cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Re-examining the structure of supplier stratification matrix: a focus on differential value and relationship

This paper explores current empirical practice in supplier stratification management, focusing on how suppliers are stratified and how to manage these supplier segments differentially by using common evaluation criteria. Using information gathered through interviews of senior managers of supplier relationship management from 15 companies and extensive literature search, this paper proposes a new framework on supplier stratification that addresses the weakness in existing stratification conceptualisation. A survey was also conducted to evaluate the relative importance placed on different evaluation criteria when evaluating different supplier segments. Factor analysis reveals that all these evaluation criteria are indeed determined by two factors: purchasing value and relationship. Our analyses further show that, for purchasing value: strategic suppliers have the highest value, followed in decreasing order by custom, collaborative, and finally commodity suppliers. For relationship: strategic suppliers are distinctly the most important segment, followed by collaborative and custom suppliers, and finally commodity suppliers.
Selection of Dynamic Sensors and Actuators in the Control of Linear Systems

On selectionne a partir d'un ensemble admissible les capteurs et actionneurs (localisation, type et nombre) et on cherche une solution approchee au probleme de programmation entiere
Argon laser vascular tissue fusion: current status and future perspectives

Tissue fusion by laser energy is an intriguing and very promising new applications for laser technology. In comparison to using high laser energy to ablate tissue as in the angioplasty application, laser tissue fusion is possible in any soft tissue by delivering appropriate low levels of energy to the opposed tissue surfaces. This technology is particularly appealing for vascular applications in making sutureless blood vessel anastomosisand for securing the endpoints of endarterectomies and dissection planes. Although there have been limited evaluations of this technology, the preliminary experimental and clinical data is very promising for continued development and application. Vascular tissue fusion or welding by lasers is performed by directing a low energy beam at the opposed edges of the repair. The energy is applied by moving the beam back and forth along the fusion line or, in certain cases, by delivering the energy in "spot" applications. Vessel sealing is apparent in the majority of fusions to the trained eye, as is nonunion caused by inadequate energy delivery, or tissue coagulation or vaporization from excessive energy exposure. Laser repairs can be fashioned in time intervals comparable to or slightly longer than those required for suture repairs. Precision of tissue apposition at the time of fusion is a critical parameter which affects the rate of healing and tensile strength of tissue welds. A gap between the vessel edges or blood at the interface compromises weld strength.
Theoretical Studies of Non-Cascade Sputtering Processes

We present a theoretical model for non-cascade sputtering processes in which these processes are considered to be induced by vibrational excitation. We discuss in particular the application of this model to sputtering (both with and without charge transfer) by heavy ion bombardment of insulating targets. In addition, we show how this theory can be used to predict the translational energy distribution of the sputtered species and compare calculations with the experimental energy distribution of SF6 molecules sputtered from frozen SF6. The agreement between theory and experiment is reasonable.
Saturation models: A brief survey and critique

The authors review and compare the papers in this issue on saturation and logistic growth with special emphasis on the structure of the underlying probability models. Influence diagrams are used to illustrate the dependence and independence assumptions and the way in which uncertainty is reflected in key model assumptions and parameters characterizing the models.
An unusual complication of inferior venacavography. A case report.

During inferior venacavography the tip of the catheter perforated the wall of the common iliac vein and entered the epidural space of the adjacent large lumbosacral trunk. Anatomically it is only at the level of the first sacral segment that the vein and nerve lie in very close proximity. Simultaneous opacification of the venous system and the epidural space resulted. A severe, temporary pain occurred upon the injection of the epidural space. There was no residual neurologic deficit.
Association of Toll-Like Receptor 6 (TLR6) Polymorphism Pro249Ser with Asthma Phenotypes

M O N D A Y 635 Association of Toll-Like Receptor 6 (TLR6) Polymorphism Pro249Ser with Asthma Phenotypes B. Aubin, J. Meng, C. Barnes, B. E. May, L. J. Rosenwasser; Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, Children’s Mercy Hospital/ UMKC SOM, Kansas City, MO. RATIONALE: Toll-like receptor 6 (TLR 6) is an important receptor that mediates interaction with fungal components. Fungal allergens have been associated with asthma susceptibility and severity. The association of genetic polymorphisms in TLR6 with asthma phenotypes remains to be clarified although there are a few reports about it. METHODS: The polymorphism Pro249Ser in TLR6 was genotyped in an asthmatic population recruited for a healthy home project, and examined for association with allergic sensitization to common allergens, asthma severity and emergency visit and related factors. RESULTS: The T allele (Ser) in Pro249Ser of TL6 was not significantly associated with asthma severity or allergic sensitization to either all common allergens or to all common fungi in the population. T allele in Pro249Ser of TLR6 was associated with lower risk of emergency visit in asthmatic patients at close to threshold level (p50.06). Asthma patients with T allele had about 5 fold less risk for emergency visit. CONCLUSIONS: The polymorphism Pro249Ser of TLR6 tends to be associated with asthma emergency visits. The conclusion is being replicated in larger studies.
Neutral density cells in the high latitude thermosphere—1. Solar maximum cell morphology and data analysis

Abstract A new high latitude thermospheric neutral density structure has been revealed in NCAR-TIGCM simulations at 120–350 km altitude. The structure consists of density cells above 50° latitude with radii of approximately 1000 km. There are between two to four cells present depending on the altitude and magnetic activity. For example, at 200 km under magnetically active conditions, the density structure consists of four cells: low density cells are located near dawn and dusk and high density cells are located near noon and midnight. Density variations among the cells range from 5 to 50% for magnetically quiet and active conditions respectively. The cells are present at all seasons, for a wide range of magnetic activity levels, and at solar minimum and solar maximum. The density cell morphology is established for equinox solar maximum as a function of altitude and magnetic activity. Departures of the cell structure from this morphology due to seasonal and solar cycles are discussed. The cell morphology provides a new framework in which to interpret lower thermospheric density data. Data to test and confirm the model predictions were provided by the SETA-1 satellite.
Older Latinos, pets, and health.

The majority of the findings regarding pet ownership, interaction, and the human-animal bond have involved only Caucasians or have included other ethnic group members only incidentally. The extent ...
Foot fractures and associated injuries in motorvehicle crashes: do restraints offer protection?

Summary The use of restraints reduces injury mortality in motor-vehicle crashes. However, 2 million Americans per year suffer disabling injuries in crashes, costing $167 billion. A retrospective review of 2271 patients involved in motor-vehicle crashes over 5 years was performed. Patients were evaluated for age, sex, injury severity, hospital stay, foot fractures, and other injuries. Eight-four patients sustained foot fractures in crashes. Restrained occupants had lower incidences of head injury, facial fractures, and pelvic injuries. Restraint use, however, did not lower the incidence of foot fractures. In conclusion, restraints do not lower the overall incidence of many non-fatal injuries. Foot fractures and associated injuries are significant causes of disability.
Modeling of pressureless constant heating rate sintering of ceramic matrix composites

A viscoelastic finite-element model is developed for analyzing the pressureless constant-heating-rate sintering of particulate-or whisker-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites. The sintering potential is assumed to be a function of heating rate, temperature and relative density and is obtained from experimental data on the densification of an identical unconstrained (unreinforced) matrix sample. The reinforcement is modelled as a spherical or ellipsoidal unsinterable inclusion and the matrix as a compressible viscoelastic material. The results show that inclusions result in reduced sinterability and cause a heterogeneous density distribution, the heterogeneity of density, mechanical properties and residual stresses being affected by the shape of the inclusions. The initial homogeneity (or lack of it) of the green compact has been also shown to affect the final density.
A procedural analysis and review of relaxation training research

Abstract Relaxation training has typically been discussed as a singular procedure to be used as a therapeutic treatment technique for a wide variety of disorders. A review of the empirical literature from 1970 to 1979 is provided with an emphasis on clinical populations utilized, dependent measurement and procedural variability and lack of standardization with respect to relaxation procedures. Suggestions for future research are made which emphasize systematic evaluations of treatment components, target problems and criterion behavior change.
Parallel compilation for a parallel machine

An application for a parallel computer with multiple, independent processors often includes different programs (functions) for the individual processors; compilation of such functions can proceed independently. We implemented a compiler that exploits this parallelism by partitioning the input program for parallel translation. The host system for the parallel compiler is an Ethernet-based network of workstations, and different functions of the application program are compiled in parallel on different workstations. For typical programs in our environment, we observe a speedup ranging from 3 to 6 using not more than 9 processors. The paper includes detailed measurements for this parallel compiler; we report the system overhead, implementation overhead, as well as the speedup obtained when compared with sequential compilation.
What's in Your Bottle?: Shire US Inc. v. Barr Laboratories Inc. and Its Effect on Prescription Drug Trade Dress Protection in the Third Circuit

The pharmaceutical industry may have lost its ability to differentiate prescription drug tablets from generic imitations in light of the Third Circuit’s decision in Shire US Inc. v. Barr Laboratories Inc . 1 Traditional trade dress jurisprudence has long recognized a cause of action whereby a national brand-name manufacturer can sue to protect its product’s identity from a generically manufactured facsimile. Such an action normally arises when a generic manufacturer copies the appearance of a brand-name product, thereby gaining instant product recognition based on the brand-name manufacturer’s established marketing and accumulated goodwill. 2 Trademark common law and the Lanham Act protect brand-name manufacturers from such unfair trade practices. 3 Over-the-counter drugs are packaged in containers bearing manufacturers’ names and markings, enabling consumers to differentiate between, for example, Ecotrin™ aspirin and generic CVS store brand aspirin. 4 When a generic manufacturer’s label is sufficiently similar to that of an established product, the Lanham Act dictates that the generic manufacturer must cease selling its product. 5 Even when products, i.e., tablets, are physically identical, packaging labels serve as sufficient identification of their source.
Qualitative and quantitative variations in dwarf ragweed pollens.

Abstract With the use of two different fractionation procedures, it is shown that differences exist among dwarf ragweed pollens harvested in different years. Quantitative chromatographic differences frequently occur which are accompanied by differences of yields in each fraction. Many fractions also showed differences in chemical analysis, gel diffusion patterns, and skin reactivity. The results are related to the yearly variations of potency of ragweed extracts. It is suggested that the differences between the products containing Antigen E isolated separately by King and by Robbins may be related to these differences.
Social control of sex change in the shelf limpet, Crepidula norrisiarum : size-specific responses to local group composition

Crepidula norrisiarum (Williamson) is found on the shells of the gastropod Norrisia norrisia (MacGinitie and MacGinitie) in groups consisting of 1–13 individuals of varying sizes. A combination of field collections and laboratory experiments revealed that sex change in this protandrous hermaphrodite is strongly affected by the size of the individual and the composition of the local group. Field data indicate that solitary shelf limpets change from male to female when they are about 16 mm in length, and we used this as a guide to investigate the social circumstances under which individuals accelerate or delay sex change. Females at sizes smaller than 16 mm (indicative of accelerated sex change) were present when they were the largest member of their local group; conversely, males larger than 16 mm (indicative of delayed sex change) were present when only larger females are present in the group. When relatively larger and smaller group members are present, sex expression appeared to depend on the individual's place in the size hierarchy. These results suggested hypotheses about social control of sex change that were tested in a series of laboratory experiments using artificially assembled groups. In accord with predictions, males changed sex when they became the largest member of a group (13 of 14 males tested), regardless of their initial size. Individuals changed sex faster in the presence of smaller males than when alone, and smaller males changed sex faster than did larger males. In contrast, no male changed sex in groups where larger females were present (n = 15). Sex changing individuals had significantly higher growth rates, and comparisons among the groups suggest that the growth differences are conditional responses and not simply due to food limitation. This work suggests that in gastropods the presence of relatively permanent small local mating populations is the critical factor associated with social control of sex change, rather than mode of larval development and dispersal.
Bioconcentration patterns of zinc, copper, cadmium and lead in selected fish species from the Fox River, Illinois.

This study was conducted to determine if bioconcentration patterns were similar between four common essential and nonessential trace elements. The whole body concentrations of Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb were related to the whole body dry weights of blue-gill (Lepomis macrochirus), black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), black bullhead (Ictalurus melas), and yellow perch (Perca flavescens). Zinc, Cu, Cd, and Pb were selected because most studies of heavy metal concentrations in fish have examined one or more of these elements. These metals are often closely associated with each other as natural impurities or as alloys. Zinc and Cu are essential components of metallo-enzymes. Cadmium and Pb have not been shown to have essential functions in fishes, but rather inhibit biological systems and competitively interfere with Zn and Cu. The fish species were chosen on the basis of their importance as recreational and food species and their frequent use in both field and laboratory studies. Patterns of metal bioconcentrations with fish size were determined by simple linear regression.
Multiple Hormone Requirement for the Synthesis of α2u- Globulin by Monolayers of Rat Hepatocytes in Long Term Primary Culture*

Primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes were prepared by releasing liver cells through fractional trypsinization and by a novel nonenzymatic procedure involving the imprinting of liver explants on the surface of the culture flask (explant imprinting). The comparative properties of these two primary cultures and their abilities to synthesize alpha 2u-globulin under multihormonal stimulation were investigated. The hepatocytes isolated from male rats by fractional trypsinization were found to divide rapidly and form a confluent monolayer within 5-7 days of culture. However, these cells failed to synthesize alpha 2u-globulin even after treatment with 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone, GH, T3, and dexamethasone, hormones with known stimulatory effects on the synthesis of alpha 2u-globulin in vivo. On the contrary, hepatocytes prepared from male rats by the nonenzymatic procedure of explant imprinting were found to synthesize alpha 2u-globulin for more than 2 weeks and responded to GH, T3, and dexamethasone with enhanced production of this protein. Fortification of the culture medium with all of the above three hormones caused an approximately 9-fold enhancement of alpha 2u production within 4 days of culture compared to production in control culture without these hormones. The above results substantiate earlier findings concerning the multiple hormonal requirement for hepatic synthesis of alpha 2u-globulin in vivo and show that isolation and culture of hepatocytes by nonenzymatic explant imprinting may serve as a useful procedure for studying endocrine regulation of gene activity in vitro.
Century russet : A high-yielding fresh market cultivar with verticillium resistance

Century Russet, a high-yielding, late-maturing variety suitable for fresh tablestock use, was jointly released in 1995 by Agricultural Experiment Stations in Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Colorado, California, and Texas and the USDA Agricultural Research Service. Extremely high yields have been observed for Century Russet in variety trials conducted in Oregon and throughout the western United States under a wide range of soil and climatic conditions. Century Russet produced 40 percent higher marketable yields than Russet Burbank and 67 percent higher marketable yields than Russet Norkotah in 11 regional trials conducted over a three-year period in sevenwestern states. Uniform tuber shape, high yields of count carton sizes, and attractive tuber appearance make Century Russet well suited for the fresh market industry. It is not recommended for chipping or processing into frozen products because of low solids and dark fry color. Century Russet is highly resistant toVerticillium wilt and consistently develops less hollow heart, brown center, and other internal defects than Russet Burbank. It requires more time between vine kill and harvest than Russet Burbank for adequate tuber maturity and skin set. Bruised Century Russet tubers are susceptible to early blight andFusarium infection.
Cardia bifida and the development of pacemaker function in the early chick heart

Abstract Double-hearted or “cardia bifida” embryos were produced by making a mid-line cut through the tissues of the anterior intestinal portal of the 1–3 somite chick embryo, at a time when the foregut is a shallow crescent and the cardiac primordia have not yet fused in the bulboventricular region. Each lateral primordium in the operated chicks forms a separately beating tubular heart. From the time of initiation of heart beat (at 10–11 somites) to the stage of 18–19 somites, the left heart beats faster than does the right in the great majority of embryos. This observation is in consonance with the concept of “left dominance” as applied to early embryonic development. As development progresses, however, the left heart declines in rate while the right remains stable or increases in rate. By the 21–24 somite stage, the right heart usually has a faster rate than the left. It is at 19–20 somites that the sinus venosus is just forming in the heart. It is concluded that: (1) material from the left cardiac primordium is predominant in many respects over that from the right during early embryonic development and acts as pacemaker for the entire embryonic heart up to the stage of 18–19 somites. (2) At about the time the sinus venosus forms, this dominance relation reverses, material from the right primordium taking over the pacemaker function. Whether this change represents a collapse of some left-right gradient of metabolic activity, or the overriding of such a gradient by specific sinoatrial cells from the right side, is not known. It is suggested that the present results provide evidence that the definitive sinoatrial pacemaker of the adult heart is derived wholly or in the main from the right cardiac primordium.
The Significance of Preoperative Impaired Sensorium on Surgical Outcomes in Nonemergent General Surgical Operations

Importance With an aging population, preoperative assessment of the frail older adult requires evaluation beyond simply accounting for chronic diseases. Impaired cognition is a recognized characteristic of the frail older adult. Objective To examine the effect of preoperative impaired sensorium (IS) on general surgical outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective cohort study using data between January 2005 and December 2010 at academic and community hospitals participating in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Patients undergoing nonemergent general surgical operations were studied. Multivariable logistic regression involving 45 preoperative patient-level risk factors and comorbidities was used to calculate the conditional probability of having IS. Patients having and not having preoperative IS were matched on their propensity scores using a 1:1 greedy matching technique. Propensity score matching resulted in almost all (n = 1765) patients with IS uniquely matching to a patient without IS, resulting in a cohort size of 3530. Complication rates between patients with and without IS were compared. Main Outcomes and Measures Rates of postoperative complications and death following nonemergent general surgical operations. Results In total, 294 037 patients were studied, of whom 1771 (0.6%) had preoperative IS. Patients with IS were older and had more significant preoperative risk factors and comorbidities. As a result, unadjusted analysis found that 22 of 23 postoperative complications were significantly more likely to occur in patients with IS. Within the matched cohort, rates of postoperative pneumonia, ventilator dependence, progressive renal insufficiency, urinary tract infection, stroke, venous thromboembolism, and postoperative death continued to be significantly ( P Conclusions and Relevance Impaired sensorium significantly increases postoperative morbidity and mortality independent of other preoperative risk factors and comorbidities following nonemergent general surgical operations. Incorporation of impaired cognitive function into routine preoperative risk assessment and decision making could be an important addition to traditional risk assessment strategies.
A Simplified Method of Constrained Parameter Estimation in Conjoint Analysis

Part-worths estimated via regression are replaced by constrained part-worths that are as close to the original part-worths as possible subject to any a priori constraints on the ordering of preferences for the levels of each attribute.
The fate of wastewater-derived nitrate in the subsurface of the Florida Keys: Key Colony Beach, Florida

Abstract Shallow injection is the predominant mode of wastewater disposal for most tourist-oriented facilities and some residential communities in the US Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Concern has been expressed that wastewater nutrients may be escaping from the saline groundwater system into canals and surrounding coastal waters and perhaps to the reef tract 10 km offshore, promoting unwanted algal growth and degradation of water quality. We performed a field study of the fate of wastewater-derived nitrate in the subsurface of a Florida Keys residential community (Key Colony Beach, FL) that uses this disposal method, analyzing samples from 21 monitoring wells and two canal sites. The results indicate that wastewater injection at 18–27 m depth into saline groundwater creates a large buoyant plume that flows quickly (within days) upward to a confining layer 6 m below the surface, and then in a fast flow path toward a canal 200 m to the east within a period of weeks to months. Low-salinity groundwaters along the fast flow path have nitrate concentrations that are not significantly reduced from that of the injected wastewaters (ranging from 400 to 600 μmol kg−1). Portions of the low-salinity plume off the main axis of flow have relatively long residence times (>2 months) and have had their nitrate concentrations strongly reduced by a combination of mixing and denitrification. These waters have dissolved N2 concentrations up to 1.6 times air-saturation values with δ 15 N [ N 2 ]=0.5–5‰ , δ 15 N [ NO 3 − ]=16–26‰ , and calculated isotope fractionation factors of about −12±4‰, consistent with denitrification as the predominant nitrate reduction reaction. Estimated rates of denitrification of wastewater in the aquifer are of the order of 4 μmol kg−1 N day−1 or 0.008 day−1. The data indicate that denitrification reduces the nitrate load of the injected wastewater substantially, but not completely, before it discharges to nearby canals.
Coronary Vasospasm Secondary to Labetalol in a Patient with Aortic Dissection

A 66-year-old hypertensive woman presented with epigastric and scapular pain on the basis of type 3 aortic dissection. Appropriate therapy with a combined α-adrenergic and βadrenergic antagonist agent prevented further ongoing dissection and amelioration of symptoms. On day 5, an episode of coronary vasospasm occurred presumably due to β-blockade with unopposed α-adrenergic activity.
Pharmacogenomic Strain Differences in Cardiovascular Sensitivity to Propofol

Introduction A pharmacogenomic approach was used to further localize the genetic region responsible for previously observed enhanced cardiovascular sensitivity to propofol in Dahl Salt Sensitive (SS) vs. control Brown Norway (BN) rats.
Effect of Photoperiod on the Diurnal Periodicity of Leucocytozoon smithi Gametocytes in the Peripheral Blood of Domestic Turkeys

Abstract The daily cyclical variation in Leucocytozoon smithi gametocyte numbers in the peripheral blood of domestic turkeys was shifted 12-hr. by exposure of hosts to a reversed photoperiod. Peak parasitemia coincided with the midpoint of the artificial light period (0100 hr.), while low parasitemia occurred between 1300 hr. and 1700 hr. Disruption of strict gametocyte periodicity was suggested by results of birds exposed to light varying in intensity from 700 lux during the day to 161 lux at night although marked fluctuations in gametocyte numbers occurred.
Specific sequence determinants of miR-15/107 microRNA gene group targets

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) target mRNAs in human cells via complex mechanisms that are still incompletely understood. Using anti-Argonaute (anti-AGO) antibody co-immunoprecipitation, followed by microarray analyses and downstream bioinformatics, ‘RIP-Chip’ experiments enable direct analyses of miRNA targets. RIP-Chip studies (and parallel assessments of total input mRNA) were performed in cultured H4 cells after transfection with miRNAs corresponding to the miR-15/107 gene group (miR-103, miR-107, miR-16 and miR-195), and five control miRNAs. Three biological replicates were run for each condition with a total of 54 separate human Affymetrix Human Gene 1.0 ST array replicates. Computational analyses queried for determinants of miRNA:mRNA binding. The analyses support four major findings: (i) RIP-Chip studies correlated with total input mRNA profiling provides more comprehensive information than using either RIP-Chip or total mRNA profiling alone after miRNA transfections; (ii) new data confirm that miR-107 paralogs target coding sequence (CDS) of mRNA; (iii) biochemical and computational studies indicate that the 3 0 portion of miRNAs plays a role in guiding miR-103/7 to the CDS of targets; and (iv) there are major sequence-specific targeting differences between miRNAs in terms of CDS versus 3 0 -untranslated region targeting, and stable AGO association versus mRNA knockdown. Future studies should take this important miRNA-to-miRNA variability into account.
Asymptotic decomposition of nonlinear, dispersive wave equations with dissipation

Abstract Provided ν >0, solutions of the generalized regularized long wave-Burgers equation (*) u t +u x +P(u) x −νu xx −u xxt =0 that begin with finite energy decay to zero as t becomes unboundedly large. Consideration is given here to the case where P vanishes at least cubically at the origin. In this case, solutions of (*) may be decomposed exactly as the sum of a solution of the corresponding linear equation and a higher-order correction term. An explicit asymptotic form for the L 2 -norm of the higher-order correction is presented here. The effect of the nonlinearity is felt only in the higher-order term. A similar decomposition is given for the generalized Korteweg–de Vries–Burgers equation (**) u t +u x +P(u) x −νu xx +u xxx =0.
Bounding the Probability of Failure for Levee Systems

An exact solution for the probability of failure of large complex infrastructure systems is rarely obtainable; however the probability of failure can often be bounded. An example of this type of system is the levee system in the California Bay Delta. Large levee systems often consist of many components arranged in series and parallel sub-systems. There is the problem of defining component (or reach) length, and therefore the total number of components in the system where component length is dependent on failure mode. Methods of bounding probability of failure based on uni-, bi-, and tri-modal component probability of failure are discussed. The bounds are highly sensitive to the total number of components in the system. Characterization of spatial variability using semi-variograms is used to define component length for various failure modes. Combining the statistically defined component length with system probability of failure bounds allow for a more accurate estimate of failure probability. Demonstration of these methods and results for specific levee systems in the California Bay Delta are shown in this paper.
Subspace Techniques for Vision-Based Node Localization in Wireless Sensor Networks

We present novel techniques for localization of nodes in a wireless image sensor network. Based on visual observations of a moving object by the network nodes, the proposed techniques employ simple image processing functions to produce equations that contain the node positions and orientation angles as the unknown parameters. Observations made at the nodes relate the position of the observed object to the physical coordinates of the node via the mapped position of the object in the node's image plane. In one formulation of the problem, multiple observations by a network node from a moving beacon with known coordinates result in a system of equations with a rank-deficient matrix. Hence, the solution for the desired node coordinates lies in the null space of the data matrix. In a second formulation, a different configuration of image sensor deployment with more degrees of freedom results in a least-squares solution for the unknown parameters. In a third formulation, multiple observations are made at each node from a target which moves at a fixed velocity vector. The solution to this problem formulation is also shown to correspond to the null space of the data matrix. The proposed algorithms are based on in-node processing and hence are scalable to large networks. Simulation and experimental results are provided in the paper.
Pharmacological Conversion of Atrial Fibrillation of Ten-Years Duration with Flecainide

A case of idiopathic atrial fibrillation of ten-years duration refractory to quinidine therapy, but successfully converted to sinus rhythm following flecainide therapy is presented. With the availability of newer more potent antiarrhythmic drugs, such as flecainide, conversion of previously refractory atrial fibrillation may be possible.
Relapsed childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

With steadily improved cure rates for children with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), treating relapsed ALL has become increasingly challenging largely due to resistance to salvage therapy. Improved biological understanding of mechanisms of relapse and drug resistance, the identification of actionable molecular targets by studying leukaemic cell and host genetics, precise risk stratification with minimum residual disease measurement, and the development of new therapeutic drugs and approaches are needed to improve outcomes of relapsed patients. Molecularly targeted therapies and innovative immunotherapeutic approaches that include specialised monoclonal antibodies and cellular therapies hold promise of enhanced leukaemia cell killing with non-overlapping toxicities. Advances in preparative regimens, donor selection, and supportive care should improve the success of haemopoietic stem-cell transplantation for high-risk patients.
Remote measurements of the atmosphere using Raman scattering.

Raman optical radar measurements of the atmosphere demonstrate that the technique may be used to obtain quantitative measurements of the spatial distribution of individual atmospheric molecular trace constituents (in particular water vapor) and of the major constituents. It is shown that monitoring Raman signals from atmospheric nitrogen aids in interpreting elastic scattering measurements by eliminating attenuation effects. In general, the experimental results show good agreement with independent meteorological measurements. Finally, experimental data are utilized to estimate the Raman backscatter cross section for water vapor excited at 3471.5 A.
(11bR)‐4‐(1,1‐Dimethylethyl)‐4,5‐dihydro‐3H‐dinaphtho[2,1‐c:1′,2′‐e]phosphepin

(R) [680220-67-1] C26H25P (MW 368.45) InChI = 1S/C26H25P/c1-26(2,3)27-16-20-14-12-18-8-4-6-10-22(18)24(20)25-21(17-27)15-13-19-9-5-7-11-23(19)25/h4-15H,16-17H2,1-3H3 InChIKey = ZSJGLMPHZYLIKA-UHFFFAOYSA-N (S) [475992-24-6] InChI = 1S/C26H25P/c1-26(2,3)27-16-20-14-12-18-8-4-6-10-22(18)24(20)25-21(17-27)15-13-19-9-5-7-11-23(19)25/h4-15H,16-17H2,1-3H3 InChIKey = ZSJGLMPHZYLIKA-UHFFFAOYSA-N (+/−) [515811-32-2] InChI = 1S/C26H25P/c1-26(2,3)27-16-20-14-12-18-8-4-6-10-22(18)24(20)25-21(17-27)15-13-19-9-5-7-11-23(19)25/h4-15H,16-17H2,1-3H3 InChIKey = ZSJGLMPHZYLIKA-UHFFFAOYSA-N (chiral and optically active phosphine reagent suitable for application as ligand for homogeneous transition metal catalysis and as chiral organocatalyst for enantioselective transformations) Physical Data: (S)-1: = +304 (c 0.5, toluene); other physical data unknown. Solubility: soluble in common organic solvents such as CH2Cl2, THF, PhCH3, and EtOAc. Form Supplied in: unknown. Preparative Methods: (S)-1 can be prepared from (S)-2,2′-dimethyl-1,1′-binaphthyl by double lithiation with n-BuLi/TMEDA followed by quenching with tert-butyl dichlorophosphine in 60% yield (eq 1).1 (S)-1 can also be synthesized by the reaction of tert-butyl Grignard reagent with the crystalline material (S)-4-chloro-4,5-dihydro-3H-4-phosphacyclohepta[2,1-a;3,4-a′] binaphthalene; the latter can be accessed from the reaction of the dilithium salt with trichlorophosphine (eq 2).2 (1) (2) Purification: checked by TLC and purified by column chromatography or recrystallization from toluene. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: electron-rich phosphine reagents are generally air sensitive and may undergo slow air oxidation; stored in inert atmospheres; phosphine reagents could be irritant and potentially toxic and care should be taken when handling to avoid skin contact and vapor inhalation.
Microstructure of entrained air voids in concrete, Part I

The microstructure of air voids in both air-entrained and non air-entrained paste, mortar, and concrete has been studied at different ages (5 min to 60 days) in order to understand how air-entrained voids form in portland-cement systems. Scanning electron micrographs of air voids are presented for different ages. The solidification process of portland-cement paste and mortar was frozen at different ages using a low temperature scanning electron microscope and freeze drying. At very early ages the air voids show thin shells made of very fine particles. The packing of the cement grains behind the air void varies, depending on the water-to-cement ratio. Air voids appear to have the same interface with the cement paste matrix as aggregates. No readily visible difference was found between entrapped and entrained air voids.
Primary and secondary hydroxyl group content of polypropylene glycols

When propylene oxide is polymerized or when it is added onto an alcohol or phenol, the terminal hydroxyl groups can be of primary or secondary types, depending on how the epoxide ring opens. The nature of the terminal hydroxyl group becomes important if the polyglycol ether is reacted further, as in the case of polyurethane foams. The primary hydroxyl group reacts much more rapidly with isocyanates than the secondary hydroxyl group, and hence the performance of the polyglycol varies with the ratio of primary to secondary hydroxyl group content. An analytical method has been developed to differentiate the primary from the secondary hydroxyl groups on polypropylene glycol, and a study was made of the variation in the ratios of the two hydroxyl types versus molecular weight of the polyglycol and versus other chemical treatments to which the polyglycol was exposed.
Wave modulation and breakdown

Time series of amplitude, frequency, wavenumber and phase speed are measured in an unstable deep-water wavetrain using a Hilbert-transform technique. The modulation variables evolve from sinusoidal perturbations that are well described as slowly varying Stokes waves, through increasingly asymmetric modulations that finally result in very rapid jumps or ‘phase reversals’. These anomalies appear to correspond to the ‘crest pairing’ described by Ramamonjiarisoa & Mollo-Christensen (1979). The measurements offer a novel local description of the instability of deep-water waves which contrasts markedly with the description afforded by conventional Fourier decomposition. The measurements display very large local modulations in the phase speed, modulations that may not be anticipated from measurements of the phase speeds of individual Fourier components travelling (to leading order) at the linear phase speed (Lake & Yuen 1978).
Standards-based engineering curricula as a vehicle for K-12 science and math integration

After 20 years of efforts to improve K-12 science and math education, concerns loom that today's students show limited inclination to choose engineering and technology futures. With little opportunity to learn how science and math skills translate into professionally useful knowledge, students do not make informed choices about their education options and close off future career pathways. To develop concrete connections for K-12 students between science/math and daily life, the University of Colorado at Boulder's Integrated Teaching and Learning Program's K-12 outreach initiative developed a collection of standards-based, hands-on K-12 engineering curricula. These classroom-tested and affordable curricular units provide K-12 educators and engineering colleges with an effective and sustainable engineering resource, contributing to an improvement in technological literacy as well as expanding the pool of youngsters who imagine themselves pursuing a future in engineering and technology. This paper examines the development of K-12 engineering curricula as an effective vehicle for science and math integration and provides assessment results.
Habitat Associations of Hypogeous Fungi in the Southern Appalachians: Implications for the Endangered Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus)

Abstract Sporocarps of hypogeous mycorrhizal fungi (truffles) are the major food of northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus). The two subspecies of northern flying squirrels that occur in the southern Appalachians, G. s. coloratus and G. s. fuscus, are endangered species which are primarily found in the ecotone between high-elevation spruce-fir and northern hardwood forests. Our objective was to determine the microhabitat and macrohabitat characteristics associated with the presence and abundance of truffles in suitable habitat for northern flying squirrels. We sampled for truffles in 24–26, 1-m2 plots on each of 10 northern flying squirrel sites in North Carolina and measured micro- and macrohabitat characteristics associated with sample plots and sites. Elaphomyces granulatus was the most common species of truffle found (78.7%). Red spruce (Picea rubra) was significantly more likely to be one of the three closest trees to plots with truffles. Further, spruce was the most important species in plots...
Lung cancer mortality trend by birth cohort in men, Tuscany, 1971-2006

Aims and background. In Tuscany, lung cancer mortality in men has shown a decreasing geographical trend over the last 3 decades from the most industrialized north-western coastal areas (Massa-Carrara, Viareggio) to the south-eastern areas (Arezzo, Siena), following the path of the development of industrial activities. The aim of the study was to evaluate lung cancer mortality in males by birth cohort in order to verify whether there was also a decreasing birth cohort trend in male lung cancer mortality rates between north-western and south-eastern Tuscan areas. Methods. Lung cancer deaths that occurred in men resident in Tuscany, 1971-2006, were analyzed by birth cohort, age group and local health authority area. Results. Rates in men >65 years were significantly higher in Viareggio and Massa-Carrara than in the south-eastern areas for all generations, in particular for men born in 1896-1926. Rates for men aged 55-64 years were higher in Massa-Carrara and Viareggio than in south-eastern areas for men born before 1926, whereas for younger generations the rates leveled off. For men aged 45-54 years, rates were similar in all areas only for younger generations (men born around 1951 and 1956), whereas for men aged 35-44 years, rates were similar in all areas for all generations considered. Conclusions. The higher lung cancer mortality rates in men aged >65 years and born in 1896-1926 in the north-western areas than in those born in the south-eastern areas may indicate that the tobacco epidemic spread earlier in the north-western areas of Tuscany, following the path of industrialization. However, the higher mortality rates in north-western than in south-eastern areas are at least in part attributable to the high occupational risks for lung cancer experienced by workers in these areas during the first half of 20 th century. Free full text available at www.tumorionline.it.
Accessibility of Computer-based Simulation Models in Inherently Conflict-Laden Negotiations

The use of computer-based simulation models has a long history in areas such as environmental planning and policy-making, and particularly in water management. Policy making in these areas is often characterized by inherent conflict among diverse stakeholders with divergent interests. Although simulation models have been shown to be helpful for such problems, they are typically under the control of a technical analyst or governmental agency and are not available to negotiators in real time. Recent trends in computer technology and user expectations raise the possibility of real-time, user-controlled models for supporting negotiation. But is such accessibility likely to be helpful? This study used a "compressed" longitudinal experiment to investigate the impacts of different scenarios of accessibility of computer-based simulation models. The task was based on a real-life problem in Colorado River water management. Results revealed no significant differences among conditions for either solution quality or satisfaction. These results suggest that the common notion of "more is better" may be inappropriate, and resources for improving computer support of negotiation might best be focused elsewhere.
Approximate analytical solution for induction heating of solid cylinders

Abstract An approximate solution to the mathematical model for induction heating of a solid cylinder in a cylindrical induction coil is presented here. The coupled multiphysics model includes equations describing the electromagnetic field in the heated object, a heat transfer simulation to determine temperature of the heated object, and an AC circuit simulation of the induction heating power supply. A multiple-scale perturbation method is used to solve the multiphysics model. The approximate analytical solution yields simple closed-form expressions for the electromagnetic field and heat generation rate in the solid cylinder, for the equivalent impedance of the associated tank circuit, and for the frequency response of a variable frequency power supply driving the tank circuit. The solution developed here is validated by comparing predicted power supply frequency to both experimental measurements and calculated values from finite element analysis for heating of graphite cylinders in an induction furnace. The simple expressions from the analytical solution clearly show the functional dependence of the power supply frequency on the material properties of the load and the geometrical characteristics of the furnace installation. The expressions developed here provide physical insight into observations made during load signature analysis of induction heating.
Environmental degradation of the optical surface of PV modules and solar mirrors by soiling and high RH and mitigation methods for minimizing energy yield losses

Utility-sale solar plants are mostly installed in semi-arid and desert lands and are subjected to high dust deposition rate. Dust layer build up on solar collectors causes major energy-yield loss. Maintaining designed plant capacities requires more than 90% efficiency of light transmission or specular reflection for PV modules and CSP mirrors, respectively. The combinations of high relative humidity (RH), high surface temperature, and long residence time of the dust on the optical surface degrades the solar collectors over time. A tenacious mud like coating is formed, which strongly adheres to the PV modules and concentrating mirrors and requires scrub cleaning. If the global solar-power output is to increase from current GW levels to the TW level, as is envisioned, the water cleaning process would result in an unsustainable demand for water. This paper provide a brief review of the application of an emerging technology of transparent electrodynamic screen (EDS) for removing dust, as frequently as needed, from the solar collectors without water. Power output efficiency is maintained greater than 90% compared to that of the panel under clean conditions. Dust removal efficiency (DRE) is more than 90% with test dust samples obtained from different arid zones and energy consumption for EDS operation is less than 0.03 Wh/m2/cleaning cycle. The method is water-free and provides easy retrofitting onto existing panels and has a high potential for a cost-effective large-scale roll-to-roll production, commercial application, and a significant reduction of operation and maintenance costs.