held 5–9 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes outstanding and unselfish work in magnetism of Earth materials and of the Earth and planets.
On phase equilibria, interfacial tension and phase growth in ternary polymer blends

A gradient squared free energy functional of the Landau-Ginzburg type is combined with Flory-Huggins theory to calculate minimum domain sizes, concentration profiles and interfacial tensions in ternary polymer blends. The dynamic equations governing spinodal decomposition are linearized to show that the minimum size for growth is identical to the thermodynamic minimum on phase volume. It is shown that unseparated, third components are enriched at the interface, reduce interfacial tension, increase stability and increase the minimum domain sizes. Enrichment of the third component at the interface causes concentrations at the major components to lie outside their binodal limits at a distance from the interface. Although the effects are most pronounced when the third component is a compatibilizer, the general phenomena remain true even when the third component is relatively incompatible. Generalizations to blends of N components are presented, and a robust method for calculating multicomponent phase diagrams is described.
Near-field analysis of infrared folded dipole impedance

This paper presents numerical near-field analysis for infrared transmission lines through an integrated optical nanocircuit. A folded dipole, with and without a stub, loading a dipole-coupled coplanar strip (CPS) transmission line is considered. Reflection of the propagating optical wave upon the load at the terminal of the CPS provides a standing wave, which is mapped through the associated surface-normal Ez electric near-field component at the metal-air interface. By fitting the analytical standing wave expression to the computed near-field data, the impedance of the load is determined.
Advances in the Diagnosis, Classification, Risk Stratification, and Management of Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance: Implications for Recategorizing Disease Entities in the Presence of Evolving Scientific Evidence

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a premalignant plasma cell disorder present in more than 3% of the general population aged 50 years and older.1,2 MGUS is important to clinicians because it is associated with a 1% per year risk of progression to multiple myeloma (MM) or related malignancy.3 It is also important because it is found incidentally during the work-up of a variety of symptoms and disorders, and has confirmed and reported associations with numerous diseases commonly encountered in clinical practice, such as osteoporosis, peripheral neuropathy, and venous thrombosis.4 In addition, because MGUS is easily detected on blood tests and can be monitored noninvasively, it represents a readily accessible model to study the conversion of premalignancy to malignancy.5 In the past several years, new concepts and advances have emerged concerning the diagnosis, classification, risk stratification, and management of MGUS. This commentary highlights discoveries that provide valuable insight into the process of malignant transformation, as well as management strategies for dealing with a common premalignancy in which preventive strategies are thwarted by low rates of progression.6
Neuropsychiatric aspects of progressive supranuclear palsy

Administering the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), we examined the behavioral symptoms of 22 patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), 50 patients with Alzheimer's disease, and 40 controls. PSP patients exhibited apathy (91%), disinhibition (36%), dysphoria (18%) and anxiety (18%), but rarely (< 9%) irritability, abnormal motor behaviors, or agitation. Apathy in PSP was significantly associated with executive dysfunction. The presence of high apathy and low agitation and anxiety scale scores correctly identified the PSP patients 85% of the time. Evaluating the behavioral abnormalities of patients with neurodegenerative disorders will aid diagnosis and facilitate management.
Optimal multi-channel equalizer design for underwater acoustic communications

Adaptive equalization is a widely used method of mitigating the effects of multipath propagation and Doppler spreading in underwater acoustic communication channels. This paper examines some specifics associated with the design of a multi-channel equalizer for time-varying underwater acoustic channels. More specifically, we study how the number of sensors and separation between them impact the equalization performance of a sparse time-varying channel. We develop a theoretical model and, to illustrate the ideas, find the optimal equalizer for a particular arrival model. Finally, we show how the BER performance depends on sensor separation via processing experimental data.
Disciplining Protest Masculinity

Protest masculinity is a gendered identity oriented toward a protest of the relations of production and the ideal type of hegemonic masculinity. To this point, protest masculinity has been conceive...
Improving FRET Dynamic Range with Bright Green and Red Fluorescent Proteins

FRET between fluorescent proteins is widely used to monitor biochemical processes in living cells as the length scale of FRET is well matched to protein conformational changes and protein-protein interactions. Although most FRET-based reporters rely on CFPs and YFPs, aspects of CFPs and YFPs are problematic for FRET. CFPs and YFPs can undergo rapid multirate and reversible photobleaching, YFPs can photoconvert into cyan fluorescent species, CFPs can photoactivate at YFP excitation wavelengths and the violet CFP excitation light can be phototoxic. Furthermore, many CFP- and YFP-based FRET reporters produce small changes in FRET, creating detection challenges when the imaged structures are small or when biochemical responses are subtle or transient.In this work, we have developed new fluorescent proteins with properties better suited to a wide range of FRET applications. Starting from Aequorea victoria GFP and the RFP mRuby, we engineered Clover and mRuby2, which conferred greater dynamic range and photostability to four existing FRET reporter designs. Among the improved reporters are a voltage sensor that allows more reliable detection of single action potentials than do previous sensors and an improved RhoA reporter able to detect local and rapid RhoA activation in neuronal growth cones during ephrinA-stimulated retraction.
Effectiveness of risk management plans: a case study of pemoline using pharmacy claims data.

Purpose To assess the effectiveness of a pharmaceutical risk management plan using pemoline as a case study and pharmacy claims as the data source. Methods Prescription claims from a continuously enrolled US population (September 1, 2000–September 30, 2002) from Caremark, a pharmacy benefit manager, were evaluated for patients with one or more pemoline claims. Patients were categorized using pemoline as second-line or first-line therapy depending on presence or absence of other central nervous system (CNS) stimulants prescriptions 90 days prior to the first pemoline claim. Logistic regression was performed to compare second-line and first-line usage with regard to patient age, gender and prescribing physician specialty and region of practice. Results Of 1 279 296 prescription claims for CNS stimulants, 17 256 (1.3%) were for pemoline. Nine hundred thirteen patients received pemoline and had 90 days or more prior enrollment. Overall, 10% of patients receiving pemoline received it as second-line therapy (95%CI: 8–12%). After adjusting for age, gender, specialty, and region, the odds of receiving pemoline as second-line therapy were significantly greater in pediatrics relative to adults (OR = 2.82, 95%CI: 1.58–5.03), and among those whose prescribers were psychiatrists versus primary care physicians (OR = 2.48, 95%CI: 1.37–4.50). Children treated by a psychiatrist had the greatest likelihood for use as second-line therapy (36%, 95%CI: 19–56%). Conclusions Among patients who received pemoline, concordance with second-line therapy recommendations was low, even among the primary target audience of children. These results in a large geographically diverse patient population are consistent with an earlier regional study. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of taste aversion in calcium channel inhibitor-induced suppression of saccharin and alcohol drinking in rats

L-type calcium (Ca2+) channel inhibitors suppress drinking of highly preferred solutions of simple carbohydrates, saccharin, or alcohol. The present study was designed to examine whether this decrease in drinking behavior can be explained by the development of consummatory aversion. In the first experiment, the propensity of Ca2+ channel inhibitors to induce conditioned taste aversion (CTA) to 0.1% saccharin was examined using two saccharin/drug injection pairings in saccharin-naive rats. We compared three chemically different drugs: diltiazem, isradipine, and nicardipine. A dose-dependent CTA was observed after both conditioning sessions for all three drugs tested. Interestingly, the lowest dose of nicardipine (i.e., 1.25 mumol/kg), significantly increased saccharin intake. A nonsignificant trend to increase saccharin intake was also observed with the lowest dose of isradipine. We then examined whether nicardipine could similarly induce CTA to a novel taste of alcohol (6%, v/v). The drug failed to produce a significant effect. In the third experiment, we found that nicardipine did not induce CTA (or preference) if the saccharin taste was familar to rats. In the final experiment, the interaction of nicardipine (1.25 and 2.5 mumol/kg) with the ethanol (1.5 g/kg)-induced CTA to saccharin was investigated. The higher dose of nicardipine potentiated the aversive effect of ethanol in the test. Overall, the present results suggest that CTA does not play a major role in Ca2+ channel inhibitor-induced suppression of drinking behavior.
Microwave coagulation therapy for hepatic tumors: Review of the literature and critical analysis

Abstract Background Surgical resection of malignant hepatic tumors has been demonstrated to increase overall survival; however, the majority of patients are not candidates for resection. For patients with unresectable tumors, various chemical and thermal ablation modalities have been developed. microwave coagulation therapy (MCT) is one such thermal ablation modality and the purpose of this review is to evaluate the presently available data for MCT and assess the level of evidence to support its clinical use. Methods This review is limited to published studies in the English literature including at least 30 patients per study with MCT for hepatocellular cancer (HCC) or colorectal hepatic metastasis (CRHM). Patterns of local recurrence, complications and survival outcome of MCT ablation are presented and discussed including assessment of Asian experience using the 2.4 GHZ device and American experience using the 914 MHZ device. Conclusions Although randomized controlled trials comparing RFA and MCT for hepatic ablation are lacking, our review (based on level 2 data) supports that MCT may be optimal when larger necrosis zones and/or ablation of multiple lesions are the objectives. The data support that the potential procedural advantage(s) noted for ablation of CRHM and HCC >3 cm, is not supported for HCC
Psychiatric Family History in Adolescents with Severe Asthma

ABSTRACT Objective To examine the hypothesis that an association exists between severe asthma and familial affective and anxiety disorders. Method A parent, usually the mother, of 62 adolescents admitted to a tertiary care asthma center was administered the Family History-Research Diagnostic Criteria Interview. Lifetime prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders in first-degree relatives were compared with previously reported rates. Results In relatives of asthmatic adolescents, rates for depression, mania (females only), substance abuse (males only), and antisocial personality disorder were significantly higher than the rates in the non-ill comparison sample. Rates for substance abuse (males only) and antisocial personality disorder were higher than the rates for relatives of the depressed comparison sample. Rates for anxiety disorders were not higher than rates in epidemiological samples. Rates of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (females only) and posttraumatic stress disorder in relatives were higher than in community samples. Conclusions These results support the presence of a link between severe asthma and familial affective disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and substance abuse. Whether these disorders are genetically associated with asthma or represent an association with severe asthma because of environmental effects on the growing child is discussed.
With partners like you, who needs strangers? Ostracism involving a romantic partner

Being ostracized by others threatens the satisfaction of fundamental needs, although less so when individuals first are reminded of a close relationship. What remains unknown is the effect of being ostracized directly by a relationship partner, which may vary depending on attachment security. We examined how a partner's involvement in ostracism affects need satisfaction and relationship evaluations, and explored attachment security. One hundred and twenty-seven couple members played Cyberball in a between-subjects experiment manipulating ostracism and partner involvement. Need satisfaction was more strongly affected by the partner's presence (vs. absence). Individuals evaluated their relationship more negatively as a function of partner ostracism and high attachment avoidance. Attachment anxiety was associated with lower need satisfaction. The results highlight relational expectations and influences on belonging needs.
Frequency Dependence of Phase Shift in Edema: a Theoretical Study with Magnetic Induction

A spectroscopic distribution of induction phase shift as a function of relative volume of edema in the brain, lung and muscle was produced from available tissue data and a simple mathematical model of electromagnetic induction in tissue. The results show that the phase shift is sensitive to the relative volume of edema at frequencies higher than approximately 10 MHz. The behaviors of brain, lung and muscle tissues are substantially different from each other. Increasing the volume of tissue has the effect of lowering the frequency at which the phase shift becomes sensitive to the volume of edema. The results indicate that induction measurement of the phase shift has the potential for becoming a robust means for non-contact detection of edema in brain, lung and muscle tissues
The process used by surrogate decision makers to withhold and withdraw life-sustaining measures in an intensive care environment.

Purpose/objectives To understand the process used by surrogate decision makers who have chosen to withhold and withdraw life-sustaining measures in intensive care units (ICUs). Design Grounded theory. Setting Multihospital system in central Texas. Sample 17 surrogates who decided to withhold and withdraw life-sustaining measures from patients with a variety of diagnoses, including cancer. Methods Surrogates were identified by review of charts of patients in ICUs. Interviews were recorded on audiotape and analyzed using the process of constant comparison. Saturation of data occurred when no new themes emerged. Main research variable The surrogate decision-making process. Findings Domains and their respective themes included: (a) the personal domain: rallying family support, evaluating the patient's past and present condition, and viewing past and future quality of life; (b) the ICU environment domain: chasing doctors, developing relationships with the healthcare team, and confirming probable medical outcomes; and (c) the decision domain: arriving at a new belief, getting alone to make the decision, and communicating the decision. Conclusions Surrogates use a definite process to make decisions regarding withholding and withdrawing life-sustaining measures for patients in ICUs. Implications for nursing The results reveal opportunities for healthcare providers to improve education and change practice when supporting surrogates. Additional opportunities exist for further research to expand nursing knowledge related to end-of-life issues.
Method to determine snow albedo values in the ultraviolet for radiative transfer modeling

For many cases modeled and measured UV global irradiances agree to within ±5% for cloudless conditions, provided that all relevant parameters for describing the atmosphere and the surface are well known. However, for conditions with snow-covered surfaces this agreement is usually not achievable, because on the one hand the regional albedo, which has to be used in a model, is only rarely available and on the other hand UV irradiance alters with different snow cover of the surface by as much as 50%. Therefore a method is given to determine the regional albedo values for conditions with snow cover by use of a parameterization on the basis of snow depth and snow age, routinely monitored by the weather services. An algorithm is evolved by multiple linear regression between the snow data and snow-albedo values in the UV, which are determined from a best fit of modeled and measured UV irradiances for an alpine site in Europe. The resulting regional albedo values in the case of snow are in the 0.18–0.5 range. Since the constants of the regression depend on the area conditions, they have to be adapted if the method is applied for other sites. Using the algorithm for actual cases with different snow conditions improves the accuracy of modeled UV irradiances considerably. Compared with the use of an average, constant snow albedo, the use of actual albedo values, provided by the algorithm, halves the average deviations between measured and modeled UV global irradiances.
Power Aware Post-manufacture Tuning of Analog Nanocircuits

Process variations play a critical role in determining performance of scaled CMOS and other non-CMOS nanodevices. In this paper a power conscious post manufacture tuning technique is proposed for robust analog circuit fabrication with nanodevices in the presence of process variations. The response of the circuit to an optimized test signal is captured and using regression models, the proposed algorithm finds the best setting of tuning knobs for which the shifts in specifications from their nominal values are minimized in a power-aware manner. To demonstrate the proposed algorithm, a two stage Miller compensated operational amplifier is designed using carbon nanotube field effect transistors (CNFETs) and variability effects due to metallic CNT growth, diameter and chirality variations on the performance of the underlying circuits are studied. Suitable tuning knobs for the CNFET op-amp are identified based on the specifications to be tuned. Simulation results show that the proposed tuning algorithm enables overall yield improvement of 25.38% while minimizing power consumption of the tuned devices.
Hemodynamic interaction of procainamide and lidocaine after experimental myocardial infarction

The prophylactic use of procainamide and lidocaine in patients with acute myocardial infarction has been limited by concern for possible hypotension and further myocardial depression. Therefore, we investigated the hemodynamic effects of these two drugs in dogs before and after experimental myocardial infarction produced by selective coronary arterial ligation. In addition, we analyzed the data for possible additive or synergistic depressive effects of the drugs in combination after the experimental infarction. After coronary ligation, infusion of lidocaine (4 mg/kg body weight) produced significant ( P
Social Decision Support Systems (SDSS)

This paper proposes a new type of Information/Communication system or Inquiry System to support the investigation by large groups (e.g. thousands of people) of complex topics about which many diverse and opposing views are held. The objective of this system is the production, integration, and synthesis of diverse views in a manner in which: (a) all participants can come to respect and understand the differences caused by diverse values and interests of the contributing population, and (b) there can be a movement towards consensus on at least some of the issues involved. Controversies related to Pervasive Information Technology are used as an example, and challenges to participation raised by the "digital divide" are discussed.
Textured pure phase mass matrices

We study pure phase quark mass matrices with additional texture, starting with symmetric matrices. A variety of textures are consistent with values of masses and flavor mixing matrix elements run to high energy.
A new definition of orthostereopsis for 3D television

A combination of camera configurations, image presentation techniques, and observer viewing locations is presented, providing a fully undistorted true-to-scale 3D image. A definition of orthostereopsis is suggested which includes parallel cameras, shifted images such that a chosen depth plane of interest is perceived to be located on the front surface of the viewing monitor, a flat viewing monitor, a monitor magnification factor such that images of objects at infinity are separated on the monitor by the observer's interocular distance, and an operator viewing distance such that the perceived depth scale matches the perceived height and width scales. >
Differences and Cross-National Similarities among Mandarins

In response to the preceding article, Professor Sven-Eric Liedman's very interesting critique of my The Decline of the German Mandarins, let me begin by describing how I selected and approached my sources for that work. I first studied printed collections of speeches given at various German universities during the Weimar period, which I happened to encounter in the library. I next made a list of all nonscientists above the rank of instructor who taught for three or more years in faculties of arts and sciences at the universities of Berlin, Munich, Freiburg, and Heidelberg between 1918 and 1933. I read everything written by these men during those years that was relatively unspecialized or methodological in character. Finally, I extended my reading of university speeches and of my authors' works backward in time to 1890, while also adding major handbooks and anthologies in several disciplines, along with writings by academics—and a few nonacademics—who were not members of my original sample, but who were prominently mentioned in the material I had already read.
Adenoviral-mediated Retinoblastoma 94 Produces Rapid Telomere Erosion, Chromosomal Crisis, and Caspase-dependent Apoptosis in Bladder Cancer and Immortalized Human Urothelial Cells but not in Normal Urothelial Cells

Retinoblastoma (RB)94, which lacks the NH(2)-terminal 112 amino acid residues of the full-length RB protein (RB110), is a more potent tumor and growth suppressor than RB110. In this study, Ad-RB94, but not Ad-RB110, produced marked growth inhibition, cytotoxicity, caspase-dependent apoptosis, and G(2)-M block in the human RB-negative, telomerase-positive bladder cancer cell line UM-UC14. This effect was completely inhibited by pretreatment with caspase inhibitors (P < 0.0001). Similar results were seen in RB-positive and other RB-negative bladder cancer cell lines. Ad-RB94 produced rapid telomere length shortening and loss of telomere signal, which was associated with polyploidy and chromosomal aberrations (P < 0.001). Ad-RB94, however, showed no cytotoxicity to telomerase-negative human normal urothelium cells but was highly cytotoxic to telomerase-positive human E6 and E7 immortalized urothelial cells (P < 0.0001). In addition, telomerase-negative cells, which maintain their telomere length through an alternative lengthening of telomeres DNA recombination pathway, showed no cytotoxicity to RB94. These results suggest that the induction of rapid telomere erosion and chromosomal crisis by RB94 in telomerase-positive cancer and in telomerase-expressing immortalized human cells is a major factor in its selective and potent tumor suppression and cytotoxic activity. The lack of cytotoxicity to normal cells should also provide a high therapeutic index when used in gene therapy protocols for the treatment of bladder and other cancers.
Tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine transporter expression in residual dopaminergic neurons: potential contributors to spontaneous recovery from experimental Parkinsonism.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahyrdropyridine (MPTP)-exposed cats develop severe Parkinsonism that spontaneously resolves in 4-6 weeks. The present study examined the extent to which compensatory changes in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine transporter (DAT) gene and protein expression may underlie this behavioral recovery. In normal cats, TH and DAT protein levels were higher in the dorsal vs. ventral striatum. Expression of DAT and TH mRNA was higher in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) than in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). In symptomatic parkinsonian animals, DAT and TH protein levels were significantly decreased in all striatal areas studied. TH and DAT mRNA expression in residual SNc neurons were decreased a mean 32% and 38%, respectively. DAT gene expression in residual VTA neurons in symptomatic animals was decreased 30% whereas TH gene expression was unaffected. In spontaneously recovered cats, TH protein levels were significantly higher than the levels in symptomatic cats only in the ventral striatum, whereas no increase in DAT protein levels were observed in any striatal area. Residual neurons in most ventral mesencephalic regions of recovered cats had increased TH mRNA expression but not increased DAT gene expression, compared with symptomatic animals. Thus, increased TH protein and mRNA and suppression of DAT protein and mRNA expression in the striatum and ventral mesencephalon were associated with functional recovery from MPTP-induced parkinsonism.
A prevention-centered approach to homelessness assistance: a paradigm shift?

Prevention has long been cited as an important part of any strategy to end homelessness. Nonetheless, effective prevention initiatives have proven difficult to implement in practice. The lack of a prevention-oriented policy framework has resulted in responses to homelessness that focus primarily on assisting those who have already lost their housing and, consequently, to the institutionalization of homelessness. Recent Federal legislation, however, signals an emergent paradigm shift towards prevention-based approaches to homelessness. This paper explores the conceptual underpinnings of successful prevention initiatives and reviews practice-based evidence from several successful prevention-oriented approaches to homelessness in the United States and Europe. We then outline a conceptual framework for a transformation of homeless assistance towards prevention-oriented approaches, with a discussion of relevant issues of program design and practice, data collection standards, and program performance monitoring...
Broadband nonlinear vibrational spectroscopy by shaping a coherent fiber supercontinuum

Vibrational spectroscopy has been widely applied in different fields due to its label-free chemical-sensing capability. Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) provides stronger signal and faster acquisition than spontaneous Raman scattering, making it especially suitable for molecular imaging. Coherently-controlled single-beam CARS simplifies the conventional multi-beam setup, but the vibrational bandwidth and non-trivial spectrum retrieval have been limiting factors. In this work, a coherent supercontinuum generated in an all-normal-dispersion nonlinear fiber is phase-shaped within a narrow bandwidth for broadband vibrational spectroscopy. The Raman spectra can be directly retrieved from the CARS measurements, covering the fingerprint regime up to 1750 cm−1. The retrieved spectra of several chemical species agree with their spontaneous Raman data. The compact fiber supercontinuum source offers broad vibrational bandwidth with high stability and sufficient power, showing the potential for spectroscopic imaging in a wide range of applications.
Optimum Stocking Rate, Monitoring, and Flexibility

On the Ground This case study demonstrates the importance of adaptive management to the resilience of a ranch. With a combination of strategic livestock and grazing management, especially adjusting the stocking rate to variability in forage production, we were able to increase the grazing capacity and the profitability of the ranch, even during drought. The major concern during the drought should not be the productivity or profitability of the ranch, but rather the integrity of the plant communities and the herd in order to re-establish the production cycle following the severe drought. Managing flexible grazing management programs with proper monitoring of weather, forage standing crop, cattle condition, and markets to make informed and timely decisions largely determines the resilience and profitability of the operation.
The impact of a leptin gene SNP on beef calf weaning weights

Prior research indicates that a SNP at position 305 of exon 2 in the leptin gene affects milk production in dairy cows. Dairy cows with at least one copy of the T allele have been shown to have higher milk production than CC cows. If that effect carries over to beef breeds, it is reasonable to expect that CT and TT beef cows will wean heavier calves than CC beef cows. We tested this hypothesis for a herd of mixed breed cows using anova. Results indicated that both crossbred CT and TT beef cows wean significantly heavier beef calves than CC crossbred beef cows. A lack of observations generally hinders detection of significance in other breeds. However, two other comparisons were found to be significant. The results suggest further investigation into the link between leptin genotype and calf weaning weights. Aside from interest to animal scientists, these results have the potential to alter mating and replacement selection decisions by cow-calf producers, given the importance of weaning weights on profitability.
Have U.S. security interests really been sacrificed?: A reply to Admiral Hill

Abstract Two main conclusions were reached by Admiral Hill in a recent article in this journal: first, that Latin American ocean policies have been resource oriented, with little underlying conflict with U.S. ocean security interests; and, second, that the U.S. law of the sea position has been responsible for an unnecessary sacrifice of U.S. ocean security interests, since grounds for accommodation between Latin American resource interests and U.S. military interests have clearly existed but were not seized. Both conclusions are refuted by showing that Latin American ocean policies cannot easily be reconciled with U.S. ocean security interests, at least as presently defined, and that the U.S. law of the sea position hence did not sacrifice U.S. ocean security interests and indeed often responded prudently to an adverse external environment. An alternative perspective on U.S. ocean security interests and Latin American ocean policies is developed on the basis of these findings. On the negative side, neithe...
Fiber-optic thermometer using temperature dependent absorption broadband detection, and time domain referencing.

A fiber-optic thermometer based on temperature dependent absorption in Nd(3+) doped glass is demonstrated over the 298-573 K range. A broadband detection technique allows the use of the complete spectrum of a pulse modulated light emitting diode. A fiber-optic recirculating loop is employed to construct a reference channel in the time domain by generating a train of pulses from one initial pulse. A theoretical model is developed, and experimental data are shown to compare well with the theory. Possible sources of error and instability are identified, and ways to enhance the performance of the system are proposed.
Long Range Linkage Disequilibrium across the Human Genome

Long-range linkage disequilibria (LRLD) between sites that are widely separated on chromosomes may suggest that population admixture, epistatic selection, or other evolutionary forces are at work. We quantified patterns of LRLD on a chromosome-wide level in the YRI population of the HapMap dataset of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We calculated the disequilibrium between all pairs of SNPs on each chromosome (a total of >2×1011 values) and evaluated significance of overall disequilibrium using randomization. The results show an excess of associations between pairs of distant sites (separated by >0.25 cM) on all of the 22 autosomes. We discuss possible explanations for this observation.
Hydrogen and sustainable fuels

In this article, we review petroleum economics and describe the large-scale manufacturing processes currently used to produce hydrogen. We then discuss efforts to produce hydrogen on a smaller scale for fuel cells and provide an overview of processes for ethanol and biodiesel fuel production
Beginnings of the Nervous System

The history of neuroscience can be viewed as a gradual improvement of techniques with which complex organisms could be analyzed and reduced to their constituent cells and molecules. This can be called the reductionist neuroscience research program.