cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High performance sensor fusion architecture for vision-based occupant detection

We describe a fast and reliable vision system for detecting and recognizing occupants in automobiles. The main advantage of our system is its high accuracy due to the use of fusion module, which combines the results of multiple classifiers operating on different types of features (edges, scale, and range) from the same image. Another advantage is that since the same image sensor is used to generate the multiple feature types, cost is reduced. We utilize an active illumination strategy to provide adequate illumination car seat and shadow fill-in during both the night and day. Occupant position detection and recognition is performed on the actively illuminated image using the same algorithm under both night and day conditions. Our system can use images from commercially available CMOS vision sensors and thus very cost-effective and efficient for smart air bag applications in automobiles. We have successfully demonstrated this system operating in a test vehicle at real-time video rates (30 updates/sec) with high accuracies for a large variety of situations and lighting conditions.
Spinal Cord Stimulation System

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an advanced therapy and method of pain management for certain types of chronic pain. SCS has thus far been shown to be more effective for neuropathic forms of pain than for nociceptive forms of pain. The history of electrical stimulation for pain relief is reviewed as well as the basic anatomy of the spinal cord. Although its exact mechanisms are still unknown, SCS involves both neurophysiological mechanisms and pharmacological mechanisms to achieve paresthesia. The implantable pulse generator (IPG) and external radio frequency (RF) spinal cord stimulators, their parameters, and implantation procedures are described. Future success of SCS will depend on improving the model for SCS's mechanisms, improving the patient selection criteria, and optimizing the lead configuration for improved pain relief. Keywords: spinal cord stimulation; pain management; gate control theory
The 14-3-3s.

Multiple members of the 14-3-3 protein family have been found in all eukaryotes so far investigated, yet they are apparently absent from prokaryotes. The major native forms of 14-3-3s are homo- and hetero-dimers, the biological functions of which are to interact physically with specific client proteins and thereby effect a change in the client. As a result, 14-3-3s are involved in a vast array of processes such as the response to stress, cell-cycle control, and apoptosis, serving as adapters, activators, and repressors. There are currently 133 full-length sequences available in GenBank for this highly conserved protein family. A phylogenetic tree based on the conserved middle core region of the protein sequences shows that, in plants, the 14-3-3 family can be divided into two clearly defined groups. The core region encodes an amphipathic groove that binds the multitude of client proteins that have conserved 14-3-3-recognition sequences. The amino and carboxyl termini of 14-3-3 proteins are much more divergent than the core region and may interact with isoform-specific client proteins and/or confer specialized subcellular and tissue localization.
Maintaining doubly-linked list invariants in shape analysis with local reasoning

This paper presents a novel shape analysis algorithm with local reasoning that is designed to analyze heap structures with structural invariants, such as doubly-linked lists. The algorithm abstracts and analyzes one single heap cell at a time. In order to maintain the structural invariants, the analysis uses a local heap abstraction that models the sub-heap consisting of one cell and its immediate neighbors. The proposed algorithm can successfully analyze standard doubly-linked list manipulations.
TiN / HfO2 / SiO2 / Si Gate Stack Breakdown: Contribution of HfO2 and Interfacial SiO2 Layer

By studying systematically the breakdown mechanisms of HfO 2 and interfacial SiO 2 separately in this work, we have demonstrated that defect generation in the interfacial SiO 2 layer seems to be the leading breakdown mechanism in the metal/high-K/interfacial layer/Si gate stack. The individual breakdown characteristics of HfO 2 , without any interfacial layer using a metal-insulator-metal capacitor, and an in situ steam-grown SiO 2 metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitor with identical thicknesses and growth conditions, were compared with the gate stack characteristics. The breakdown behavior and stress-induced leakage current measurements suggest that charge trapping and stress-induced trap formation in the interfacial layer continues to be the soft spot for gate stack breakdown.
A RAPID CHROMOSOME-MAPPING METHOD FOR CLONED FRAGMENTS OF YEAST DNA

ABSTRACT A rapid and generally applicable method is described for mapping a cloned yeast DNA segment to the chromosome(s) from which it originated. The method is based upon the recent finding that the integration into a yeast chromosome of a segment of the 2μ plasmid DNA results, in heterozygous diploids, in the specific loss of genetic information from the chromosome into which the 2μ DNA was integrated (Falco et al . 1982). After verification of the accuracy of the method using several genes whose position was known in advance, the method was used to locate the yeast actin gene, which lies on the left arm of chromosome VI , about 50 cM distal to CDC4 .
Near optimal frequency/Angle of arrival estimates based on maximum entropy spectral techniques

The problem of estimating the parameters of sinusoids corrupted by additive noise arises both in time series analysis and array processing. The performance of a certain type of maximum entropy spectral estimator based on a modified covariance method of linear prediction has been studied analytically in the high signal-to-noise region. The peak positions in the spectral estimate have been shown to provide low bias estimates which approach the Cramer-Rao bound on variance. The frequency/ angle of arrival estimates obtained in such a manner can be used to form nearly efficient estimates of the component amplitudes by a linear least squares fit.
Integration-specific In Vitro Evaluation of Lentivirally Transduced Rhesus CD34(+) Cells Correlates With In Vivo Vector Copy Number.

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) gene therapy using integrating vectors has a potential leukemogenic risk due to insertional mutagenesis. To reduce this risk, a limitation of ≤2 average vector copy number (VCN) per cell is generally accepted. We developed an assay for VCN among transduced CD34+ cells that reliably predicts in vivo VCN in 16 rhesus recipients of CD34+ cells transduced with a green fluorescent protein (GFP) (or yellow fluorescent protein (YFP))-encoding lentiviral vector. Using GFP (or YFP)-specific probe/primers by real-time PCR, VCN among transduced CD34+ cells had no correlation with VCN among granulocytes or lymphocytes in vivo assayed 6 months post-transplantation. This was a likely result of residual plasmids present in the vector preparation. We then designed self-inactivating long terminal repeat (SIN-LTR)-specific probe/primers, which detect only integrated provirus. Evaluation with SIN-LTR probe/primers resulted in a positive correlation of VCN among transduced CD34+ cells with granulocytes and lymphocytes in vivo. The transduced CD34+ cells had higher VCN (25.1 ± 5.6) as compared with granulocytes (2.8 ± 1) and lymphocytes (2.4 ± 0.7). In summary, an integrated provirus-specific real-time PCR system demonstrated nine- to tenfold higher VCN in transduced CD34+ cells in vitro, as compared with VCN in vivo. Therefore, the restriction of ≤2 VCN before infusion might unnecessarily limit gene transfer efficacy.
Mechanisms of Zr surface corrosion determined via molecular dynamics simulations with charge-optimized many-body (COMB) potentials

Abstract A charge-optimized many-body (COMB) potential is proposed for the zirconium–zirconium oxide–zirconium hydride system. This potential is developed to describe the energetics of the interactions of oxygen and hydrogen with zirconium metal. We perform classical molecular dynamics simulations showing the initial corrosion behavior of three low-index zirconium surfaces via the deposition of O2 and H2O molecules. The basal (0 0 0 1) surface shows greater resistance to oxygen diffusion than the prism ( 1 0 1 ¯ 0 ) and ( 1 1 2 ¯ 0 ) surfaces. We suggest ways in which the surface structure has a unique role in the experimentally observed enhanced corrosion of the prism surfaces.
The influence of feedback on egocentric distance judgments in real and virtual environments

A number of investigators have reported that distance judgments in virtual environments (VEs) are systematically smaller than distance judgments made in comparably-sized real environments. Many variables that may contribute to this difference have been investigated but none of them fully explain the distance compression. One approach to this problem that has implications for both VE applications and the study of perceptual mechanisms is to examine the influence of the feedback available to the user. Most generally, we asked whether feedback within a virtual environment would lead to more accurate estimations of distance. Next, given the prediction that some change in behavior would be observed, we asked whether specific adaptation effects would generalize to other indications of distance. Finally, we asked whether these effects would transfer from the VE to the real world. All distance judgments in the head-mounted display (HMD) became near accurate after three different forms of feedback were given within the HMD. However, not all feedback sessions within the HMD altered real world distance judgments. These results are discussed with respect to the perceptual and cognitive mechanisms that may be involved in the observed adaptation effects as well as the benefits of feedback for VE applications.
Capnography for the Nonintubated Patient in the Emergency Setting

Abstract Background Multiple studies illustrate the benefits of waveform capnography in the nonintubated patient. This type of monitoring is routinely used by anesthesia providers to recognize ventilation issues. Its role in the administration of deep sedation is well defined. Prehospital providers embrace the ease and benefit of monitoring capnography. Currently, few community-based emergency physicians utilize capnography with the nonintubated patient. Objective This article will identify clinical areas where monitoring end-tidal carbon dioxide is beneficial to the emergency provider and patient. Discussion Capnography provides real-time data to aid in the diagnosis and patient monitoring for patient states beyond procedural sedation and bronchospasm. Capnographic changes provide valuable information in such processes as diabetic ketoacidosis, seizures, pulmonary embolism, and malignant hyperthermia. Conclusions Capnography is a quick, low-cost method of enhancing patient safety with the potential to improve the clinician's diagnostic power.
A geometric model for the stoichiometry and interstitial site occupancy in hydrides (deuterides) of LaNi5, LaNi4Al and LaNi4Mn

Abstract Interstitial hole radii, trigonal saddle point radii and intersite distances were calculated for the compounds LaNi 5 D 6.5 , LaNi 4 AlD 4.8 and LaNi 4 MnD 5.9 in space group P 6/ mmm and for LaNi 5 D 6 in space group P 31 m . Two criteria, a minimum hole size of 0.4 A and a minimum H-H distance of 2.1 A, were adopted to allow rationalization of the observed interstitial occupancies and stoichiometries of each of these deuterides. The rationale includes consideration of diffusion mechanisms and their ramifications for site occupancy.
The Influence of Intravenous Albunex Injections on Pulmonary Arterial Pressure, Gas Exchange, and Left Ventricular Peak Intensity

Contrast ultrasonography may be used to assess regional tissue perfusion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new; commercially prepared ultrasound contrast agent (Albunex) in dogs. The injections were administered from peripheral intravenous (IV), right atrial (RA), and pulmonary artery (PA) sites. Acute pulmonary hemodynamic and gas exchange effects of low-dose (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 ml) Phase I injections, and high-dose (2.0, 5.0, 10, 20 ml) Phase II injections of Albunex were evaluated in nine dogs. Immediately before and after each injection, pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and oxygen tension (Po2) were determined. In addition, left ventricular cavity opacification was assessed visually and by videodensitometric off-line analysis. Visual assessment was performed by four blinded observers who graded on a scale of 0 to 3 (0 = no contrast enhancement of the left ventricular (IV) cavity; 1=weak or suboptimal contrast enhancement; 2=optimal or excellent contrast enhancement; and 3=attenuation of the ultrasound signal following a contrast injection). Peak pixel intensity was also determined with videodensitometric analysis. Results showed that significant changes in PAP or Po2 were not noted after Albunex injections, regardless of injection site or dose range. The average change in PAP after Albunex injection was 1.0 mm Hg ± 1.2 mm Hg (NS), and the average change in Po2 after Albunex injections was 6.2 mm Hg ± 6.7 mm Hg (NS). The left ventricular cavity peak pixel intensity was dependent on both injection site (PA = RA > IV) and dose range (2.0 = 1.0 > 0.5). The visually assessed scores for IV cavity opacification after different sites of injection were IV=1.5 ± 0.69, RA=1.9 ± 0.57, and PA=2.2 ± 0.73; and after different doses of injection were 0.5 ml=1.5 ± 0.71, 1.0 ml=1.9 ± 0.63, and 2.0 ml=2.2 ± 0.59.
Criteria-Specific Rating Scales in the Evaluation of High School Instrumental Performance

The suitability of criteria-specific rating scales in the selection of high school students for participation in an honors ensemble was investigated. Three questions regarding criteria-specific rat...
Rat striatal adenosinergic modulation of ethanol-induced motor impairment: possible role of striatal cyclic AMP

We have previously reported the involvement of the striatum in acute ethanol-induced motor incoordination and the striatal adenosinergic modulation of ethanol-induced motor incoordination through A1 receptor-mediated mechanism(s). The present study, a continuation of our previous work, was carried out to investigate the possible functional correlation between striatal cyclic AMP and ethanol-induced motor incoordination, and its modulation by striatal adenosine in Sprague-Dawley rats. Forskolin (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 pmol), a known activator of adenylate cyclase, significantly attenuated ethanol-induced motor incoordination in a dose-dependent manner following its direct intrastriatal microinfusion. Forskolin also antagonized the accentuating effect of intrastriatal N6-cyclohexyladenosine on ethanol-induced motor incoordination. These results suggested that ethanol-induced motor incoordination might be functionally correlated to a decrease in the striatal cyclic AMP levels and that the striatal adenosine A1 receptors might modulate ethanol-induced motor incoordination through cyclic AMP signaling mechanism(s). Further support to this hypothesis was obtained by the actual measurement of the striatal cyclic AMP levels in the same experimental conditions as in motor coordination studies using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluoroscence detection. Regardless of the method (focused microwave irradiation, cervical dislocation or decapitation into a dry ice-ethanol mixture) used to kill the animals, a significant decrease in the striatal cyclic AMP levels was observed due to ethanol. Intrastriatal adenosine A1-selective agonist, N6-cyclohexyladenosine (24 ng), caused a further significant decrease in the striatal cyclic AMP levels in the ethanol- but not in the vehicle-treated animals. The further enhancement in the ethanol-induced decrease in the striatal cyclic AMP levels by intrastriatal N6-cyclohexyladenosine, therefore, functionally correlated with the observed potentiating effect of intrastriatal N6-cyclohexyladenosine on ethanol-induced motor incoordination. The effects of intrastriatal N6-cyclohexyladenosine+ethanol and of ethanol alone on the striatal cyclic AMP levels were blocked by intrastriatal pertussis toxin (500 ng) pretreatment, indicating the involvement of pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins (Gi, Go) and possibly of the adenosine A1 receptor coupled to the G-proteins in the striatum. Furthermore, ethanol alone significantly decreased the basal as well as the cyclic AMP-stimulated catalytic activities of the striatal cyclic AMP protein kinase, which were further reduced by intrastriatal N6-cyclohexyladenosine. The results of the present study therefore support an involvement of a cyclic AMP signaling pathway in the striatal adenosinergic modulation of ethanol-induced motor incoordination at the post-adenosine A1 receptor level.
Aspects of ice lens growth in soils

Abstract Growth characteristics of individual ice lenses in natural soils have been studied in the laboratory using ramped temperature control. The growth rate rises rapidly after ice lens initiation and this is followed by a protracted period of decreasing growth. The temperature at the growing face of the lens decreases continuously during its formation.
Thyroid autoimmunity as a window to autoimmunity: An explanation for sex differences in the prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity.

Abstract Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs), predominately Graves׳ disease and Hashimoto׳s thyroiditis, comprise the most common autoimmune diseases in humans. Both have the production of anti-thyroid antibody as an important aspect and both are much more prevalent in females, being at least 10 times more common than in males. Using these two clues, a hypothesis for the initiation of thyroid autoimmunity is proposed that helps to make the case that the thyroid is one of the most sensitive sites for autoimmunity and helps account for the prevalence and the observed sex differences in AITDs and associated diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA). The primary mechanisms proposed involve the underlying state of inflammation as a result of the adipokines, especially leptin, TNF-α, and IL-6, and the receptors able to recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMP׳s) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMP׳s) through Toll-like receptors (TLR) and others receptors present on thyrocytes. The adipokines are produced by adipose tissue, but have hormone-like and immune modulating properties. As the levels of leptin are significantly higher in females, an explanation for the sex difference in thyroid autoimmunity emerges. The ability of the thyrocytes to participate in innate immunity through the TLR provides an adjuvant-like signal and allows for the action of other agents, such as environmental factors, viruses, bacteria, and even stress to provide the initiation step to break tolerance to thyroid self-antigens. Seeing the thyroid as one of the most sensitive sites for autoimmunity, means that for many autoimmune disorders, if autoimmunity is present, it is likely to also be present in the thyroid – and that that condition in the thyroid was probably earlier. The evidence is seen in multiple autoimmune syndrome.
ALANET: Building an Electronic Information Service

Using ALANET as the example, the steps and procedures of establishing an electronic mail service are described. The goals of the service are defined, including improved access to the resources of ALA. Support features, such as bulletin boards and electronic newsletters, and the need for flexibility in meeting the unanticipated needs of members are stressed.
Effecting a Progressive Presidency: Roosevelt, Taft, and the Pursuit of Strategic Resources

While attracting ardent interest from social scientists on a number of fronts, the Progressive Era is insufficiently examined within presidential studies. Scholars have, instead, portrayed Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson as prefiguring a later, modern presidency. For example, Sidney Milkis writes that the emergence of the modern presidency began in the Progressive Era, “especially as shaped by the statesmanship of Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson.”Sidney Milkis, The President and the Parties: The Transformation of the American Party System Since the New Deal (New York: Oxford University Press, 1993), 8. William Leuchtenburg observes that Franklin Roosevelt contributed to the modern presidency by giving the office “an importance which went well beyond what even Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson had done.”William E. Leuchtenburg, Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal (New York: Harper Torchbooks, 1963), 327. However, scholarship has not explained fully why these two Progressive Era presidents were precociously “modern.”
Gene therapy—Its potential in the management of oral cancer

Gene therapy is an important new approach to the treatment of many diseases. This review summarises the methods that are available for developing gene therapy, and demonstrates that oral cancer is probably susceptible to these approaches.
Farnesoid X receptor directly regulates xenobiotic detoxification genes in the long-lived Little mice

Activation of xenobiotic metabolism pathways has been linked to lifespan extension in different models of aging. However, the mechanisms underlying activation of xenobiotic genes remain largely unknown. Here we showed that although farnesoid X receptor (FXR, Nr1h4) mRNA levels do not change significantly, FXR protein levels are elevated in the livers of the long-lived Little mice, leading to increased DNA binding activity of FXR. Hepatic FXR expression is sex-dependent in wild-type mice but not in Little mice, implying that up-regulation of FXR might be dependent on the reduction of growth hormone in Little mice. Growth hormone treatment decreased hepatic expression of FXR and xenobiotic genes Abcb1a, Fmo3 and Gsta2 in both wild-type and Little mice, suggesting an association between FXR and xenobiotic gene expression. We found that Abcb1a is transactivated by FXR via direct binding of FXR/retinoid X receptor α (RXRα) heterodimer to a response element at the proximal promoter. FXR also positively controls Fmo3 and Gsta2 expression through direct interaction with the response elements in these genes. Our study demonstrates that xenobiotic genes are direct transcriptional targets of FXR and suggests that FXR signaling may play a critical role in the lifespan extension observed in Little mice.
LONG PATHLENGTH DIFFERENTIAL OPTICAL ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY (DOAS) MEASUREMENTS OF GASEOUS HONO, NO2 AND HCHO IN THE CALIFORNIA SOUTH COAST AIR BASIN

A differential optical absorption spectrometer (DOAS) system was operated at Long Beach, CA during the 1987 SCAQS Fall episodes to measure atmospheric concentrations of nitrous acid (HONO), as well as ambient levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and formaldehyde (HCHO). The rapid scanning (-3000 spectra per min) spectrometer was interfaced to a 25 m basepath open, multiple reflection system operated routinely at a total optical path of 800 m. During several of the Fall episodes at Long Beach, levels of gaseous HONO were the highest (>15 ppb) reported to date by the DOAS technique. Although approximately half, to all, of the measured nighttime HONO concentrations could be accounted for by proposed heterogeneous formation pathways involving NO2, HONO concentrations correlated well with primary pollutants such as CO and NO, suggesting that elevated nighttime HONO concentrations in the western end of the Los Angeles basin may be influenced by emissions of HONO from combustion sources. This has significant implications for models which assume HONO arises only from secondary formation, rather than a combination of direct emissions and atmospheric reactions. Estimates of hydroxyl (OH) radical production show that photolysis of HONO shortly after sunrise on these episode days produces a large pulse of OH radicals at a time of the day when OH production from photolysis of O3 and HCHO is low. In terms of integrated OH radical production, HONO is of comparable importance to HCHO and much more important than O3 during these Fall periods.
Advanced wide-area emergency/incident notification systems

Future operational IVHS services and networks promise to transform the implementation of emergency/incident response and management/notification systems. Properly structured systems should improve highway safety, accident morbidity/mortality and incident mitigation with positive impacts on traffic congestion and the environment. Emergency/incident response management support systems should be developed from a systems perspective. This implies an iterative process from fundamental needs, to requirements/specifications to alternative systems architectures and evaluation of operation and functional characteristics with respect to the requirements. The methodology may be extended to other IVHS realms, including MAYDAY (9-1-1) communications, ATIS, etc.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Integrated planning for precision machining of complex surfaces—III. Compensation of dimensionai errors

Abstract This paper presents an approach that compensates machining errors in ball-end milling processes using the control-surface strategy. In the proposed approach, machining errors induced by cutter deflections are predicted from a surface generation model so that actual machining experiments and dimensional inspections are not required. Therefore, the proposed approach can be integrated into an integrated framework for machining planning in which prediction and compensation of dimensional errors take place in the process development phase rather than in the manufacturing phase of the production cycle. Based on the predictive capability of the surface generation model, a sensitivity function is defined so as to characterize the variations of the machining errors when perturbing the control surface. Using the defined sensitivity function, a compensated control surface can be constructed, based on which new cutting paths can be planned and “near-zero” surface dimensional errors can be accomplished. In order to verify the proposed strategy, actual production of a turbine blade die using a CNC machining center was conducted. By using the control-surface strategy with the sensitivity function approach, the maximum surface dimensional error is reduced from ± 340 to ± 10 μm.
Protein synthesis in cell-free preparation of Crithidia fasciculata.

SYNOPSIS. Cell-free preparations from Crithidia jasciculata carried out protein synthesis as measured by 14C-leucine uptake (optimum ∼ 10 mM Mg++) and poly U-directed 14C-phenylalanine uptake (optimum ∼ 16 mM Mg++). Characteristics of the system and sucrose density-gradient patterns of ribosomes were investigated. The charging and transfer reactions—the 2 main steps in protein synthesis—were inhibited by stilbamidine, hydroxystilbamidine, pentamidine, quinapyramine (Antrycide), and suramin.
Comparative efficacy of new commercial pediculicides against adults and eggs of Pediculus humanus capitis (head lice)

The use of pyrethroids to control head louse infestations have suffered considerable loss of efficacy due to the development of resistance. In the last past years, several new alternative products to synthetic pyrethroids have been developed and are sold in the Argentinean market against head lice. The present study investigated the efficacy of two new Argentinean products Nopucid Qubit® and Nopucid Bio Citrus® and its comparison with two reference products Nyda® and Hedrin®. Nopucid Qubit® is a two-phase lotion containing geraniol and citronellol (phase 1) and ciclopentaxiloxane (phase 2); while Nopucid Bio Citrus® contains dimethicone, ciclopentaxiloxane, and bergamot essential oil. These products are physically acting compounds. The sensitivity of two laboratory assays for testing insecticide activity of new formulations was also compared. Mortality (100%) of motile forms occurred after they were exposed to any product for 1 and 2 min, either by in vitro or ex vivo test. Concerning ovicidal activity, the most effective pediculicides were Nopucid Bio Citrus® and Nyda®, followed by Hedrin® and Nopucid Qubit®. The present study revealed, for the first time, the efficacy of over-the-counter commercial pediculicides available in Argentine (Nopucid Bio Citrus® and Nopucid Qubit®) on either motile stages or eggs against head lice.
A multifaceted intervention to implement guidelines did not affect hospitalization rates for nursing home-acquired pneumonia.

Objective Determine whether a comprehensive approach to implementing national consensus guidelines for nursing home–acquired pneumonia (NHAP) affected hospitalization rates. Design Quasi-experimental, mixed-methods, multifaceted, unblinded intervention trial. Setting Sixteen nursing homes (NHs) from 1 corporation: 8 in metropolitan Denver, CO; 8 in Kansas and Missouri during 3 influenza seasons, October to April 2004 to 2007. Participants Residents with 2 or more signs and symptoms of systemic lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI); NH staff and physicians were eligible. Intervention Multifaceted, including academic detailing to clinicians, within-facility nurse change agent, financial incentives, and nursing education. Measurements Subjects' NH medical records were reviewed for resident characteristics, disease severity, and care processes. Bivariate analysis compared hospitalization rates for subjects with stable and unstable vital signs between intervention and control NHs and time periods. Qualitative interviews were analyzed using content coding. Results Hospitalization rates for stable residents in both NH groups remained low throughout the study. Few critically ill subjects in the intervention NHs were hospitalized in either the baseline or intervention period. In control NHs, 8.7% of subjects with unstable vital signs were hospitalized during the baseline and 33% in intervention year 2, but the difference was not statistically significant ( P = .10). Interviews with nursing staff and leadership confirmed there were significant pressures for, and enablers of, avoiding hospitalization for treatment of acute infections. Conclusions Secular pressures to avoid hospitalization and the challenges of reaching NH physicians via academic detailing are likely responsible for the lack of intervention effect on hospitalization rates for critically ill NH residents.
Language protocols in international human spaceflight: Time for a common tongue?

Abstract As international partnerships increasingly look to be the way forward for sustainable human space exploration, the need to think about language protocols becomes more pressing. Using the historical examples of three international human spaceflight missions, this viewpoint shows how each language protocol was dictated by political realities and how often difficulties arose during implementation as a result. It is argued that, in order to optimize operational environments in future human space exploration, the international space community should adopt a standardized, single-language protocol, similar to commercial aviation. While English may appear to be the most obvious candidate, other languages, particularly Russian and perhaps even Chinese, may also be worth considering.
Excitotoxin-induced neuronal degeneration and seizure are mediated by tissue plasminogen activator

Neuronal degeneration in the hippocampus, a region of the brain important for acquisition of memory in humans, occurs in various pathological conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, brain ischaemia and epilepsy. When neuronal activity is stimulated in the adult rat and mouse hippocampus, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), a serine protease that converts inactive plasminogen to the active protease plasmin, is transcriptionally induced. The activity of tPA in neural tissue is correlated with neurite outgrowth, regeneration and migration, suggesting that it might be involved in neuronal plasticity. Here we show that tPA is produced primarily by microglia in the hippocampus. Using excitotoxins to induce neuronal cell loss, we demonstrate that tPA-deficient mice are resistant to neuronal degeneration. These mice are also less susceptible to pharmacologically induced seizures than wild-type mice. These findings identify a role for tPA in neuronal degeneration and seizure.
THIODIGLYCOLIC ACID AS A REAGENT FOR ZIRCONIUM

Thiodiglycolic acid is shown to be a suitable precipitating reagent for zirconium. The analysis is completed by igniting the precipitate and weighing the ZrO2. Several metal ions do not interfere. Interference due to cerium(IV) is avoided by reducing it initially to cerium(III). Estimation of zirconium can be carried out in presence of thorium. The composition of the Complex is slightly variable but corresponds to zirconyl thiodiglycolate: O =
Palaeomagnetic Studies of Burned Rocks

An assemblage of rocks, such as comprising a fireplace, will acquire a remanent magnetization upon cooling parallel to the ambient geomagnetic field and thus will share a common direction of magnetization. Detailed palaeomagnetic analyses of oriented samples will reveal whether these rocks have remained in situ since the last heating event or whether these rocks have moved or represent discard material. Thermal demagnetization makes it possible in many cases to estimate the maximum temperature which a given rock has experienced. The direction of magnetization can be used to reposition rocks to their cooling position and the cooling history of boiling stones can be reconstructed for some rocks. This paper presents results obtained from burned rocks from various archaeological sites.
A Hierarchical Co-Evolutionary Approach to Conceptual Design

Conceptual design is a key early activity of product development. Limited understanding of conceptual design process and lack of quantitative information at this stage of design pose difficulties on effective support for concept generation and evaluation. In this paper, a hierarchical co-evolutionary approach is proposed to support conceptual design. In this approach, higher-level functions are decomposed based on a set of grammar rules, and mappings between functions and their solutions, or means, are realized through a co-evolutionary computing process. The paper describes the details of the approach. An example of designing a mechanical personal transporter is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Maximum superconducting transition temperatures in A15 compounds

Strong electron-phonon scattering results in a smearing of the peak structure in the electronic density of states in high-${T}_{c}$ $A15$ materials. This smearing may impose limits on the highest ${T}_{c}$ achievable for these and similar materials. Numerical estimates are made using band structure and electrical resistivity data.
Constrained labor supply and risk-aversion

Abstract This paper extends previous work by showing that consumption constraints typically increase individuals' risk-aversion even if the illiquid good (e.g., leisure) has good substitutes. Calibrations indicate time-use constraints may raise risk-aversion considerably under many common scenarios.
Complement fragment C3d is colocalized within the lipid rafts of T cells and promotes cytokine production.

The complement system plays an important role in tissue inflammation and damage in SLE patients. High levels of C3d were detected on the surface of erythrocytes and lymphocytes of SLE patients. The...
Early predictors of outcome in patients receiving hypervolemic and hypertensive therapy for symptomatic vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Objective: Symptomatic vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is associated with a high incidence of permanent disability and death. For early identification of patients who are at risk for poor outcome, we determined the predictors of outcome in patients with symptomatic vasospasm after SAH. Design: We retrospectively determined the prognostic value of clinical characteristics and computed tomographic scan both at admission and at the time of initiation of hypervolemic and hypertensive therapy. Settings: Neurosciences critical care unit at a University hospital. Patients: A total of 70 consecutive patients who developed symptomatic vasospasm after SAH. Intervention: Treatment with oral nimodipine, hypervolemic therapy, and hypertensive therapy. Angioplasty and intra-arterial papaverine were used in patients with vasospasm resistant to standard treatment. Measurements and Main Results: Poor outcome, defined as Glasgow Outcome Scale Score of 3-5 at 2 months or discharge, was observed in 32 (46%) patients. In the logistic regression analysis, a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of ≤11 (odds ratio, 11.0; 95% confidence interval, 3.6-39.3) and hydrocephalus (odds ratio, 4.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-18.2) at the time of initiation of hypervolemic and hypertensive therapy were significantly associated with poor outcome. Poor outcome was observed in 91% of the patients who had both a GCS score of ≤11 and hydrocephalus compared with 15% of patients with a GCS score of >11 and no hydrocephalus at the time of initiation of hypervolemic and hypertensive therapy. A GCS score of ≤11 was also independently associated with length of intensive care unit stay (F ratio = 18.0;p= .0011) and hospital stay (F ratio = 9.2;p= .0034) after initiation of hypervolemic and hypertensive therapy. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that outcome in patients with symptomatic vasospasm can be effectively predicted by routinely available information, including GCS score at the time of initiation of hypervolemic and hypertensive therapy. This information can be used for selection and stratification of patients in future treatment studies of patients with symptomatic vasospasm.
Longitudinal expression of Toll-like receptors on dendritic cells in uncomplicated pregnancy and postpartum

Objective Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are integral parts of the innate immune system and have been implicated in complications of pregnancy. The longitudinal expression of TLRs on dendritic cells in the maternal circulation during uncomplicated pregnancies is unknown. The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate TLRs 1-9 as expressed on dendritic cells in the maternal circulation at defined intervals throughout pregnancy and postpartum. Study Design This was a prospective cohort of 30 pregnant women with uncomplicated pregnancies and 30 nonpregnant controls. TLRs and cytokine expression was measured in unstimulated dendritic cells at 4 defined intervals during pregnancy and postpartum. Basal expression of TLRs and cytokines was measured by multicolor flow cytometry. The percent-positive dendritic cells for each TLRs were compared with both nonpregnant and postpartum levels with multivariate linear regression. Results TLRs 1, 7, and 9 were elevated compared with nonpregnant controls with persistent elevation of TLR 1 and interleukin-12 (IL-12) into the postpartum period. Concordantly, levels of IL-6, IL-12, interferon alpha, and tumor necrosis factor alpha increased during pregnancy and returned to levels similar to nonpregnant controls during the postpartum period. The elevated levels of TLR 1 and IL-12 were persistent postpartum, challenging notions that immunologic changes during pregnancy resolve after the prototypical postpartum period. Conclusion Normal pregnancy is associated with time-dependent changes in TLR expression compared with nonpregnant controls; these findings may help elucidate immunologic dysfunction in complicated pregnancies.
Environmental, policy, and cultural factors related to physical activity in a diverse sample of women: The Women's Cardiovascular Health Network Project--summary and discussion

Ethnic minority and low-income populations have the highest rates of cardiovascular disease and the lowest rates of leisure-time physical activity. Because physical activity reduces the risk of premature death and disability from cardiovascular disease, researching correlates to such activity in these populations is an important aspect of health promotion in the US. To identify environmental, policy, and cultural barriers to physical activity in women, The Women's Cardiovascular Health Network Project conducted focus groups with White, African American, Latina, and American Indian women aged 20-50 years. The focus groups were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed with QSR NUD*IST qualitative software using a set of codes developed a priori by the research team. Family priorities were a main barrier to physical activity in all the groups. Having multiple roles as wife, mother, daughter, and as an active community member was mentioned as time-consuming and difficult, leaving little time or energy for exercise. Cultural barriers, which varied among the groups, included acculturation issues, lack of community support, and lack of past experience with exercise. Physical activity interventions suggested involved work programs, family-friendly programs, increased social support, and the availability of safer places to exercise such as parks, well-lit walking trails, and recreation centers. Many of the barriers were common to all groups (e.g., family priority) while some were unique (e.g., lack of community support). Assessing and addressing the issues raised should be considered when planning physical activity-interventions for these populations.
Carrier thermalization in sub-three-dimensional electronic systems: Fundamental limits on modulation bandwidth in semiconductor lasers

Carrier equilibration is essential for semiconductor laser operation since carriers are injected into the active region at energies higher than the effective band edges. While the threshold current of the laser diode can be minimized by quantum confinement in extra dimensions, the quantum effects in carrier capture and thermalization become more pronounced. In this paper, a full treatment of the carrier thermalization in electronic systems of reduced dimensionality for injection conditions relevant to laser operation is given based on ensemble Monte Carlo simulations and the fundamental limits on modulation bandwidth are discussed. Results are presented for quantum wells, quantum wires, and quantum dots. The peculiarities of the relaxation process in each structure are elucidated. It is shown that the relaxation times increase from \ensuremath{\approxeq}1 ps in bulk, to \ensuremath{\approxeq}10 ps in quantum wells, \ensuremath{\approxeq}50 ps in quantum wires, and \ensuremath{\approxeq}200 ps in quantum dots. Since the intraband relaxation times determine the extent of gain nonlinearities in semiconductor lasers, the maximum modulation bandwidth imposed by the intrinsic process of carrier relaxation can be calculated via the dependence of the optical gain on the photon density in the laser structure. For a graded-index quantum-well laser structure, the calculated value of the nonlinear gain coefficient is 1.1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}17}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ with the maximum -3 dB modulation bandwidth of 78 GHz for a 100-\ensuremath{\mu}m cavity length. The nonlinear gain coefficient in quantum wires is enhanced in comparison with quantum wells, although the differential gain may be increased by as much as an order of magnitude with the exact value of the modulation bandwidth dependent on the details of the design of the quantum wire laser.
Effect of method of homogenization of beef muscle tissue on activity of succinic dehydrogenase system.

SummaryThe succinic dehydrogenase activity of beef muscle determined after different methods of homogenization of the tissue was investigated. The amount of beef muscle needed for a representative sample was too large to be conveniently used with the Potter-Elvehjem homogenizer; however, the samples could be prepared for assay by homogenizing in a Waring blendor, provided that the homogenization time is held to a minimum. This was evidenced from studies which showed that homogenizing the minced beef tissues in a Waring blendor for 1 minute or homogenizing Latapie minces for 1/2 minute resulted in a greater succinic dehydrogenase activity than that obtained when the tissues were homogenized for longer periods. Other experiments with rat tissues showed that the enzyme activity of rat muscle homogenized in the Waring blendor for 1 minute, in a Potter-Elvehjem homogenizer, or ground with sand was essentially the same.
Results of Gal-Knockout porcine thymokidney xenografts

Clinical transplantation for the treatment of end-stage organ disease is limited by a shortage of donor organs. Successful xenotransplantation could immediately overcome this limitation. The development of homozygous α1,3-galactosyltransferase knockout (GalT-KO) pigs removed hyperacute rejection as the major immunologic hurdle to xenotransplantation. Nevertheless, GalT-KO organs stimulate robust immunologic responses that are not prevented by immunosuppressive drugs. Murine studies show that recipient thymopoiesis in thymic xenografts induces xenotolerance. We transplanted life-supporting composite thymokidneys (composite thymus and kidneys) prepared in GalT-KO miniature swine to baboons in an attempt to induce tolerance in a preclinical xenotransplant model. Here, we report the results of seven xenogenic thymokidney transplants using a steroid-free immunosuppressive regimen that eliminated whole-body irradiation in all but one recipient. The regimen resulted in average recipient survival of over 50 days. This was associated with donor-specific unresponsiveness in vitro and early baboon thymopoiesis in the porcine thymus tissue of these grafts, suggesting the development of T-cell tolerance. The kidney grafts had no signs of cellular infiltration or deposition of IgG, and no grafts were lost due to rejection. These results show that xenogeneic thymus transplantation can support early primate thymopoiesis, which in turn may induce T-cell tolerance to solid organ xenografts.
Finite Quantum Chaos

Quantum chaos is in part the study of the statistics of energy levels of a quantum system; i.e., the eigenvalues of the Schrodinger operator. Thus physicists began to investigate the spectra of random large matrices. Similarly number theorists and geometers have investigated the statistics of spectra of Laplacians on Riemannian manifolds which is equivalent to studying the statistics of the zeros of the Selberg zeta function. Parallels with the statistics of the zeros of the Riemann zeta function quickly became evident. Here we consider nite analogs in which the zeta function is the Ihara zeta function of a graph (and zeros are replaced by poles). The picture in the PDF abstract le shows all poles but -1 of the Ihara zeta function for a random irregular graph with 80 vertices. In this context, the Riemann hypothesis says the poles lie outside the green circle. A reference for this talk is my book Zeta Functions of Graphs.
Unconscious perception at the objective detection threshold exists

Does unconscious perception at the objective detection threshold (ODT) exist? In this reply, formal meta-analyses of previously narratively reviewed evidence (Snodgrass, Bernat, & Shevrin, 2004) provide strong evidence for large, reliable unconscious perceptual effects, and further strengthen previous conclusions for their ODT status. These meta-analyses dispel general concerns that ODT effects are small, unreliable, or susceptible to file drawer concerns (cf. Reingold, 2004). Furthermore, the specific objections (Holender & Duscherer, 2004) to individual ODT effects are refuted, and objections to our proposed solutions to the exhaustiveness, exclusiveness, and null sensitivity problems (Haase & Fisk, 2004; Reingold, 2004) are shown to be inapplicable, contradicted by the available evidence, or both. Accordingly, the strong evidence for ODT effects, taken together with the nonmonotonic relationship, contradicts the single-process conscious perception model (e.g., Holender & Duscherer, 2004) and provides stronger evidence for unconscious perception than hitherto available.