cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An improved automatic time-of-flight picker for medical ultrasound tomography.

Abstract Objective and motivation Time-of-flight (TOF) tomography used by a clinical ultrasound tomography device can efficiently and reliably produce sound–speed images of the breast for cancer diagnosis. Accurate picking of TOFs of transmitted ultrasound signals is extremely important to ensure high-resolution and high-quality ultrasound sound–speed tomograms. Since manually picking is time-consuming for large datasets, we developed an improved automatic TOF picker based on the Akaike information criterion (AIC), as described in this paper. Methods We make use of an approach termed multi-model inference (model averaging), based on the calculated AIC values, to improve the accuracy of TOF picks. By using multi-model inference, our picking method incorporates all the information near the TOF of ultrasound signals. Median filtering and reciprocal pair comparison are also incorporated in our AIC picker to effectively remove outliers. Results We validate our AIC picker using synthetic ultrasound waveforms, and demonstrate that our automatic TOF picker can accurately pick TOFs in the presence of random noise with absolute amplitudes up to 80% of the maximum absolute signal amplitude. We apply the new method to 1160 in vivo breast ultrasound waveforms, and compare the picked TOFs with manual picks and amplitude threshold picks. The mean value and standard deviation between our TOF picker and manual picking are 0.4 μs and 0.29 μs, while for amplitude threshold picker the values are 1.02 μs and 0.9 μs, respectively. Tomograms for in vivo breast data with high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) (∼25 dB) and low SNR (∼18 dB) clearly demonstrate that our AIC picker is much less sensitive to the SNRs of the data, compared to the amplitude threshold picker. Discussion and conclusions The picking routine developed here is aimed at determining reliable quantitative values, necessary for adding diagnostic information to our clinical ultrasound tomography device – CURE. It has been successfully adopted into CURE, and allows us to generate such values reliably. We demonstrate that in vivo sound–speed tomograms with our TOF picks significantly improve the reconstruction accuracy and reduce image artifacts.
Extraction of leaf proteins of mentha (labiatae) for disc-electrophoresis

Abstract “Browning” of leaf extracts from Mentha species prevents accurate analysis of the proteins by disc-electrophoresis. Seventeen reagents were compared to determine minimum browning and maximum extraction of proteins; pre-extraction of phenols with aqueous acetones was also investigated. 2-Mercaptoethanol, sodium mercaptoacetate, sodium ascorbate, l (+)-cysteine, sodium hydrosulfite, dithioerythritol, sodium, N,N -diethyldithiocarbamate, and potassium metabisulfite were demonstrated to be effective for extraction of protein, but all these reagents except 2-mercaptoethanol interfered with disc-electrophoresis. Pre-extraction of phenols from fresh leaves with 80 per cent acetone prepared with an alkaline buffer or distilled water was also demonstrated to be effective for extraction of protein, but the disc-electrophoretic bands were less distinct than those obtained with 2-mercaptoethanol.
Childhood Trauma and Suicidal Behavior in Male Cocaine Dependent Patients

A consecutive series of 100 male cocaine dependent patients were interviewed about suicidal behavior and completed the 34-item Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) to determine whether childhood trauma is associated with suicidal behavior in cocaine dependent men. Patients who had attempted suicide (n = 34) reported significantly higher scores for childhood emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional and physical neglect than patients who had never attempted suicide (n = 66). In this study, various childhood traumas were found to be significantly associated withsuicidal behavior among adult male cocaine dependent patients.
The advent of land plant life

Studies carried out since 1959 and recently summarized by us have demonstrated higher land plant-type microfossils (trilete spores, spore tetrads, tracheid-like tubes, cuticle-like tissues) from rocks of latest Ordovician to latest Silurian age. Vascular plant body fossils are unknown until mid-Late Silurian (Ludlovian) time. Pre-Late Ordovician land plant-type fossils, either body fossils or microfossils, are not recognized with any assurance. The latest Ordovician may mark the first appearance of such materials and may coincide with the initial evolution of continental vegetation of higher photosynthetic land plants, although these may have been preceded by plant life lower on the evolutionary scale, such as algae, fungi, lichens, and plants of similar morphologic levels of organization. Because previously studied plant fossils occur in shallow water or nearshore marine depositional sites, unequivocal proof for their nonmarine origin is lacking, although their apparent functional morphology repudiates the possibility of wholly submerged plants. A recent report by Pratt, Phillips, and Dennison now removes lingering doubts about the minimum date when higher land plants occupied the continental environment; they reported definite nonmarine (freshwater or terrestrial), nonvascular higher land plant material of early Llandoverian (earliest Silurian) age near the north end of Massanutten Mountain, Virginia. Their discovery provides hitherto lacking unequivocal proof for nonmarine, pre-latest Silurian (Pridolian-early Downtonian) higher land plants. Coeval fossils that we have been studying are morphologically identical to theirs. It is now clear that there was a significant lag, at least the entire Silurian Period, before undoubted nonmarine animals evolved and were preserved in the fossil record.
Understanding English Grammar: A Linguistic Approach

Preface. Preface to the Second Edition. 1. Preliminaries. 2. Word Classes. 3. Constituents and Phrases. 4. Basic Clauses. 5. Coordination and Embedding. 6. Clausal Variation. 7. Underlying Relationships. 8. Rules and Principles. 9. Sounds and Systems. 10. Phonetic Realization. 11. Word Formation. 12. Words and Sounds. 13. Sounds in Context. 14. Further Reading. Indexed Glossary.
Rethinking local business clusters: the case of food clusters for promoting community development

The business cluster concept is perhaps the most popular paradigm for studying and promoting local and regional economic development. While the business cluster literature acknowledges the existence of both locally-oriented and export-oriented clusters, research and practice places overwhelming emphasis on the latter. This paper examines two food-related business clusters, the Maine local produce cluster and the export-oriented Mississippi catfish cluster, to shed light on often-overlooked advantages of local business clusters. The Maine local produce cluster provides an “existence proof” that local clusters can be dynamic engines of local economic growth, and can have significant advantages over export-oriented clusters in terms of stability and resiliency. We call for further research to better understand the role of local-oriented business clusters in sustainable community development.
Magnetic instabilities of a two-dimensional electron gas in a large magnetic field

Abstract We have investigated the elementary excitations, the singlet and triplet excitons, of a two-dimensional electron gas with two filled Landau levels (of opposite spin) in the limit of large magnetic field. The ratio of the spin splitting ħω s to the cyclotron energy ℏhω c can be varied by changing the component of the magnetic field parallel to the layer. At a critical value of ħω s (smaller than ħω c ) the excitation energy of the triplet exciton goes to zero, indicating a spin density wave (SDW) instability. However, for a simple single valley system a first order transition to a fully spin polarized state occurs at a larger value of ħω s , pre-emptying the SDW instability. We have extended the analysis to a many-valley system and find that inter-valley scattering tends to stabilize the SDW phase.
A Novel Information Trail Model for Information Transformation in Cognitive Work Systems

This paper presents a new model and methodology, called information trail model for documenting and understanding cognitive and sociotechnical elements when humans in a work system use artifacts and transform information to achieve their goals. In a complex system, humans create and manage complexity by self-organizing and engaging in action-stimulating behavior (stigmergy). In the model, humans create artifacts and work practices, and transform information to organize themselves purposefully. The transformation and stringing together of traces of information creates information trails for work goals, resulting in the information trail model. Different individuals create and represent the trails of information in a multitude of artifacts. Information trails capture latent work practices and information transformed by humans. Hence, the trails embed the emergent strategies that humans may use. Design implications of the information trail model are discussed.
Comparison of the work of breathing imposed by three anaesthetic breathing systems in children

Introduction There is concern that the resistance of the valves in circle systems may impose an unacceptable respiratory load in children (1). In this study we compared the work of breathing imposed by the Bain, Jackson Rees and the circle systems in anaesthetised spontaneously breathing children. Methods Following local ethics committee approval and the written informed consent of a parent, 12 children, aged 2–6 years, ASA grades I–II scheduled for routine genital surgery (e.g. circumcision) were recruited [Weight 14.4 ± 2.9 kg and age 3.02 ± 1.3 years (meant SD)]. Patients were premedicated with midazolam 0.5 mg·kg−1. Anaesthesia was induced by inhalation of 66% N2O in O2 and sevoflurane 8%, and the trachea was intubated. Caudal analgesia was provided using bupivacaine 0.25% in a dose of 0.5 mg·kg−1. Anaesthesia with spontaneous ventilation was maintained with 66% N2O in O2, and sevoflurane 2–4%. Routine monitoring consisted of ECG, pulse oximetry, capnography and non-invasive blood pressure. When anaesthesia had been stable for at least 15 min, the patients were attached to three different breathing systems in random succession for 10 min: 1, a Circle (Draeger Julian); 2, a Bain; 3, a Jackson Rees system. At the end of these 10 min periods, work of breathing was measured using a computerised, portable respiratory monitor (CP-100 Pulmonary Monitor, Bear Medical). Work of breathing (W) was calculated by measuring the area enclosed in the oesophageal pressure-volume loop (2). Oesophageal pressure was measured using a disposable balloon catheter (Smartcath, Bear Medical) and flow was measured using a disposable flow transducer (Varflex, Bear Medical). All equipment was calibrated in accordance with the manufacturers instructions prior to use. The total work of breathing (W) was expressed as Joules per litre of ventilation (J·l−1). This was compared between breathing systems using anova. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The results are presented in Table 1. Table 1. Direct measurements and calculated variables (mean ± SD) Circle Bain Jackson – Rees Δ Poes = difference between end-expiratory oesophageal pressure and lowest oesophageal pressure. Work of breathing (J·l−1) 0.34 ± 0.1 0.36 ± 0.07 0.34 ± 0.09 Peak inspiratory flow rate (l·s−1) 0.19 ± 0.03 0.20 ± 0.04 0.20 ± 0.04 Peak expiratory flow rate (l·s−1) 0.16 ± 0.03 0.14 ± 0.03 0.16 ± 0.03 Δ Poes(cmH2O) 5.5 ± 2.71 6.3 ± 1.49 5.9 ± 1.83 Minute ventilation (l·min−1) 2.9 ± 0.6 2.8 ± 0.7 2.9 ± 0.6 End-tidal CO2 (kPa) 7.8 ± 0.9 7.7 ± 0.9 7.0 ± 2.4 Conclusions Our results indicate that there was no difference in the total work of breathing in children attached to a circle system compared to a Bain or Jackson Rees systems. Acknowledgements This work was supported by a grant from Draeger UK Ltd.
Evaluation of fibula free flap donor site morbidity.

Objective: To evaluate foot and ankle function in a series of patients undergoing fibula microvascular free tissue transfer. Study design: A nonrandomized, nonblinded analysis was performed using the ankle-hindfoot scale as well as radiographic analysis to determine donor site morbidity. Results: Overall, foot ankle function was deemed to be good in this series of patients. Average ankle-hindfoot score was 84.82 of a possible 100 (range, 55-100). Radiographic analysis of donor and contralateral ankles showed no difference in the syndesmotic space or medial clear space. Only 1 patient had increased talar tilt compared with the contralateral side, although this patient had preservation of stability. Conclusion: Fibula free flap harvest appears to be associated with acceptable donor site morbidity and preservation of good foot and ankle function in most individuals.
Minimal visibility graphs

A recent paper contained the following theorem: the visibility graph of a set of n nonintersecting line segments in the plane contains at least 5n-4 edges. Crucial details of the proof given do not hold. Rather than attempt to patch that proof we present an alternative, more direct proof.
Solidarity in Question: Critical Theory, Labor, and Anti-Semitism

During World War II, Frankfurt School researchers studied attitudes in factories across America, finding high levels of anti-Semitism. Since the CIO’s birth in 1935, labor had grown meteorically an...
Abelian Forcing Sets

Many readers of the MONTHLY have encountered particular cases of the following question. Suppose G is a group and n is an integer with the property that (ab) = ab for all a and b in G. Which values of n imply that G is Abelian? Indeed, standard exercises in undergraduate abstract algebra textbooks ([1], [2], [3], [4]) are to show that n = 2 and n = −1 are two such values. Are there others? If n ∈ Z, we say that a group G is n-Abelian if (xy) = xy for all x, y ∈ G. Thus our question may be reformulated as “for which integers n is an n-Abelian group necessarily abelian?” If p is any prime, consider the non-Abelian group
Myocardial mechanics in young adult patients with diabetes mellitus: Effects altered load, inotropic state and dynamic exercise☆

Abstract The disease entity “diabetic cardiomyopathy” has been extensively described in young patients with diabetes in the absence of ischemic, hypertensive or valvular heart disease. The most convincing data have been a 30% to 40% incidence of decreased radionuclide angiographic left ventricular ejection fraction response to dynamic exercise. In the current study, the hypothesis was tested that this abnormal ejection fraction response was due to alterations in ventricular loading conditions or cardiac autonomic innervation (extrinsic factors), or both, rather than to abnormalities in intrinsic ventricular systolic fiber function (contractility). Twenty normotensive patients with diabetes (mean age 30 ± 5 years, mean duration 15 ± 6 years) and 20 age-matched normal subjects were studied. All patients with diabetes had a normal treadmill exercise tolerance test without evidence of myocardial ischemia. By radionuclide angiography, all normal subjects increased ejection fraction with exercise (62 ± 4% to 69 ± 6%; p Autonomic dysfunction did not explain the disparate results between the group 2 patients' radionuclide angiographic data and their load-independent tests of ventricular contractility and reserve. In addition, the high ejection fraction at rest in group 2 patients (73±4% versus 62 ± 4% for normal subjects; p
Limited proteolysis of amelogenin: toward understanding the proteolytic processes in enamel extracellular matrix.

This article is a short review of our recent study on controlled proteolysis of amelogenins by a series of commercially available proteinases as well as the tooth-specific metalloproteinase enamelysin. A limited proteolysis approach and mass spectrometry were applied in order to determine the surface accessibility of conserved domains of amelogenin nanospheres. Furthermore, this study was aimed at exploring the factors that affect the activity of enamel proteases to process amelogenins and at providing insight into the mechanisms of amelogenin degradation during amelogenesis. We found that, under limited conditions, certain amino acid residues at both the C- and N-termini of amelogenin are accessible to proteolytic action by a series of proteinases, suggesting that these regions are exposed on the surface of amelogenin nanospheres. Recombinant enamelysin cleaved amelogenin at the C-terminal region, showing a preference of the enzyme to cleave the S/M and F/S bonds. This result of enamelysin activity on am...
On the stochastic control of linear systems with different information sets

This paper deals with the stochastic control of linear systems in which the information available to distinct controllers is different. Constraints on the control structure are imposed. Necessary conditions for optimality of the controller structure parameters are obtained. The results show that the separation theorem does not hold in this case.
Comparison of Cellular Automaton and Phase Field Models to Simulate Dendrite Growth in Hexagonal Crystals

A cellular automaton (CA){flnite element (FE) model and a phase fleld (PF){FE model were used to simulate equiaxed dendritic growth during the solidiflcation of hexagonal metals. In the CA{FE model, the conservation equations of mass and energy were solved in order to calculate the temperature fleld, solute concentration, and the dendritic growth morphology. CA{FE simulation results showed reasonable agreement with the previously reported experimental data on secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS) vs cooling rate. In the PF model, a PF variable was used to distinguish solid and liquid phases similar to the conventional PF models for solidiflcation of pure materials. Another PF variable was considered to determine the evolution of solute concentration. Validation of both models was performed by comparing the simulation results with the analytical model developed by Lipton{Glicksman{Kurz (LGK), showing quantitatively good agreement in the tip growth velocity at a given melt undercooling. Application to magnesium alloy AZ91 (approximated with the binary Mg{8.9 wt% Al) illustrates the di‐culty of modeling dendrite growth in hexagonal systems using CA{FE regarding mesh-induced anisotropy and a better performance of PF{FE in modeling multiple arbitrarily-oriented dendrites growth.
Future directions in magnetic fusion

The author argues for two main changes in the US Fusion Energy Program. First is the need to explore alternative concepts, which has been effectively shut down by DOE funding guidelines. This leaves the magnetic fusion program with no alternative if the tokamak encounters major problems on the way to reactor scale. It also limits the development of new ideas and testing of new physics which is of use to the tokamak program also. The US is relying upon the ITER program to carry it, with the proposed Tokamak Physics Experiment (TPX) (Advanced Tokamak) to address questions related to improved performance by profile control. The author also argues for the development of a US magnetic fusion development program consistent with the National Energy Strategy. This means a program beyond ITER, which will contribute to the development of technology needed to build a demonstration fusion reactor in the first quarter of the next century, which will continue to generate technology spinoffs, which will involve industries and laboratories, and which will keep public interest alive.
Clinical and pharmacokinetic studies of high-dose levamisole in combination with 5-fluorouracil in patients with advanced cancer

Purpose: To determine the maximum tolerable dose (MTD) and activity of levamisole administered concurrently with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in a standard 5-day course. To determine the pharmacokinetics of levamisole during the course of treatment. Patients and methods: Levamisole was administered to 38 patients orally three times a day for 5 days concurrently with a course of 5-FU administered daily by rapid intravenous injection for 5 days. Toxicity was evaluated in 20 patients who received escalating doses of levamisole. The activity of the combination was evaluated in 18 patients who received levamisole at the MTD with 5-FU. The pharmacokinetics of levamisole were characterized in ten patients at the MTD level. Results: Intractable vomiting, confusion and vertigo were the major dose-limiting toxicities. The MTD of oral levamisole was 100 mg/m2 administered three times a day concurrently with 450 mg/m2 per day intravenous 5-FU for 5 consecutive days. Partial responses lasting 5 and 11 months were observed in 2/18 patients with measurable disease at the MTD. Peak plasma concentrations of 1 μg/ml (range 0.6–1.3 μg/ml) were achieved 90 min (range 60–360 min) after an oral dose of 100 mg/m2 levamisole with a 3.5-fold accumulation noted following 4 days of administration. Peak plasma concentrations of p-hydroxylevamisole were about 5% of parent drug. Little parent drug (2–5%) was detected in urine. Conclusions: Levamisole may be administered safely with 5-FU at doses which are up to four to five times greater than those presently given in conventional regimens. The recommended dose of levamisole combined with 5-FU for future research protocols is 75 mg/m2 t.i.d for 5 days.
Race and Gender Concordance: Strategy to Reduce Healthcare Disparities or Red Herring? Evidence from a Qualitative Study

Healthcare treatment differences persist for African Americans even after controlling for socioeconomic status (van Ryn and Burke 2000). Although blacks represent a sizable percentage of the middle class, most disparities research does not address class heterogeneity. Furthermore, research indicates patient–provider race concordance may mitigate racial disparities in health care (Laveist and Neru-jeter in J Health Soc Behav 43(3):296–306, 2002; IOM in Unequal treatment: confronting racial and ethnic disparities in health care. National Academies Press, Washington, 2002). This study explores race and gender preference for black middle-class women in healthcare settings. The study uses in-depth interviews and focus groups to explore the experiences of thirty African American women between 38 and 67 in a large urban area. The majority of respondents expressed a strong preference for a female OB/GYN (of any race) while 9 preferred a female primary care provider (of any race). Although the women did not express an explicit race preference, they had a strong affinity for black female providers. Importantly, respondents complicated the idea of provider-level race preference by noting that other site-level factors like wait times and the site’s racial composition affected their racial preferences. Although increasing racial diversity among providers is generally positive, respondents suggest that alone will not ameliorate racial disparities. The complexities of the healthcare encounter, including time pressure, clinical uncertainty, and the patient’s desire for expertise regardless of race or gender, all impinge on respondents’ race preferences. Lastly, women noted that site-level factors may be conflated with the race of provider such that having a black provider does not necessarily lead to better care or protect women from discrimination or bias.
Laser induced damage, nonlinear absorption, and doubling efficiency of LiO 3

Laser-induced damage thresholds of single crystal LilO 3 have been studied using picosecond pulses at 1.06 μm and 0.53 μm. These thresholds depend on wavelength, on crystal orientation, and on the number of times the sample has been irradiated. In addition, the doubling efficiency at high irradiance levels was observed to be a decreasing function of irradiance beyond a critical value. We present evidence to show that this results from the onset of optical parametric down conversion. In separate nonlinear transmission studies, reversible nonlinear transmission of 1.06 μm light was measured, and in self-diffraction experiments, both reversible and irreversible optically-induced complex index of refraction changes at 0.53 μm were observed.
The alcohol use disorder and associated disabilities interview schedule (AUDADIS): reliability of alcohol and drug modules in a general population sample

Using a representative sample of the general population, the test-retest reliability of the alcohol and drug modules of the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule (AUDADIS) was examined. The AUDADIS showed good to excellent reliability for measures of alcohol consumption and use of sedatives, tranquilizers, amphetamines, opioids (other than heroin), cannabis and cocaine. Equally good reliability was demonstrated for diagnoses of alcohol, cannabis, cocaine and heroin abuse or harmful use and dependence defined in terms of the International Classification of Diseases-Tenth Revision (ICD-10) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Third Edition-Revised (DSM-III-R) and Fourth Edition (DSM-IV). Results are discussed in terms of the need for future research on the psychometric properties of the AUDADIS in clinical and general population samples.
A Signal Amplification Scheme for Ultrasensitive Amperometric Detection in Flowing Streams

A new signal amplification scheme for ultrasensitive amperometric electrochemical detection of redox-active molecules in quiescent solution and in flowing streams is described. The method is based upon a continuous regeneration of electrochemically oxidized analytes by reaction with a sacrificial electron donor in solution. It utilizes a selective coating on the electrode that is chosen to have properties which allow for relatively facile electrooxidation of analyte but which also inhibit electrooxidation of the sacrificial electron donor. Ultrasensitive detection of hydroxymethylferrocene (HMFc) as a model analyte using ferrocyanide as the sacrificial electron donor is demonstrated at a dodecanethiol-coated gold electrode. Signal amplification factors of several hundred to several thousand are obtained in flow injection mode for analyte injections in a concentration range between 10-4 and 10-7 M where peaks can be discerned both with and without amplification. Even higher amplification factors are estima...
Structural and Mechanistic Studies of Measles Virus Illuminate Paramyxovirus Entry

Measles virus (MeV), a member of the paramyxovirus family of enveloped RNA viruses and one of the most infectious viral pathogens identified, accounts for major pediatric morbidity and mortality worldwide although coordinated efforts to achieve global measles control are in place. Target cell entry is mediated by two viral envelope glycoproteins, the attachment (H) and fusion (F) proteins, which form a complex that achieves merger of the envelope with target cell membranes. Despite continually expanding knowledge of the entry strategies employed by enveloped viruses, our molecular insight into the organization of functional paramyxovirus fusion complexes and the mechanisms by which the receptor binding by the attachment protein triggers the required conformational rearrangements of the fusion protein remain incomplete. Recently reported crystal structures of the MeV attachment protein in complex with its cellular receptors CD46 or SLAM and newly developed functional assays have now illuminated some of the fundamental principles that govern cell entry by this archetype member of the paramyxovirus family. Here, we review these advances in our molecular understanding of MeV entry in the context of diverse entry strategies employed by other members of the paramyxovirus family.
Temperature programmed desorption studies of deuterium passivated silicon nanocrystals

Abstract As grown silicon (Si) surfaces are known to reconstruct in order to reduce the number of dangling bonds. Surface reconstructions of hydride-terminated Si(1 0 0) and Si(1 1 1) surfaces have already been extensively studied using temperature programmed desorption (TPD). The surfaces of nanocrystals, are yet to be probed using TPD. Si nanocrystals less than 8 nm and ranging from 50 to 200 nm in diameter are grown on SiO 2 surfaces in an ultra high vacuum chamber and the as grown surfaces are exposed to atomic deuterium. Desorption spectra are interpreted using analogies to Si(1 0 0). TPD spectra show that that the nanocrystals surfaces are covered by a mix of monodeuteride, dideuteride and trideuteride species. Monodeuteride species can be isolated by selectively annealing away the dideuteride and trideuteride, monodeuteride and dideuteride species can be isolated by annealing away the trideuteride. The relative populations of the deuterides depend on particle size, and their manner of filling on nanoparticles differs from that for extended surfaces. Etching of the nanocrystal surface is observed during TPD, which is a confirmation of the presence of trideuteride species on the nanocrystal surface.
In Defense of a Divine Command Theory of Ethics

Sam convinced that a divine command theory of ethics has more going for it than has been generally acknowledged. My goal in the present essay is to persuade you to share my conviction or, at least, to move you an inch or two in that direction. I probably cannot hope for much more than an inch, given the limited scope of the defense I offer. My plan is to sketch one form of divine command theory and to defend it in some detail against one objection. Further, I shall address myself primarily to one author's statement of this objection, since other formulations of it introduce concepts too many and various to deal with adequately in a single discussion. I narrow the breadth of the inquiry in the hope of extending its depth and detail. It seems to me that one factor responsible for obscuring the merits of a divine command theory is the heavy-handedness with which philosophers have been led to deal with it as a result of trying to handle too much at once.
Quasi-classical dynamics of benzene overtone relaxation on an ab initio force field: 30-mode models of energy flow and survival probability for CH(v=2)

Abstract Quasi-classical methods were employed to study energy transfer from the first CH stretching overtone in 30-mode benzene. The ipso out-of-plane CH bend is identified as an important conduit for energy flowing out of the CH chromophore and reaches a maximum in local mode energy before the ipso in-plane CH wag does. Local mode analyses of energy flow provide a detailed description of the mechanism of intramolecular vibrational relaxation in benzene. Data from survival probability calculations are in reasonable agreement with previous classical studies of planar benzene and on-going quantal studies of 30-mode benzene.
Children With Asthma

Ask the Expert provides answers to clinical questions for nurses in practice settings. Where possible, evidence from research is used to support the experts' recommendations.
Priming Antiviral Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes: Requirement for CD4+ Cells Is Dependent on the Antigen Presenting Cell in Vivo

Abstract We have analyzed cytotoxic thymus-derived lymphocyte (CTL) responses to vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) to determine whether VSV precursor CTL (pCTL) can be primed in vivo in the absence of CD4 + cells. Our studies demonstrated that secondary anti-VSV CTL responses in vitro were markedly reduced by CD4-depletion prior to priming in vivo with VSV. Limiting dilution analysis indicated that the vast majority (>90%) of VSV pCTL failed to become primed when exposed to VSV in the absence of CD4 + cells. A second minor population (5-10%) of pCTL was identified that was reproducibly primed in CD4-deficient mice. In contrast to CD4-depleted mice infected with free, infectious virus, CD4-deficient mice primed with VSV-infected, activated B cells mounted normal secondary anti-VSV CTL responses in vitro . Precursor estimates indicated that virtually all VSV pCTL became primed using this cellular immunogen. CD4-independent priming could not be achieved using VSV-infected, activated T cells, another permissive cell type for VSV replication. Thus, most VSV pCTL require inductive signals from classical CD4 + helper T cells in order to become primed in vivo and this requirement may be regulated in vivo by the antigen presenting cell.
The "Freshman 15": Facts and Fantasies about Weight Gain in College Women.

This research tested the hypothesis that the “freshman 15” may be more fantasy than fact. The “freshman 15” refers to the belief that college students, particularly women, gain an average of 15 pounds during their first year of college. Female college students were weighed during their first month at college and again 6 months later. They also completed measures of self-esteem, body image, locus of control, and self-monitoring. Findings indicated that the majority of women remained the same weight during the first 6 months of college. A favorable body image was related to less weight loss among those who lost weight, but none of the other characteristics were related to weight change.
(Salen)Mn(III) Compound as a Nonpeptidyl Mimic of Catalase: DFT Study of the Metal Oxidation by a Peroxide Molecule

Catalase mimics can be used as therapeutic agents against oxidative stress in treatment of many diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, stroke, heart disease, aging, and cancer. (Salen)Mn(III) compounds have been proven to be promising as synthetic antioxidants that, in particular, dismutate H2O2, resulting in two water molecules and oxygen. An understanding of the mechanism of the dismutation process is an important basis for rational design and tuning these analogues to yield better therapeutic properties. In addition, the study of the catalytic mechanism of the functional biomimetics of enzymes might contribute to a better understanding of the complex enzymatic activities for the corresponding biological compounds. For the first time, using the density functional theory method, we have performed a quantum chemical investigation of the catalase activity of the (salen)Mn(III) compound. The real compound reacting with a peroxide molecule has been utilized in the calculations to avoid uncertainties connec...
3DTI amphitheater: a manageable 3DTI environment with hierarchical stream prioritization

In this paper we present the 3DTI Amphitheater, a live broadcasting system for dissemination of 3DTI (3D Tele-immersive) content. The virtual environment constructed by the system mimics an amphitheater in the real world, where performers interact with each other in the central circular stage, and the audience is placed in virtual seats that surround the stage. Users of the Amphitheater can be geographically dispersed and the streams created by the performer sites are disseminated in a P2P network among the participants. To deal with the high bandwidth demand and strict latency bound of the service, we identify the hierarchical priority of streams in construction of the content dissemination forest. Result shows that the Amphitheater outperforms prior 3DTI systems by boosting the application QoS by a factor of 2.8 while sustaining the same hundred-scale audience group.
A nonlinear theory for spinning anisotropic beams using restrained warping functions

A geometrically nonlinear theory is developed for spinning anisotropic beams having arbitrary cross sections. An assumed displacement field is developed using the standard 3D kinematics relations to describe the global beam behavior supplemented with an additional field that represents the local deformation within the cross section and warping out of the cross section plane. It is assumed that the magnitude of this additional field is directly proportional to the local stress resultants. In order to take into account the effects of boundary conditions, a restraining function is introduced. This function plays the role of reducing the amount of free warping deformation throughout the field due to the restraint of the cross section(s) at the end(s) of the beam, e.g., in the case of a cantilever beam. Using a developed ordering scheme, the nonlinear strains are calculated to the third order. The FEM is developed using the weak form variational formulation. Preliminary interesting numerical results have been obtained that indicate the role of the restraining function in the case of a cantilever beam with circular cross section. These results are for the cases of a tip displacement (static) and free vibration studies for both isotropic and anisotropic materials with varied fiber orientations.
Conditions Influencing Faculty Voting in Collective Bargaining Elections.

This research examines the factors that influenced voting behavior in two faculty union defeats at New York University. Faculty members' and librarians' demographic and professional characteristics referred to in previous research on collective bargaining were not good predictors of how they voted in these elections. However, their satisfaction with conditions at NYU, especially satisfaction with participation in governance, was a strong predictor of how they voted. Furthermore, faculty characteristics were found to influence their satisfaction with conditions. This paper also discusses the importance of the swing votes cast in a run-off election by the members of a previously defeated third party and the influence on the election outcomes of an independent group of faculty members opposed to unionization.
Using Photographic Data To Build A Large-Scale Global Comparative Visual Ethnography Of Domestic Spaces: Can A Limited Data Set Capture The Complexities Of ‘Sociality’?

This paper describes an innovative attempt to construct a large-scale, global comparative visual ethnography of domestic spaces, and uses the notion of ‘sociality’ to interrogate the ability of such a broad but relatively thin data set to do justice to ethnography's potential to capture and communicate the salience of the socially co-constructed contexts of people's lives. Whilst noting the risks inherent in using data sets that exclude information about social context and meanings, it argues that working within the confines of these deficiencies can be turned to positive account to drive both theoretical innovation and analytical rigor.
The preparation, stability and reactivity of perfluorobenzyl-cadmium and -copper reagents

Abstract Perfluorobenzyl bromide reacts readily with acid-washed cadmium powder in DMF at room temperature to give the F - benzylcadmium reagent. Metathesis of the F -benzylcadmium reagent with Cu(I)Br at −40 °C to −35 °C in DMF affords the F -benzylcopper reagent. The formation of the F -benzylcadmium and -copper reagents was confirmed by 19 F NMR spectral analysis of the reaction mixture and chemical transformations.
Stability analysis of discontinuous dynamical systems using vector Lyapunov functions

In this paper, we establish several stability results for discontinuous dynamical systems defined onR+=[0, ∞) which make use of vector Lyapunov functions. For the scalar case, these results yield in particular theprincipal Lyapunov stability results for discontinuous dynamical systems reported earlier. We demonstrate the applicability of our results by studying a class of interconnected discontinuous dynamical systems and several specific examples.
Seed radiosensitivity of a hexaploid triticale

Abstract Seeds of the winter hexaploid triticale 6TA-131 containing ≈ 13% water were irradiated with either 60 Co gamma radiation (0.93–46.50 krads) or fission neutrons (230–1520 rads). Survival at three weeks and height at four weeks of field-grown plants were reduced significantly only at the highest doses of radiation. However, plants from seeds irradiated with 1520 rads of fission neutrons died later in the season. Mean percent seed set following enforced self-fertilization, an endpoint of significance to a mutation induction program, was reduced to ≈ 45% of control by either 46.50 krads of gamma radiation or 685 rads of fission neutrons. Weight per 1000 seeds was only slightly affected by radiation dose.
High frequency ultrasound imaging with optical arrays

Dynamically focused and steered high frequency ultrasound imaging systems require arrays with fine element spacing, wide bandwidths, and large apertures. However, these characteristics are difficult to achieve at frequencies greater than 30 MHz using conventional array construction methods. Optical schemes offer a solution. Focused laser beams incident on a suitable surface can generate and detect acoustic radiation. Precisely controlling the position and size of the beams defines points of transmission and detection, making it possible for pulse-echo image formation by synthetic aperture methods. An optical detection array was built, relying on a conventional piezoelectric transducer as an ultrasound source. The detection system, with near optimal resolution over a wide depth of field, demonstrates the potential for high frequency array implementation using optical techniques. A possible application is in pathology, where 2-D or 3-D fine resolution pulse-echo imaging can be performed in situ without the need for biopsies.
On the mechanism of sebaceous secretion

Following the studies of Kligman, most investigators now believe that sebaceous glands function continuously in excreting sebum to the skin surface [7, 8]. Populations of differentiating cells are maintained by mitotic activity both in the peripheral cells of the sebaceous lobules and in aggregations of undifferentiated cells which extend through the body of the lobules. Once formed, and as long as maintained by circulating hormones, each lobule continues to produce a stream of differentiating cells which accumulate sebum as they move towards the sebaceous duct and finally disrupt to release their contents into the pilosebaceous canal. After intradermal injections of 3H-thymidine to label germinative cells during DNA replication, up to 28 days elapse before all labeled cells disappear from the glands. When differentiating cells are labeled with 3H-amino acids, much of the label is lost in 7 days. Likewise, when lipids are labeled with 14C-acetate, the average excretion time for the labeled sebum is 8 days. To this time may be added the renewal time of undifferentiated cells to give an average sebaceous cell transition time of 14 days [15]. From knowledge of the time between synthesis and excretion of sebum, sebum production rates were calculated from the sebum content of punch biopsies. The transit time of sebum in the follicular canals was estimated to be 14 h. Production rates determined in this way agree with those measured by long-term absorption of sebum at the skin surface.
A toxicological study of p-dichlorobenzene

A determination of the LD50, dose of p-dichlorobenzene by the method of Bliss is presented. The results of a hematological study on three species of warm-blooded animals after a series of exposures to p-dichlorobenzene vapors indicate that this compound has a selective action on the granulocytes of the blood. Contrary to reports in the literature a histological study of twelve rabbits, thirteen rats, and eight guinea pigs, representing those animals dying or sacrificed after a series of exposures to p-dichlorobenzene vapors, revealed comparatively little liver damage or evidence of a definite hepatitis. Every animal, without exception, showed marked and extensive damage to die kidneys.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors arising from the stomach: a report of three children.

Abstract Background Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are a unique subset of intestinal mesenchymal tumors that behave in an aggressive fashion. They have been commonly described in adults but have been rarely observed in children. Methods The authors review the presentation, diagnostic workup, operative records, pathologic specimens, and outcomes of 3 children with GISTs that originated from the stomach. Results All 3 children presented after upper gastrointestinal bleeding from the gastric tumor. The first was a 10-year-old girl who underwent partial gastrectomy but had recurrence 8 years later requiring a second resection. She subsequently had a hepatic metastasis 8 years later requiring a third resection. The second patient was a 9-year-old girl who had an antrectomy with a Bilroth I reconstruction and was noted to have a synchronous liver metastasis that was also resected. Despite Imatinib Mesylate, she had further hepatic metastases. The third child was a 4-year-old boy who recently underwent a partial gastrectomy and has no signs of metastatic disease at this time. Conclusions GISTs are unusual tumors that have been rarely described in children. When they arise in the stomach, they often present after upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Diagnosis can be made by endoscopy and biopsy. GISTs require resection and close observation for hepatic metastases. Current studies are ongoing for the potential role of Imatinib Mesylate for GISTs in children.
A Massively Parallel Algorithm for Compact Finite Difference Schemes

A compact scheme is a discretization scheme that is advantageous in obtaining highly accurate solutions. However, the resulting systems from compact schemes are tridiagonal systems that are difficult to solve efficiently on parallel computers. Considering the almost symmetric Toeplitz structure, a parallel algorithm, simple parallel prefix (SPP), is proposed. The SPP algorithm consists of prefix communications and AXPY computations. Both the computation and the communication can be truncated without degrading the accuracy when the system is diagonally dominant. A formal accuracy study has been conducted to provide a simple truncation formula. Experimental results have been measured on a MasPar MP-1 SIMD machine and on a Cray 2 vector machine. Experimental results show that the simple parallel prefix algorithm is a good algorithm for symmetric, almost symmetric Toeplitz tridiagonal systems and for the compact scheme on high-performance computers.
Examination of Gavage Tube Placement in Children

issues and purpose. A primary issue in ensuring safe and effective enteral feeding by tube is achieving and maintaining correct tube position. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of tube placement errors, risk factors associated with these errors, and accuracy of commonly used bedside placement-screening methods. design and methods. In this descriptive study, 39 hospitalized children having one or more types of enteral tubes were studied prospectively. Tube placement was assessed across time, using three common placement-screening methods compared to radiographs. results. Tube placement error occurred in 43.5% of tubes at least once during the observation period. Children who were comatose or semicomatose, were inactive, had swallowing problems, or had Argyle tubes were more likely to have tube placement errors. practice implications. Findings suggest that radiographs to document tube placement may be needed, at least on initial enteral tube insertion.