cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Drug Profiling in Louisiana: Ten Years Later:

Racial profiling continues to be a hotbed of controversy for both law enforcement officers and citizens, particularly in Louisiana. Based on a study conducted by Ruiz and Woessner (2006) regarding the prevalence of racial and demographic profiling along Louisiana's I-10 corridor, these authors propose to compare Ruiz and Woessner's original results with Troop I arrest statistics over the last 10 years. The predicted outcome suggests that there will be no significant differences in arrest data covering the past 10 years, along the I-10 corridor in Louisiana, when compared with data analysed by Ruiz and Woessner.
FPAs and thin film binary optic microlens integration

The relatively large detector size of conventional focal plane arrays often acts as a limiting source of noise currents and requires these devices to run at undesirably low temperatures. To reduce the detector size without reducing the detector's quantum efficiency, we have developed efficient on-focal plane collection optics consisting of arrays of thin film binary optic microlenses on the back surface of hybrid detector array structures. P/n polarity photodiodes of an unusual `planar-mesa' geometry were fabricated in epitaxial HgCdTe deposited by molecular beam epitaxy on the `front' side of a CdZnTe substrate. Diffractive (8 - 16 phase level) Ge microlenses were deposited on 48 micrometers centers in a registered fashion (using an IR mask aligner and appropriate marks on the front surface of the CdZnTe) on the back side of the substrate using a lifting process. The lifting process circumvents some of the process limitations of the more conventional chemical etching method to diffractive microlens processing, allowing them to approach more closely their theoretical efficiency limit of > 95%. Prior to microlens deposition, but after diode fabrication, the test structures were flip- chip bonded or `hybridized' using indium interconnections to metallic strip lines which had been photolithographically deposited on sapphire dice (a process equally compatible with a silicon integrated circuit readout). After hybridization, the CdZnTe was thinned to equal the focal length of the lenses in the CdZnTe material. Optical characterization has demonstrated that the microlenses combined with the detector mesas concentrate light sufficiently to increase the effective collection area. The optical size of the mesa detectors being larger than the theoretical diffraction limit of the microlenses precludes determining whether the lenses themselves produce the theoretical diffraction-limited gain, but they clearly decrease required detector area by at least 3 - 6X. To our knowledge, this is the first successful demonstration of IR detectors and binary optics microlens integration.
Ab Initio Tests of the Marcus Equation for the Prediction of the Position of the Transition State for the Reaction H + C2H5R → CH4 + CH2R with R = H, CH3, NH2, CN, CF3, and C6H5

Marcus originally derived the Marcus equation to predict Bronsted coefficients for electron-transfer reactions. However in the literature it is often assumed that Marcus' result can be extended to predict positions of the transition state for atom-transfer reactions. In this paper we use ab initio methods to examine the potential energy surface and transition state of a series of hydrogenolysis reactions of the form H• + CH3CH2R → CH4 + •CH2R, with R = H, CH3, CF3, CN, NH2, and C5H6, in order to see if the Marcus equation can be extended to atom-transfer reactions. The calculations show that the molecular orbitals of the system look “reactant-like” moving up the potential energy surface toward the transition state, and then switch to “product-like” moving down to products, in qualitative agreement with what one would expect from the Marcus equation. However, the curve crossing from “reactant-like” to “product-like” molecular orbitals does not occur at the saddle point in the potential energy surface. Rath...
Influence of aortic stenosis on the hemodynamic importance of coronary artery narrowing in dogs without left ventricular hypertrophy.

Coronary hemodynamic effects of controlled left ventricular outflow obstruction simulating aortic valve stenosis were studied in 20 open-chest dogs, with and without graded coronary artery diameter narrowing. Aortic stenosis was regulated so that a mean left ventricular-aortic pressure gradient of 46 ± 20 mm Hg (mean ± standard deviation) was created as both heart rate and stroke volume were unchanged. In addition, during aortic stenosis, mean aortic pressure (105 ± 17 to 84 ± 15 mm Hg, p These data suggest that although mean coronary flow is increased during aortic stenosis, endocardial flow may be limited, and coronary reserve exposed during reactive hyperemia appears decreased. When a coronary artery is narrowed, aortic stenosis has an even more important hemodynamic influence on the coronary circulation.
Technological advances in reconfigurable and autonomous antenna systems

In this paper we present recent technological advances related to antenna systems, spanning from reconfigurable antennas for MIMO applications, to autonomous arrays and direct-write printed RF-MEMS switches. First, we introduce a methodology for reliable and robust reconfigurable polarization antennas based on transmission line theory. The presentation continues with an example of a vanadium dioxide VO 2 -based reconfigurable antenna, and with recent results from an autonomous antenna array system, then we discuss QR code antennas for security applications and end with recent results on low-cost direct-write printed RF-MEMS on flexible substrates. The potential and capabilities of the various designs will be presented and discussed at the conference.
Ethics as conversation: the crucible of family practice.

Medical ethical thought, imbued with the idealism of traditional medicine, has always grappled with the problem of translating abstract principles into actions that do not violate the sensibilities of the patient or the physician. The problem of translation is minimal for the family physician engaged in routine conversations with patients and their family members. This “conversation” — staying with details, maintaining the union of values and facts, reflecting without detaching or distancing — suggests a model of ethical reasoning and problem-solving that warrants serious attention.
Historic low prestige and seeds of change: Attitudes toward Jamaican Creole

Speakers from a semi-rural community within the Jamaican Creole continuum were asked what kind of linguistic entity they believe the Creole to be, where it is in use, whom they understand to be its users, and which domains they deem appropriate and inappropriate for its use. A language-attitude interview schedule yielding an Attitude Indicator Score (AIS) was developed for use in this community. This schedule contained two sets of questions, attitude and description questions, which were designed to capture information concerning overt and covert language attitudes. Results show respondents' attitude systems to be multi-valued: They were generally ambivalent in their attitudes toward Jamaican Creole, but they judged it appropriate or inappropriate for use in different contexts according to their social distance from or solidarity with an interlocutor. Gender grading and an age × gender effect were found. This paper is considerably expanded from a presentation made at NWAV 24, October 12–15, 1995. Fieldwork for this study was supported by a grant from the University of Michigan, Program in Linguistics. For their advice and insightful comments, I thank Lesley Milroy, John Rickford, an anonymous reviewer, and William Bright. My deepest thanks go to members of the Gordon Town community, particularly the principal and students of the Gordon Town All-Age School, who shared with me their facilities, their ideas, and their interest in the topic. Ken Guire, James Lepkowski, and Rose Venzuela provided assistance in the statistical analysis of data. After all this support and more, any errors and shortcomings of this study are the sole responsibility of this author.
A BIOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF MUNGBEAN (VIGNA RADIATA) RESPONSE TO MICROBIAL POLYSACCHARIDES AND POTENTIAL PHENOLIC-ENHANCING EFFECTS FOR NUTRACEUTICAL APPLICATIONS

ABSTRACT Foods that contain plant phenolic secondary metabolites that are antioxidants are getting more attention due to an increase in experimental data suggesting health-promoting effects when such foods are ingested as part of a low-fat diet. As the synthesis of phenolic compounds in plants is known to increase during the defense response to microorganisms, we investigated specific food-grade microbial polysaccharides as potential elicitors of mungbean phenolic content. Mungbean (Vigna radiata) was pretreated with solutions of both xanthan and gellan gums, as well as commercial yeast extract and purified yeast glucan (as potential fungal elicitors), and dark-germinated for 1–5 days. Tissue samples were assayed for enzymatic (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and guaiacol peroxidase) and antioxidant activity, and for proline and phenolic content. Microbial polysaccharide treatments were found to stimulate phenolic content and enzyme activity, as well as occasional cotyledon pigmentation. In addition, xa...
An application of the Planar Separator Theorem to counting problems

Application du theoreme des separateurs planaires aux problemes de denombrement. Analyse de la complexite des algorithmes
Employing a Critical Lens on Instructor Perceptions of Learning Games: Introduction to a Method

Digital games like Where in the World is Carmen San Diego and Oregon Trail have been used to support learning since the 1980s. However, the last decade has seen games, simulations and virtual world use take firm hold of the academic imagination. There also has been a rapid expansion of sponsored, formal research, informal inquiry, and a growing body of theory supporting the use of learning games. As a result, several challenges to their use have been identified such as flaws in the games themselves, inadequate methods of assessment due to complex, confounding variables, and the perceptions of students and teachers. How then can academics develop valid research methods that recognize such challenges and allow for strong claims regarding the impacts of such tools through the lived digital and classroom game experiences of learners and teachers? This article presents a description of one research method that seeks to provide one possible solution called Critical CineEthnography. It stems from a discursive, systems-oriented view of learning that explores of the arguments and truth claims made by learners and teachers. Beyond examining in-game discourse alone, the method employs video capture of out-of-game discussion, artifacts, and body language that should allow researchers to build a complex picture of participant experiences that can be easily shared with academics and practitioners alike. For additional context, a sample study is presented that investigated teacher perceptions and use of learning games.
Vagal and sympathetic components of conditioned cardioacceleration in the pigeon.

Abstract The present experiments were undertaken to assess the relative contributions of the vagi and cardiac sympathetics to conditioned heart rate changes in the pigeon. The cardiac response was established using a defensive conditioning paradigm in which light was paired with foot-shock. Birds with bilateral cervical vagotomy, beta-blockade (propranolol), or both were studied in this situation and their conditioning performances compared with those of control animals. Conditioned cardioacceleration in vagotomized birds was significantly below that of control animals, although substantial conditioning still occurred. However, following beta-blockade conditioned rate responses were markedly reduced, almost no conditioned cardioacceleration appearing until late in training. Bilateral vagotomy prolonged the latency of the response, while a short latency heart rate change could still occur following beta-blockade. Functional denervation with combined vagotomy and beta-blockade prevented the conditioned response completely. Successful differentiation performance was obtained in birds with either vagotomy or beta-blockade, but vagotomized animals required longer training to establish such differential responding. These results suggest the following conclusions: (a) Conditioned cardiocceleration is mediated entirely by the extrinsic cardiac nerves. (b) The principal contribution to the magnitude of the response is mediated by the cardiac sympathetic nerves. (c) The shortest latency component of the response in mediated by the vagi. (d) Either nerve supply is capable of mediating differentiation, but it is more difficult to establish with only excitatory innervation of the heart.
The role of EGF in testosterone-induced reproductive tract differentiation.

Abstract EGF is known to modulate a variety of cellular functions including differentiation. The aim of this investigation was to determine the role of EGF in androgen-induced masculine differentiation. Accordingly, a series of experiments were designed and the results are summarized as described below. (1) We found that the specific deprivation of EGF using anti-EGF serum during the period of masculine differentiation in an organ culture bioassay system resulted in the disintegration of the Wolffian system in a dose-dependent manner. (2) Exogenous EGF supplemented in the above experiment corrected the anti-EGF effect, suggesting a specific role of EGF. (3) Anti-EGF serum was also found to disrupt the differentiation even in the presence of exogenous testosterone, suggesting an effect independent of testosterone synthesis. (4) EGF was found to have a direct masculinizing effect both in vivo and in vitro; however, it was not able to mimic all masculinizing effects of testosterone. The mesonephric segment of the Wolffian duct was retained by EGF in the female fetal tract under in vitro conditions, and under in vivo conditions EGF was able to increase anogenital distance and to induce epididymis in some female fetal mice. (5) We were also able to detect an EGF-like material in the fetal genital tract during differentiation and found that the level of this material increased with advancement of differentiation. Thus, it appears from the above results that EGF plays a role in testosterone-induced reproductive tract differentiation.
UNEMPLOYMENT AND MENTAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS FOR HUMAN SERVICE POLICY

The psychiatric impact of involuntary job loss is evaluated in this paper in light of the attitude among some policy makers that contemporary unemployment is associated with minimal personal costs. Research bearing directly and indirectly on the mental health consequences of job loss is reviewed. Preliminary findings from an ongoing study of family and personal impacts of job loss in which this writer is engaged are also presented. The collective evidence of at least selective psychiatric effects of unemployment is then examined for its implications for human service policy especially in relation to the primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of mental illness.
Peripartum urinary incontinence in a racially diverse obstetrical population

To determine the rates of urinary incontinence in a racially diverse, tertiary care obstetrical population during the third trimester and postpartum using a validated symptom-screening questionnaire. Third trimester prenatal patients receiving obstetric care at Loyola University Medical Center between March and November 2003 participated in this prospective study approved by the Institutional Review Board. Third-trimester participants completed the 15-item, validated Medical, Epidemiological, and Social Aspects of Aging (MESA) questionnaire and the Hunskaar Severity Index. The MESA was readministered to participants during a 6- to 8-week postpartum visit. One hundred and thirteen women completed antenatal and postpartum MESAs. Seventy-four percent (83 of 113) of the patients in the third trimester were categorized as incontinent. The postpartum incontinence rates decreased to 44% (50 of 113). Twenty-one percent (24 of 113) of the participants after delivery reported pure stress incontinence, 3% (3 of 113) urge incontinence, and 20% (23 of 113) mixed incontinence. Only 4% (5 of 113) of the women developed de novo incontinence postpartum: three reported symptoms of pure stress incontinence and two reported symptoms consistent with urge incontinence. The MESA questionnaire identifies more women with antenatal and postpartum urinary incontinence than currently described in the literature.
Single incision versus standard 4-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A prospective randomized trial

Abstract Background Laparoscopy through a single umbilical incision is an emerging technique supported by case series, but prospective comparative data are lacking. Therefore, we conducted a prospective, randomized trial comparing single site umbilical laparoscopic cholecystectomy to 4-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods After IRB approval, patients were randomized to laparoscopic cholecystectomy via a single umbilical incision or standard 4-port access. The primary outcome variable was operative time. Utilizing a power of 0.8 and an alpha of 0.05, 30 patients were calculated for each arm. Patients with complicated disease or weight over 100kg were excluded. Post-operative management was controlled. Surgeons subjectively scored degree of technical difficulty from 1=easy to 5=difficult. Results From 8/2009 through 7/2011, 60 patients were enrolled. There were no differences in patient characteristics. Operative time and degree of difficulty were greater with the single site approach. There were more doses of analgesics used and greater hospital charges in the single site group that trended toward significance. Conclusion Single site laparoscopic cholecystectomy produces longer operative times with a greater degree of difficulty as assessed by the surgeon. There was a trend toward more doses of post-operative analgesics and greater hospital charges with the single site approach.
Male Sexual Function and Its Disorders: Physiology, Pathophysiology, Clinical Investigation, and Treatment

This review is designed to help the reproductive endocrinologist integrate his or her professional activity with those of other disciplines including urology, radiology, neurology, and psychology in order to successfully manage all of the inseparable aspects of male sexual and reproductive functioning. Significant advances in the field of male sexual physiology and pathophysiology and new methods of investigation and treatment of male sexual disorders are outlined. The review synthesizes available data on the following: norms of sexual organs, aging and sexuality, role of central and peripheral neurochemicals in each stage of the sexual cycle, role of corporeal smooth muscles in the hemodynamic control of erection and detumescence, influence of psychological factors, drugs, and disease on all aspects of sexual functioning, and use of nocturnal penile tumescence monitoring, imaging investigations, and neurophysiologic studies in the diagnostic workup of males with sexual dysfunction. Clinical algorithms are presented where appropriate. Extensive discussions on newly developed strategies in psychological and behavioral counseling, drug therapy, tissue engineering, nonsurgical devices, and surgical treatments for all forms of sexual disorders are also provided. Lastly, the effect of sexual dysfunction and its treatment on quality of life in affected men is addressed, along with recommendations for future research endeavors.
Horizontal Shear Surface Waves on a Laminated Composite

The existence is demonstrated of a new type of acoustic surface wave that has a horizontally polarised shear displacement and which propagates along the free surface of a halfspace comprised of a periodically layered composite. This wave contrary to other types of dispersive waves, has unique bandpass and bandstop dispersive characteristics that suggest new filter applications.
Perspectives on family planning services among adolescents at a Boston community health center.

Abstract Study Objective The aim of this project was to investigate adolescent perspectives on family planning services at a community-health center, with the intent to inform health center programs aimed at stemming the adolescent pregnancy rate. Design This project was cross-sectional and employed mixed methods, including surveys and interviews, for the purposes of quality improvement. Setting The project was conducted in the obstetrics and gynecology clinic at an urban community health center in Boston. Participants Twenty adolescent females (age 16-20) who used services at the health center. Intervention Participants were individually interviewed to assess perspectives on family planning services and to identify major influences on methods of pregnancy prevention. Main Outcome Measure Major themes were categorized into contraceptive usage, reproductive health knowledge, adult influence and communication, barriers to contraceptive care and expectations of a family planning clinic. Results All participants were sexually active and 80% had experienced pregnancy. Reproductive health knowledge was variable and in many cases limited. Concern about disapproval was a prominent barrier to going to a clinician for contraception or advice and parents were not often involved in the initial contraception discussion. Other barriers to use of contraception included forgetting to use the methods and fear of side effects. Conclusion We identified several potentially modifiable factors, including lack of knowledge, concern for provider disapproval and fear of side effects that may limit effective use of family planning services by adolescents. Further attention should be paid to these factors in designing and improving youth-friendly services in ob-gyn clinics.
Impact of ion binding on poly-L-lysine (un)folding energy landscape and kinetics.

We utilize T-jump UV resonance Raman spectroscopy (UVRR) to study the impact of ion binding on the equilibrium energy landscape and on (un)folding kinetics of poly-l-lysine (PLL). We observe that the relaxation rates of the folded conformations (including π-helix (bulge), pure α-helix, and turns) of PLL are slower than those of short alanine-based peptides. The PLL pure α-helix folding time is similar to that of short alanine-based peptides. We for the first time have directly observed that turn conformations are α-helix and π-helix (bulge) unfolding intermediates. ClO4– binding to the Lys side chain −NH3+ groups and the peptide backbone slows the α-helix unfolding rate compared to that in pure water, but little impacts the folding rate, resulting in an increased α-helix stability. ClO4– binding significantly increases the PLL unfolding activation barrier but little impacts the folding barrier. Thus, the PLL folding coordinate(s) differs from the unfolding coordinate(s). The-π helix (bulge) unfolding and ...
Metastasis-associated protein 1 is an integral component of the circadian molecular machinery

Mammalian circadian clocks modulate the daily cycles of many cellular processes. Here the authors find that metastasis-associated protein 1, which is upregulated in human cancers, is an intrinsic regulator of the mammalian molecular clock.
The Effects of Continuous Awareness on Distributed Software Development

Awareness, the understanding of others' activities, has been widely accepted as a remedy to many collaboration difficulties in distributed organizations. Continuous Awareness (CA), a continuous support for integrated awareness information across space and time, aims to address the need of continuous awareness information in globally distributed software teams. This paper presents an comprehensive evaluation of a CA system, Team Radar, across multiple platforms. The result shows that Team Radar enables developers to receive continuous awareness information effectively and efficiently without the limitations of space and time. Our work provides insights into further exploration of awareness for distributed software development and the design and evaluation of similar tools.
Measurement and control of single molecule conductance

Substantial advances have been made towards the goal of measuring, controlling and understanding electron transport through single molecules covalently wired to electrodes. Here I highlight recent experimental approaches and discuss measurements in solutions that allow one to study molecular binding processes and control the conductance of single redox molecules.
Limitations of stress relaxation tests for determining stress dependence of strain rate at high temperatures

Abstract Closed-loop controlled ‘constant-strain’ stress relaxation tests at strains of 0.0025–0.0072 were carried out on α–β, Ti–6Al–2Sn–4Zr–6Mo alloy at 0.45 T m to evaluate power-law creep. Stress exponent of 20.1–6.9, instead of about 4 for dislocation creep in Ti-alloys, was obtained. This is attributed to the contribution of delayed elastic strain to the total strain.
Ambiguity and Risk Taking in Organizations

Kunreuther, Meszaros, and Hogarth (1993) argue that insurers are risk averse and ambiguity averse, and that they use cognitive reference points and constraints in making pricing decisions. They further claim that insurer ambiguity may be a factor that has a role in market failure at the industry level. Arguably, ambiguity may be an important aspect of decision behavior. In this article, research on managerial risk taking is reviewed with a focus on the relationship between ambiguity and risk taking. In particular, the effects of the organizational and institutional context are highlighted. It is argued that the political aspects of insurer decision behavior should be considered as well. Implications for further study and understanding of decision making are discussed.
Protein—DNA recognition complexes: Conservation of structure and binding energy in the transition state

This paper considers how enzymes that catalyze reactions at specific DNA sites have been engineered to overcome the problem of competitive inhibition by excess nonspecific binding sites on DNA. The formation of a specific protein-DNA recognition complex is discussed from both structural and thermodynamic perspectives, and contrasted with formation of nonspecific complexes. Evidence (from EcoRI and BamHI endonucleases) is presented that a wide variety of perturbations of the DNA substrate alter binding free energy but do not affect the free energy of activation for the chemical step; that is, many energetic factors contribute equally to the recognition complex and the transition-state complex. This implies that the specific recognition complex bears a close resemblance to the transition-state complex, such that very tight binding to the recognition site on the DNA substrate does not inhibit catalysis, but instead provides energy that is efficiently utilized along the path to the transition state. It is suggested that this view can be usefully extended to "noncatalytic" site-specific DNA-binding proteins like transcriptional activators and general transcription factors.
Quantitative analysis of dendritic networks of Purkinje neurons during aging

This study examined quantitative parameters of Golgi-Cox stained Purkinje dendritic networks in Fischer 344 rats of three different ages. Topological patterns of branching, metric parameters of the networks, and spine densities on terminal dendritic branches of the networks were measured and analyzed relative to age of the animals. The data suggested that the networks were topologically stable at all ages, but decreases in spine density on terminal branches, in length per terminal branch, in total length of terminal branches, and in total length of the entire network were shown. Decreases in spine density were found in cells of both older groups of rats; however, decreases in length parameters were significant only in the cells of rats in the intermediate age group.
The final SAMMPRIS results: a review.

Approximately 10% of the 900,000 strokes or transient ischemic attacks in the United States are attributed to intracranial arterial stenosis (7). The management of intracranial atherosclerotic disease has been a matter of discussion for decades. Anticoagulation was first used for intracranial atherosclerotic disease in 1955 (6). The Warfarin vs. Aspirin for Symptomatic Intracranial Disease (WASID) trial demonstrated equivalent efficacy of aspirin versus warfarin in the treatment of intracranial arterial stenosis (2). Still the 2-year stroke rate for patients on aspirin was 19.7%, leading to the discussion of alternative therapies for patients with intracranial arterial stenosis, including percutaneous angioplasty and stenting. This was the impetus for the initiation of the Stenting and Aggressive Medical Management for Preventing Recurrent stroke in Intracranial Stenosis (SAMMPRIS) trial, which hypothesized that intraarterial stenting with the Wingspan system was superior to aggressive medical management (dual antiplatelet therapy with daily aspirin and clopidogrel, initiation of rosuvastatin with target low-density lipoprotein <70 mg/dL, and tight blood pressure control with target systolic blood pressure <140 mm Hg and <130 mm Hg in diabetics, in addition to lifestyle modifications) (1). Enrollment for SAMMPRIS began in 2008 and ended in 2011, secondary to a significant difference in efficacy seen at 30 days. The primary end points examined were any stroke or death within 30 days of enrollment, ischemic stroke in the area of the qualifying artery beyond 30 days of enrollment, and any stroke or death within 30 days of a revascularization procedure of the qualifying lesion during follow-up. At 30 days, the stroke or death rate was significantly higher in the endovascular treatment group (14.7% vs. 5.8%; P 1⁄4 0.002), causing cessation of enrollment in the trial. However, the short length of follow-up begged the question of whether the superiority of the medical treatment persisted beyond 1 year, or whether there was an increased rate of late strokes in the medical management arm that may decrease the difference in efficacy in the long run. This prompted the SAMMPRIS investigators to continue follow-up of the initial group of enrolled patients up to 3 years. Derdeyn et al. (4) recently published the final long-term results of the SAMMPRIS trial in Lancet. Median follow-up in their study was 32.4 months. The data indicated that the early difference in death and stroke rates persisted up to 3 years. Throughout the trial, patients undergoing stenting reached a primary end point more frequently than medically managed patients; at 1 year, the rate was 19.7% versus 12.6% (P< 0.05), at 2 years, the rate was 20.6% versus 14.1% (P1⁄4 0.07), and at 3 years, the rate was 23.9% versus 14.9% (P < 0.02) (Figure 1). The rates of stroke (23.3% vs. 17.2%; P < 0.05) and any major hemorrhage (13.1% vs. 3.5%; P < 0.001) were also higher in the percutaneous angioplasty and stenting group versus the medical group at 2 years. These differences occurred despite equivalent achievement of
Thermal expansion studies on a metallic-glass ribbon-reinforced glass-ceramic-matrix composite

The thermal-expansion behaviour of a metallic-glass ribbon-reinforced glass-ceramic-matrix composite was studied. The coefficient of thermal expansion of such composites measured in the longitudinal direction was correlated with the volume fraction, the length and the width of the ribbon reinforcements. The experimentally measured values of the thermal-expansion coefficients were found to be in good agreement with a modified Schapery's equation.
The Efron dice voting system

About 50 years ago, Efron noted some counterintuitive properties of the long-term behavior of contests involving dice. For instance, consider the 6-sided dice whose sides are labeled (4,4,4,4,0,0), (3,3,3,3,3,3), (6,6,2,2,2,2), and (5,5,5,1,1,1). Each die has a 2/3 probability of rolling a higher number than the next one in the list and the last has the same 2/3 probability of rolling a higher number than the first. The non-transitivity of games involving non-identical dice was popularized by Gardner (Sci Am, 223:110–114, 1970). Although Gardner and other authors have observed that non-transitive dice serve to illustrate the complexities of the theory of voting, it does not seem that much attention has been paid to the corresponding voting system. Our purpose in this article is to present this voting system and compare its properties with those of other voting systems. One of the most interesting properties is the fact that cancellation with respect to the Efron dice voting system can replace cancellation with respect to pairwise preferences in Young’s characterization of the social choice function associated with the Borda Count.
Mini-laparotomy staging pelvic lymphadenectomy (minilap) : alternative to standard and laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy

Abstract In a mini-laparotomy staging pelvic lymphadenectomy mini-lap) a 6-cm lower midline abdominal incision is used to perform a complete pelvic lymphadenectomy. If the pelvic lymph nodes were positive for prostate cancer, the incision was closed without pelvic drains. If the pelvic lymph nodes were clinically negative for disease, the incision was extended, and a radical retropubic prostatectomy was done under the same anesthetic. The minilap was performed on 16 patients. Three patients who had grossly positive pelvic lymph nodes confirmed by frozen section examination were denied a radical retropubic prostatectomy and had a two to three-day hospital stay. The other 13 patients had an uneventful radical retropubic prostatectomy. We conclude that the minilap is an attractive alternative for patients requiring staging pelvic lymphadenectomy.
The Role of Serotonin in Gastric Acid Inhibition by Duodenal Fat

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5915/13-1-11927 The possible role of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) in the inhibition of gastric acid secretion following the infusion of fat into the duodenum was studied. Heidenhain pouches were constructed in 12 dogs and cannulae were placed in the dependent part of the pouch for the sample collection, the stomach for drainage and the duodenum for fat infusion. In all studies, histamine phosphate (0.04 mg/kg/hr) was infused during the four-hour study period. When fat (corn oil) was infused into the duodenum, gastric acid secretion gradually became inhibited (p<0.05 and a maximum inhibition of 59% (p<0.001) occurred at one hour. Following serotonin depletion by administering reserpine 24 hours prior to the study, gastric acid secretion increased (p<0.02) when compared to the effect of histamine infusion. Serotonin depletion by reserpine or antagonism by 1-methyl-lysergic acid butanolamide (UML491) significantly interfered (P<0.01) with the fat-induced inhibition of gastric acid secretion. Following serotonin depletion, replacement by 5-hydroxytryptophan restored (p<0.02) the inhibitory action of intraduodenal fat on gastric acid secretion. The data suggests that serotonin may be an enterogastrone which is at least partly responsible for the inhibition of gastric acid secretion following intraduodenal fat infusion.
Design of microresonator quantum well intensity modulators based on an absorption blue-shift

A micro resonator quantum well intensity modulator for operation in the wavelength band around 1μm is described. High efficiency 90° bends are used to form the resonator and also provide optimal coupling to the external waveguide. The benefits are to reduce loss, to relax the lithography requirements and to provide more flexible contact designs to the modulator. The characteristics of modulator are analyzed using optical simulation tools and based on measured absorption parameters. The modulator operates with two distinctly different electrode configurations which are both based on the index change calculated using Kramers-Kronig relations. A model including parasitic is developed for HSPICE transient simulations and run in the AGILENT ADS environment. The performance parameters are determined to be an extinction ratio of 10.4dB, a bandwidth of 33GHz, and a dc power less than 1mW for device dimensions of 16×6μm2.
Games with Self-Generating Distributions

In this paper I develop an N-person stochastic game in which each player views himself as facing a Markov decision process. Specifically, every player is assumed to choose his strategy as a policy which is optimal with respect to the process in question. It is clear that such a strategy need not be a best reply to the strategy choices of the other players, so a Nash equilibrium might not be appropriate for this game. Consider the following alternative equilibrium concept. Every player compares the subjective transition probabilities from his Markov decision process with the objective frequencies which he encounters during the course of the game. If no player receives disconfirming evidence about the subjective probabilities he is using, then the game is said to be in informational equilibrium. In this case the subjective probabilities are termed self-generating. Clearly, an informational equilibrium falls into the class of fulfilled expectations or rational equilibria. The main result of the paper is that an informational equilibrium exists for the game under consideration. The motivation for studying this particular class of games derives from the microeconomic treatment of household and firm intertemporal decisions under uncertainty. In economic theory it is common to treat these decision problems within a dynamic programming Markov decision process framework.' Here Markov transistion probabilities are used to describe the random prices faced by households and the random demand functions faced by firms. A question which would seem to be of considerable interest involves the problem of how one might model a complete economy in which each agent treats his own decision problem as a Markov decision process. Choosing an appropriate equilibrium concept would naturally be of paramount importance. This is the essential issue with which the present paper is concerned. It is important though to emphasize that the underlying approach does not really depend upon the specification of any particular economy. Therefore the general framework is described in terms of an
Neural-network-based navigation and control of unmanned aerial vehicles for detecting unintended emissions

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are versatile aircraft with many applications, including the potential for use to detect unintended electromagnetic emissions from electronic devices. A particular area of recent interest has been helicopter unmanned aerial vehicles. Because of the nature of these helicopters' dynamics, high-performance controller design for them presents a challenge. This paper introduces an optimal controller design via output feedback control for trajectory tracking of a helicopter UAV using a neural network (NN). The output-feedback control system utilizes the backstepping methodology, employing kinematic, virtual, and dynamic controllers and an observer. Optimal tracking is accomplished with a single NN utilized for cost function approximation. The controller positions the helicopter, which is equipped with an antenna, such that the antenna can detect unintended emissions. The overall closed-loop system stability with the proposed controller is demonstrated by using Lyapunov analysis. Finally, results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control design for positioning the helicopter for unintended emissions detection.
Vapor phase analysis of aromatic organic compounds using laser-induced fluorescence and fiber optics

Prior work has reported on the usefulness of fiber optic sensors in the detection of dissolved aromatic organic ground water contaminants such as the benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) fraction of petroleum fuels. Our device is a laser fluorimeter using fiber optic sensors for in situ measurements. Fluorescence intensity and lifetime can be measured at any wavelength in order to compare concentrations and discriminate certain compounds. Our instrument configuration uses a pulsed Nd:YAG laser twice frequency doubled to provide 266 nm excitation light. Excitation light, and subsequent induced fluorescence, are carried to the location of interest by a pair of 600 micron core fused silica optical fibers. Fluorescence is measured using a photomultiplier (PMT). PMT output goes either into a high-speed oscilloscope for fluorescence lifetime measurements or into a gated integrator for fluorescence intensity measurements. The same system can be used to detect aromatic contaminants in the vapor phase. Phenol, toluene, and xylene have been tested in the vapor phase. Concentrations below 10 micrograms phenol per liter air are detectable. In the vapor phase, the water Raman line seen around 295 nm in aqueous solution is insignificant, allowing a greater wavelength range to be scanned by the detector. Fluorescence spectra, fluorescence lifetimes, and fluorescence versus concentration information are presented. Applications of this approach to vadose zone ground water monitoring are discussed.
Observation of gold-silicon alloy formation in thin films by high resolution electron microscopy

Thin films (<30 nm) containing mixtures of gold and silicon were co-deposited on (100) surfaces of NaCl from the pure elements co-evaporated at equivalent molar rates. The resulting samples, believed to be homogeneous distributions of the elements, were used to observe alloy formation during electron beam heating in an electron microscope. The formation of the alloy was shown to accompany the displacement and subsequent crystallization of excess silicon. The crystallographic data derived from the microscopic study were found to agree within experimental error with those reported from studies of bulk samples prepared by the rapid quenching of gold/silicon melts and assigned the composition Au2Si. Samples heated under intense electron beam irradiation resulted in the decompositon of the alloy and the formation of crystalline gold and silicon. Thicker samples (∼100 nm) were prepared by evaporation on (100) NaCl and subsequently heated at temperatures up to 250°C. These specimens examined by the “thin-film” X-ray diffraction technique confirmed the formation of Au2Si as well as its subsequent decomposition at temperatures above 100°C.
Exploring the Kinetics of Protein Birth

Fidelity and efficiency in protein folding are essential to sustain cell life. Overall however, very little is known about the way proteins are able to attain their native structure within the context of the cell. In addition to the ribosome's well-established role in peptide bond formation, recent studies suggest that ribosomes may have strong influence on the early stages of protein folding in the cell and may be crucial for the production of folded unaggregated proteins. The conformational changes that occur within a nascent protein during its release from the ribosome have yet to be elucidated. Here, we present a kinetic study on the release time-course of ribosome bound model proteins upon addition of the antibiotic puromycin. By time-resolved gel electrophoresis, we are able to discern that puromycin's hydrolysis of the ester bond linking nascent polypeptides to the 3' end of tRNA occurs quickly. Steady-state fluorescence anisotropy reveals the presence of two additional slower kinetic phases. Finally, time decay fluorescence anisotropy analysis complements the above results by providing insights into the local motions experienced by the nascent protein during different stages of the protein birth process.
Monoclonal antibodies defining serologically distinct HLA-D/DR related Ia-like antigens in man

Abstract Four monoclonal antisera-identifying antigens with the identical tissue distribution and molecular weight of previously described Ia-like antigens were characterized. Two of these antisera, I-1 and I-2, identified antigens expressed on the HLA-D/DR positive cells from all HLA heterozygous individuals. Further characterization on homozygous typing cells (HTC's) demonstrated that I-2 was not reactive with most Dw7 and Dw11 HTC's. Monoclonal antisera, termed 1-LR1 and 1-LR2, defined polymorphic Ia-like antigens that demonstrated restricted expression of cells from HLA heterozygous individuals. Antigen I-LR1 was expressed on cells from 60% of HLA heterozygous and its reactivity with HTC's did not conform to any previously described monotypic or supertypic HLA-D/DR pattern. In contrast, I-LR2 was expressed on 40% of HLA heterozygotes and identified only HLA-DR3, 5, and 6 HTC's. Studies of families with HLA recombinants permitted the demonstration that the 1-LR1 and 1-LR2 antigens are tightly linked to the HLA-D/DR locus. These experiments permit the direct demonstration by immunoprecipitation, linkage studies, and MHC recombinant families that the p29,34 complex in man is closely linked to or is within the HLA-D/DR locus. These studies suggest that the human Ia-like antigens are more heterogenous than previously demonstrated and that monoclonal antisera will be useful in further defining the structural, genetic, and functional characteristics of these molecules.
Commutators on Lipschitz spaces and related function spaces

We characterize the symbol functions so that the associated commutators with symbol functions and the Hilbert transform are bounded on Lipschitz space Λαp, where 1 < p < ∞ and 0 < α < 1/p. Properties of such symbols are also discussed.
Success of the Fasanella-Servat operation independent of Müller's smooth muscle excision.

Abstract In an attempt to elucidate the mechanism whereby the Fasanella-Servat operation corrects ptosis, the authors examined the histopathologic features of 40 consecutive surgical specimens from 37 patients. Because all specimens contained tarsus, this tissue was graded into two groups according to vertical height: (1) minimal (30%) and (2) moderate (70%). Muller's smooth muscle was graded into four groups: (1) absent to negligible (42.5%); (2) minimal (45%); (3) moderate (10%); and (4) large (2.5%). Levator aponeurosis was absent, and conjunctiva was present, in all resections. Accessory lacrimal gland tissue was present in 42.5% of cases and did not cause decreased tear production. Although 87.5% of cases had absent to minimal smooth muscle resections, these patients had equally successful results in comparison to patients with moderate to large amounts of smooth muscle resections. Based on these data, the authors have concluded that the effectiveness of the Fasanella-Servat operation does not depend on a Mullerectomy, but instead is probably due to a combination of other factors: (1) a vertical posterior lamellar shortening; (2) secondary contractile cicatrization of the wound; and (3) plication or advancement of the Muller's smooth muscle-levator aponeurosis complex on the tarsus.
Ureteropelvic junction obstruction during the first year of life

Over the past three years, 28 children less than one year of age, were operated on for ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Our results demonstrate that congenital hydronephrosis most commonly presents antenatally, and that early postnatal correction can be performed safely. The high surgical success rate, with a relatively short hospital stay (3-4 days), is attributed to early diagnosis, when the pelviureteral tissues are relatively healthy and nephron maturation is at maximum. The practice of delaying surgical correction of an obstructed hydronephrotic kidney on the basis of "stable" renal function is unwarranted, since it denies such kidneys their full potential for recoverability.
An approach to the design of constant-resistance amplitude equalizer networks

It is often desirable to correct or to adjust the amplitude/frequency response of a network to meet certain stated requirements. Although it is usually not difficult to calculate the insertion loss of a correcting network, the inverse is rather more difficult. The paper suggests a method of designing constant-resistance amplitude equalizers to give a desired slope over the working range concerned. A typical example, involving the technique developed, is given in order to illustrate the method of adjusting the response of a velocity-type pick-up over part of the audio-frequency spectrum.