cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Brugada-Type Pattern on Electrocardiogram Associated with High-Dose Loperamide Abuse

Abstract Background Loperamide has been increasing in popularity recently for its effects separate from treatment of diarrhea. In large doses or in combination with other agents, it can lead to desirable effects in the central nervous system. However, cardiotoxicity has been reported with its abuse. Case Report A 49-year-old male who had been chronically abusing loperamide was found to have Brugada-like changes on his electrocardiogram (ECG). He had no other clinical symptoms associated with Brugada syndrome and did not have similar findings on previous ECGs. After abstaining from further loperamide use during hospitalization, this pattern slowly resolved without clinically significant dysrthymias. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? A patient with a history of loperamide abuse is at risk for cardiotoxicity. While other dysrhythmias are reported more commonly with loperamide abuse, Brugada-like ECG changes can occur and warrant appropriate consultation and prompt follow-up.
Energetics, Ion, and Water Binding of the Unfolding of AA/UU Base Pair Stacks and UAU/UAU Base Triplet Stacks in RNA.

Triplex formation occurs via interaction of a third strand with the major groove of double-stranded nucleic acid, through Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding. In this work, we use a combination of temperature-dependent UV spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry to determine complete thermodynamic profiles for the unfolding of polyadenylic acid (poly(rA))·polyuridylic acid (poly(rU)) (duplex) and poly(rA)·2poly(rU) (triplex). Our thermodynamic results are in good agreement with the much earlier work of Krakauer and Sturtevant using only UV melting techniques. The folding of these two helices yielded an uptake of ions, ΔnNa+ = 0.15 mol Na+/mol base pair (duplex) and 0.30 mol Na+/mole base triplet (triplex), which are consistent with their polymer behavior and the higher charge density parameter of triple helices. The osmotic stress technique yielded a release of structural water, ΔnW = 2 mol H2O/mol base pair (duplex unfolding into single strands) and an uptake of structural water, ΔnW = 2 mol H2O/mole ba...
Apposition in contemporary English: Apposition in the grammar of English

The previous three chapters described the syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic characteristics that typify units in apposition. In this chapter, apposition is considered within the context of the grammar of English. As Chapters 2 and 3 demonstrated, appositions have a variety of different syntactic and semantic characteristics. However, some of these characteristics are more common than others, making apposition a relation in which certain syntactic and semantic characteristics are dominant (5.1). Because apposition is such a linguistically diverse relation, appositions have, as Chapter 4 illustrated, a variety of different communicative functions, functions which vary mainly by genre rather than dialect (5.2): in the corpora there was little variation in the use of appositions in the samples containing written British and written American English, but considerable variation in the use of appositions in spoken and written English and in different genres of written English. Apposition is also a gradable relation, and if appositions are ranked according to their positions on the syntactic and semantic gradients of apposition, some appositions are centrally appositional, others only peripherally appositional (5.3). Finally, apposition is one of the more important grammatical relations in English, occurring considerably more frequently than most other grammatical relations, such as coordination and complementation (5.4). The predominance of certain syntactic and semantic characteristics of apposition Even though appositions have a variety of different syntactic and semantic characteristics, some of these characteristics occurred much more frequently in the corpora than others. Syntactic characteristics Syntactically, apposition is most commonly a relation between two juxtaposed noun phrases having a syntactic function (such as direct object) promoting end-weight.
A Restatement (Third) of Torts: Liability for Intentional Harm to Persons - Reflections on Professor Bublick's Thoughts

This essay responds to Professor Ellen Bublick’s article, "A Restatement (Third) of Torts: Liability for Intentional Harm to Persons – Thoughts," 44 Wake Forest L. Rev. 1335 (2009). In that article, Professor Bublick proposes guidelines for a Restatement (Third) of Torts project on intentional torts. This response asserts that the benefits of such a project would be minimal, and suggests that the current sections on intentional torts from the Restatement (Second) of Torts can remain harmoniously in place with the Restatement (Third)’s provisions.
Value of protected areas to avian persistence across 20 years of climate and land‐use change

Establishing protected areas, where human activities and land cover changes are restricted, is among the most widely used strategies for biodiversity conservation. This practice is based on the assumption that protected areas buffer species from processes that drive extinction. However, protected areas can maintain biodiversity in the face of climate change and subsequent shifts in distributions have been questioned. We evaluated the degree to which protected areas influenced colonization and extinction patterns of 97 avian species over 20 years in the northeastern United States. We fitted single-visit dynamic occupancy models to data from Breeding Bird Atlases to quantify the magnitude of the effect of drivers of local colonization and extinction (e.g., climate, land cover, and amount of protected area) in heterogeneous landscapes that varied in the amount of area under protection. Colonization and extinction probabilities improved as the amount of protected area increased, but these effects were conditional on landscape context and species characteristics. In this forest-dominated region, benefits of additional land protection were greatest when both forest cover in a grid square and amount of protected area in neighboring grid squares were low. Effects did not vary with species' migratory habit or conservation status. Increasing the amounts of land protection benefitted the range margins species but not the core range species. The greatest improvements in colonization and extinction rates accrued for forest birds relative to open-habitat or generalist species. Overall, protected areas stemmed extinction more than they promoted colonization. Our results indicate that land protection remains a viable conservation strategy despite changing habitat and climate, as protected areas both reduce the risk of local extinction and facilitate movement into new areas. Our findings suggest conservation in the face of climate change favors creation of new protected areas over enlarging existing ones as the optimal strategy to reduce extinction and provide stepping stones for the greatest number of species.
The Menace of Misinformation: Faculty Misstatements in Management Education and Their Consequences:

In this essay, we explore the misinformation that management professors give to students in the classroom. Although faculty do not intend to deceive students with this misinformation, nevertheless,...
Stem Cell-Based Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis: Current Perspectives

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and neurodegenerative autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Disease-modifying therapies (DMT) targeting inflammation have been shown to reduce disease activity in patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS). The current therapeutic challenge is to find an effective treatment to halt disease progression and reverse established neural damage. Stem cell-based therapies have emerged to address this dilemma. Several types of stem cells have been considered for clinical use, such as autologous hematopoietic (aHSC), mesenchymal (MSC), neuronal (NSC), human embryonic (hESC), and induced pluripotent (iPSC) stem cells. There is convincing evidence that immunoablation followed by hematopoietic therapy (aHSCT) has a high efficacy for suppressing inflammatory MS activity and improving neurological disability in patients with RRMS. In addition, MSC therapy may be a safe and tolerable treatment, but its clinical value is still under evaluation. Various studies have shown early promising results with other cellular therapies for CNS repair and decreasing inflammation. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge and limitations of different stem cell-based therapies for the treatment of patients with MS.
Services and simulation frameworks for vehicular cloud computing: a contemporary survey

Vehicular cloud is getting significant research attention due to the technological advancements in smart vehicles. In near future, vehicles are envisioned to become part of a grid network providing cloud services, such as computing, storage, network, and application as a service. Vehicular cloud computing is an emerging area, designed to support delay-sensitive applications. However, this integration of vehicular network and cloud computing introduces new challenges for the research community. New frameworks have been proposed to assimilate and efficiently manage this merger. In this survey paper, we present the recent advancements in vehicular cloud computing domain. The review is primarily focused on two areas. First, we discuss the frameworks designed to utilize the vehicles’ onboard resources to provide cloud services and highlight the design issues and research challenges. Secondly, we focus on a detailed study of mobility generators, network, and vehicular ad hoc network simulators, as well as the available vehicular data sets. We thus provide an overarching view of the complete domain of vehicular cloud computing and identify areas for future research directions.
Characterizing Intent Changes in Exoskeleton-Assisted Walking Through Onboard Sensors

Robotic exoskeletons are a promising technology for rehabilitation and locomotion following musculoskeletal injury, but their adoption outside the physical therapy clinic has been limited by relatively primitive methods for identifying and incorporating the user’s gait intentions. Various intent detection approaches have been demonstrated using electromyography and electroencephalography signals. These technologies sense the human directly but introduce complications for donning/doffing the device and in measurement consistency. By contrast, sensors onboard the exoskeleton avoid these complications but sense the human indirectly via the human-robot interface. This pilot study examines if onboard sensors alone may enable identification of user intent. Joint positions and commanded motor currents are compared prior to and after changes in the user’s intended gait speed. Preliminary experimental results confirm that these measures are significantly different following intent changes for both able-bodied and non-able-bodied users. The findings suggest that intent detection is possible with onboard sensors alone, but the intent signals depend on exoskeleton control settings, user ability, and temporal considerations.
A program-dependent digital compressor for auditory prostheses specialized for signal transients

Dynamic range compressors found in hearing aids and cochlear implants are designed to have a programmable response time. In particular, the attack and release parameters control the rate at which a compressor responds to the onset and offset of a signal transient. Some previous perceptual studies have found preferences for faster response times, while other studies have found preferences for slower response times. An explanation for the conflicting results is that the experiments’ stimuli and perceptual measures have varied. These results are indicative of the challenge in designing compressors for a wide range of speech, environmental, and musical signals each with unique transient characteristics. Researchers have proposed using multiple wide-band compressors or parallel narrow-band compressors with different response times. This research presents an alternative approach for a single compressor having adaptive, program-dependent, attack and release times. Specifically, the response times depend on the rate of change of the compressor’s gain reduction. When a transient causes a large change in gain reduction, the response times are faster. During periods with small changes in gain reduction, the response times are slower. Considerations for real-time implementation are discussed.Dynamic range compressors found in hearing aids and cochlear implants are designed to have a programmable response time. In particular, the attack and release parameters control the rate at which a compressor responds to the onset and offset of a signal transient. Some previous perceptual studies have found preferences for faster response times, while other studies have found preferences for slower response times. An explanation for the conflicting results is that the experiments’ stimuli and perceptual measures have varied. These results are indicative of the challenge in designing compressors for a wide range of speech, environmental, and musical signals each with unique transient characteristics. Researchers have proposed using multiple wide-band compressors or parallel narrow-band compressors with different response times. This research presents an alternative approach for a single compressor having adaptive, program-dependent, attack and release times. Specifically, the response times depend on the r...
Perioperative Risks Are Similar for Normal versus Selected High-Body Mass Index Patients Undergoing Outpatient Hand and Elbow Surgery.

Background Many ambulatory surgery centers use body mass index as a screening tool to make admissions decisions because of complication risks associated with high-body mass index patients. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate perioperative complications in a cohort of high-body mass index patients undergoing hand and elbow surgery at an ambulatory surgery center. The authors' hypothesis was that anesthesia-related complications for this cohort would be similar to those of a normal-body mass index group. Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed data from all hand and elbow procedures performed on patients with a high body mass index (>40 kg/m). One hundred eighty-nine high-body mass index patients and 189 normal-body mass index patients were included in the analysis. Results The average weight-based dosage of propofol was similar in both groups but was lower in the high-body mass index group for midazolam and fentanyl. Two high-body mass index patients had oxygen desaturations in the postanesthesia care unit. No patients developed complications related to anesthesia. In the high-body mass index group, one patient developed hypotension in the postanesthesia care unit, was admitted to the emergency room for monitoring, but was discharged the following morning. Conclusions Outpatient hand surgical care of high-body mass index patients can be performed safely. Body mass index alone should not be considered as an absolute contraindication for surgery. Careful patient selection, evaluation of comorbidities, and close involvement of the anesthesia and medical teams are critical. Clinical question/level of evidence Risk, II.
The Highway Capacity Manual and the Committee on Highway Capacity and Quality of Service

The Highway Capacity Manual is one of the most fundamental documents used in the transportation and traffic engineering profession. It provides for the systematic design and evaluation of traffic facilities with regard to their capacity, and the quality of traffic service provided to facility users. This chapter provides an overview and history of the document itself, and its development over the years.
Statistical based hydromechanical models to estimate poroelastic effects of CO2 injection into a closed reservoir

In this study, a statistical‐based methodology is used to evaluate the poroelastic effects of injection during CO2 geologic sequestration in a closed reservoir. We constructed a series of hydromechanical models to evaluate the poroelastic effect of injection by quantifying total stress changes inside the reservoir, reservoir displacement, and surface uplift. The models are representative of closed carbonate reef reservoirs of the Michigan basin. A combination of experimental design for seven independent parameters (depth, caprock and reservoir Young's modulus, caprock and reservoir Poisson's ratio, pressure, and Biot's coefficient) and response surface modeling was used to develop statistical‐based reduced‐order models. We performed 147 numerical simulations to develop simplified models. The poroelastic model responses were captured using a standard quadratic model with full interaction terms, as well as a reduced model with only statistically significant coefficients. The interpretation of reduced‐order models, using R2 loss method, shows that while surface uplift depends mainly on the depth of the reservoir, stress increase depends mainly on Biot's coefficient. The developed statistical‐based models provide a quick tool to evaluate the poroelastic effect of injection into the closed carbonate reservoirs of the Michigan basin. Reduced‐order models were then combined with a Monte Carlo simulation to perform poroelastic uncertainty analyses and achieve a better understanding of the poroelastic performance of CO2 storage in the closed carbonate system of the Michigan basin. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long-term metformin adherence in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study.

Introduction To investigate long-term metformin adherence in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (DPPOS) by examining: (1) predictors of long-term adherence to study metformin and (2) whether metformin adherence was associated with incident type 2 diabetes. Research design and methods DPPOS was an open-label continuation of the randomized clinical trial (Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)) in which eligible participants randomized to the metformin group were offered study metformin and followed over 11 years. A brief structured adherence interview was administered semiannually. Metformin adherence was assessed by pill counts. Predictors of metformin adherence were examined in multivariate regression models. Incident diabetes associated with metformin adherence and other variables was assessed in Cox proportional hazards models. Results Of 868 participants eligible to continue taking study metformin, 664 (76%) took at least some metformin over 11 years, with 478 of them reporting problems with adherence. DPPOS cumulative adherence showed significant associations of higher adherence (≥80%) with early adherence at 3 months in DPP (p Conclusions In this long-term diabetes prevention study, early metformin adherence and planned strategies to promote adherence improved long-term adherence over 11 years; higher adherence to metformin was related to lower diabetes incidence. Incorporating strategies to promote adherence when initially prescribing metformin and counseling to support adherence over time are warranted.
Complete remission of aggressive T-cell LGL leukemia with pentostatin therapy: first case report

This is the first report of a complete remission in aggressive T-cell large granular lymphocytic (T-LGL) leukemia after treatment with pentostatin. The aggressive variant of the disease is rare, and traditional therapies include immunosuppressive agents, however, there is no standard consensus for treatment. Cytotoxic chemotherapy has led to remission in a few reported cases. We present this unique case as an alternative treatment for individuals refractory to chemotherapy. A 55-year-old African American male with hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and gout presented with symptoms of multiple ecchymosis, fatigue, and weight loss. He was found to have splenomegaly (SM) and significant leukocytosis to 101 k/µL with 30% blasts on peripheral smear. Following bone marrow aspiration and biopsy with flow cytometry, he was diagnosed with aggressive T-LGL leukemia. The chemotherapy regimen hyper-CVAD (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone) was initially chosen based on his clinical presentation but was refractory to treatment. His therapy was changed to alemtuzumab; however, patient tolerated poorly and did not respond. Pentostatin was added to alemtuzumab with improvement in clinical symptoms and laboratory parameters. The patient was transitioned to pentostatin monotherapy and achieved complete remission after 1 month. This report provides support for pentostatin as an effective treatment for patients with aggressive T-cell malignancies refractory to cytotoxic chemotherapy. Pentostatin has previously been studied to treat T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL), hairy cell leukemia, and marginal zone lymphoma. This case suggests an alternative, well-tolerated option that could be considered for initial therapy of aggressive T-LGL leukemia.
Contributions: What's Been Accomplished?

This chapter focuses on a research that was conducted where the purpose was to remove a fundamental obstacle from the understanding of decision making in games, that is, the absence of a precise, meaningful, useful, and domain-independent model of static evaluation functions. To fill this void, the expected-outcome model was introduced, which defines a node's value as the expected value of the game's outcome, given random play from that point on. As a statistical interpretation of game trees, rather than games, the model immediately provided the necessary precision and generality. The chapter presents the outcomes of a series of experiments of proofs that highlighted the importance of the expected-outcome model of decision making. These results offer strong support for both the validity of the expected-outcome model and the rationality of its underlying assumptions.
The Šilov Boundary and Local Maximum Principle

Let [Σ, a] be an arbitrary pair and consider a homomorphism φ: a → â(φ) of a onto ℂ. By Proposition 3.1, cp will be continuous iff there exists a compact set K ⊂⊂ Σ that dominates φ; i.e. Open image in new window In general the dominating compact set K will not be uniquely determined. For example any larger compact set will also serve. Denote by Kφ the collection of all compact subsets of Σ that dominate φ. A set K0 ∈ Kφ is called a support for φ if it is minimal; i.e. no compact set properly contained in K0 dominates φ. It is easy to prove by a routine application of Zorn’s lemma that each element of Kφ contains a support for φ. Note that φ may be supported by many distinct compact sets. For example in [ℂ, ℘] a point evaluation is supported by every circle that contains the point in its interior.
Detectability comparisons of image reconstruction algorithms using the Channelized Hotelling Observer with bootstrap resampled data

A bootstrap resampling method for pre-corrected PET data is proposed and applied to measured data in order to simulate repeated experiments. An elliptical phantom with two hot spheres (1.2 cm and 2.2 cm diameter) in a warm background was scanned in a GE Advance PET system. The sphere to background ratio was 3.3:1. Randoms, scatter, attenuation and dead time corrections were applied to the sinogram data. The method was validated using the Student's t- and F-statistical tests. Validation tests indicate that applying the bootstrap method to the pre-corrected PET data preserved the statistical characteristics of the images. The quality of image reconstruction of both measured data and resampled data were tested using the Channelized Hotelling Observer (CHO). Two reconstruction methods, filtered backprojection (FBP) and penalized maximum likelihood using space-alternating generalized EM (PML-SAGE), were compared. In the initial study, detectabilities of FBP were higher than the ones of PML-SAGE for the small sphere detection, while detectabilities of PML-SAGE were higher than the ones of FBP for the big sphere detection. Detectabilities for resampled data appears higher than those for experiment data; the number of tested resampled data was 100, and 20 for experiment data.
Can journaling provide support for NICU families

Column Editor: Linda Franck Family-Centered Care provides a forum for sharing information about basic components of caring for children and families, including respect, information sharing, collaboration, family-to-family support, and confidence building.
Generalized orbital angular momentum and the n-fold degenerate quantum-mechanical oscillator: Part I. The twofold degenerate oscillator

Abstract An operational procedure is used to determine the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions for the quantum-mechanical twofold degenerate oscillator problem in polar coordinates. The procedure leads automatically to the determination of the nonvanishing matrix elements of the Cartesian coordinates and conjugate linear momenta of the oscillator.
Detection of Autoreactive Myelin Proteolipid Protein 139–151-Specific T Cells by Using MHC II (IAs) Tetramers

Detection of autoreactive T cells using MHC II tetramers is difficult because of the low affinity of their TCR. We have generated a class II tetramer using the IA(s) class II molecule combined with an autoantigenic peptide from myelin proteolipid protein (PLP; PLP(139-151)) and used it to analyze myelin PLP(139-151)-reactive T cells. Using monomers and multimerized complexes labeled with PE, we confirmed the specificity of the reagent by bioassay and flow cytometry. The IA(s) tetramers stimulated and stained the PLP(139-151)-specific 5B6 TCR transgenic T cells and a polyclonal cell line specific for PLP(139-151), but not a control T cell line specific for PLP(178-191). We used this reagent to optimize conditions to detect low affinity autoreactive T cells. We found that high pH ( approximately 8.0) and neuraminidase treatment enhances the staining capacity of PLP(139-151) tetramer without compromising specificity. Furthermore, we found that induction of calcium fluxing by tetramers in T cells may be used as a sensitive measure to detect autoreactive T cells with a low affinity. Taken together, the data show that the tetrameric reagent binds and stimulates PLP(139-151)-reactive T cells with specificity. This tetrameric reagent will be useful in studying the evolution of PLP(139-151)-specific repertoire in naive mice and its expansion during the autoimmune disease experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
On reformulating quantum mechanics and stochastic theory

A stochastic theory approach is used to formulate the theory of quantum mechanical motion. Apart from giving a unifying point of view to quantum mechanics and stochastic theory, the new formulation is not limited to forces derivable from a potential. A nonlinear dynamical law is deduced in contradistinction to previous works in whichad hoc linear laws are postulated.
Development of Teaching and Technology Integration: Focus on Pedagogy

ABSTRACT The development, implementation, review, and subsequent revision of a capstone assignment during teacher education candidates' field experience and the assignments-related rubric was based on research that points teacher education programs to give candidates experiences in rethinking their views of pedagogy as they integrate technology into the curriculum. The initial development of the rubric came as a result of requirements of national accrediting organizations for licensure programs to have performance assessments of their candidates. The review of the assignment by technology experts as well as education faculty showed a disconnect between the goals of the technology faculty and the mentors helping the candidates implement technology during their field experiences. As a result of this disconnect, we developed a new set of indicators for the technology section of the assignment and provided examples of lessons that showed low and high expectations of technology use.
Alterations in canine coronary arteries produced by chronic cigarette smoking.

AbstractSegments of left circumflex coronary artery were obtained from beagles that had been exposed to cigarette smoke for 2 years and from nonsmoking controls. A ring sample from each was used to determine passive (0-Ca2+ and 2 mM EGTA) and active (75 mM K+) force-length relations. Other contiguous samples were used to determine collagen and elastin content, water content and distribution, and total electrolyte content. No significant differences were found in passive mechanical properties or the collagen and elastin content of arteries from the two groups of animals. Maximum values of active force development were found to be increased in arteries from smoking dogs as were values on the ascending part of the active force-length curve. Total water content and the distribution space of an extracellular marker (60Co-EDTA) were not significantly different among arteries from the two groups. This along with the similarity of total electrolyte contents suggests that values of cell volume were not different b...
The reliability of coding paralanguage: Pitch, loudness, and tempo

Previous investigators had suggested that reliable paralinguistic coding might be accomplished through the use of rating scales. The present study investigated the reliability of rating paralinguistic pitch, loudness, and tempo. The results indicated high inter-rater and test-retest reliabilities. High inter-rater reliability was also obtained from judges with no previous specialized training.
Accumulation of dietary methylmercury in the testes of the adult Brown Norway rat: Impaired testicular and epididymal function

The widespread consumption of fish containing elevated concentrations of methylmercury has prompted concern over the health effects of such a diet. Previous studies with rodents have indicated that exposure to dietary mercury (Hg) impairs male reproductive health. However, adverse effects were observed following doses in the range of milligrams per kilogram of body weight, whereas typical human consumption in the United States is in the range of micrograms per kilogram of body weight. This study examined the effects of dietary Hg on male rats using levels of the metal that are more similar to those typically consumed by humans. For 19 weeks, adult male Brown Norway rats were administered methylmercury twice weekly at 0.8, 8.0, or 80 {micro}g/kg. Intratesticular testosterone levels in the high-dose group were reduced by 44$, suggesting that steroidogenesis in these animals was dramatically impaired. Although sperm production was not significantly affected, numbers of sperm in the cauda epididymides of the high-dose group were reduced by 17%. Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between fertility and testicular Hg content. These results raise the possibility that exposure to Hg at levels consumed by humans may result in steroidogenic impairment, reduced sperm counts, and fertility problems.
Agricultural Certification as a Conservation Tool in Latin America

Along agricultural frontiers, non-governmental organizations are developing agricultural certification systems for use as conservation tools. In this article, we propose a typology of certification systems that we use to frame a critical examination of the efficacy of these systems and their limitations in achieving conservation goals. On the basis of these findings, we recommend improved management practices. Our analysis draws on case studies that examine the use of certification to regulate two very distinct production systems: smallholder shade coffee cooperatives in El Salvador and industrial scale soy and beef operations in the Brazilian Amazon. Despite their disparate contexts, both case studies demonstrate that agricultural certification to achieve conservation goals is difficult to design, implement, and evaluate. Certifiers must enroll consumers and firms who do not prioritize conservation goals, navigate scientific uncertainty regarding best conservation practices, and also market their brand a...
21.2: Invited Paper: An Overview of Dynamic Range Reduction

With a surge of interest in high dynamic range imaging, techniques for displaying such images on conventional display devices are gaining in importance. Although the last review of dynamic range reduction algorithms appeared about a year ago, the advances in this field are rapid. In this paper, the current state-of-the-art in dynamic range reduction is reviewed, with an emphasis on sigmoidal compression.
Stability of a panel in incompressible, unsteady flow

The stability of an infinite panel is investigated when the panel is immersed in an airstream whose velocity is composed in part of an unsteady component that oscillates periodically with respect to time. The analysis indicates that neutrally stable waves in the panel can undergo parametric amplification due to the flow oscillation and therefore grow exponentially with time. It is also shown that the unsteadiness has a destabilizing effect on the mode of instability which is a result of dissipation in the panel. Finally, the possibility of stabilizing a membrane in a steady flow by varying its tension periodically with respect to time is discussed.
Effect of ciguatoxin on sodium transport across the frog skin.

The effect of Ciguatoxin (CT) on Na transport across isolated frog skin ( Rana pipiens ) was studied by measuring the electrical potential difference (PD) and the short-circuit current (SCC). When NaCl-Ringer was used, CT (0.25–0.5 mg/100 ml) added to the outside bathing medium induced a substantial reduction in PD and a slight reduction in SCC, indicating a reduction in the skin resistance. The recovery was extremely slow and incomplete. The above reduction in SCC was associated with a significant increase in 22 Na outflux in the face of constant 22 Na influx. The CT effect was much less pronounced and more variable when it was added to the inside bathing medium. When Na 2 SO 4 -Ringer was used, the reduction in PD was smaller than that of SCC. The presence of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in the inside bathing medium did not alter the response of the skin to CT. Similarly, the presence of CT in the outside bathing medium did not affect the response of the skin to ADH. However, the action of CT was not evident in the presence of 10 m m calcium in the outside bathing medium. CT had no effect on the water permeability of the toad urinary bladder preparation. These results suggest that CT primarily increases the passive permeability of the skin to Na, although an effect on the Na pump cannot be ruled out completely.
A mathematical model of a simple human galvanic skin response based upon its rate topography

A mathematical description of a three-state (nonresponse, response, and recovery) model of a simple human galvanic skin response is presented. The model is based upon the temporal topography of the rate of change of the skin resistance. The equation implies that the portions of the topography representing the response and recovery states may be usefully portrayed as overlapping Gaussian distributions. Examples of the agreement between observed values and values based upon the equation are provided.
Operating in Japan

Japanese companies are successfully operating in other countries but foreign companies operating in Japan have not been as successful. An exception to this experience is the insurer, American Family Life Assurance Corporation (AFLAC), headquartered in Columbus, Georgia, USA. Over 75 per cent of its revenues are generated in Japan. Nevertheless, when AFLAC′s chief information officer initiated a joint development information systems project with AFLAC′s Japan branch, he faced many difficulties. Moving to Japan to facilitate this project, he finds the management process perplexing in terms of communication, office politics, and cultural differences. Since information‐systems work involves teamwork, working with these differences is essential to multinational corporations.
Nerve terminal facilitatory action of 4-aminopyridine: An analysis of the rising phase of the endplate potential

Abstract An investigation of the action of 4-aminopyridine on the frog neuromuscular junction was performed using microelectrode techniques. 4-Aminopyridine sharply increased endplate potential amplitude and rate of rise, independent of alterations in miniature endplate potential amplitude or frequency. Under conditions of single and paired stimuli, marked increases were observed in the quantal content and rate of quantal summation following 4-aminopyridine treatment. Interpretations of these data support an increase in the density of quantal release sites as the mechanism by which 4-aminopyridine produces its effect.
Effect of HIV clade differences on the onset and severity of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders

The effects of evolutionary pressure on human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV) have resulted in a variety of clades and recombinants. The functional implications of HIV clades on disease onset and progression of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) have been suggested by clinical and basic science studies, which will be reviewed in detail. Some clinical studies suggest that patients infected with clade D show the greatest propensity for developing HIV-associated dementia (HAD) followed by clades B, C, and A, respectively. However, there are conflicting reports. This review summarizes clinical studies that have assessed behavioral abnormalities and HIV clade type in HAND patients, focusing on the clades stated above. The limitations include variations in testing used to define the cohorts, patient sample size, lack of HIV clade characterization, combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) availability, and other factors, which are highlighted and compared between clinical studies performed primarily in Africa and India. Basic science studies provide substantial evidence that HIV clade differences can result in varying degrees of neuropathology and are also reviewed in some detail. These studies indicate that there are a number of clade differences, most notably in Tat, that result in different degrees of neurovirulence or neuropathological effects in vitro and in a mouse model of HAND. In order to confirm the hypothesis that HIV clade differences are important determinants of HAND pathogenesis, larger, longitudinal studies that employ standard definitions of HAND and HIV clade testing must be performed. In a larger sense, HAND continues to be highly prevalent despite the advent of cART, and therefore, further studies into HAND pathogenesis are critical to develop better therapies.
Urothlelium facilitates the recruitment and trans-differentiation of fibroblasts into smooth muscle in acellular matrix.

ABSTRACTPurpose: Tissue engineering has shown promise for patients requiring bladder reconstruction secondary to diverse diseases such as spina bifida and tuberculosis. In this study we addressed whether urothelium in conjunction with an acellular bladder matrix is necessary for the recruitment of host cells to repopulate the graft and whether the urothelium facilitates trans-differentiation of host fibroblastic cells into bladder smooth muscle type cells.Materials and Methods: Urothelium from embryonic mice and rats (E18) was microdissected from bladder stroma after enzymatic digestion with 10 mM ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Acellular bladder matrix was prepared from postnatal day 1 rat and mouse pups using a combination of membrane disruption and DNA digestion. Urothelium was placed inside the bladder matrix and then grown either underneath the renal capsule or subcutaneously in athymic mice for 2 to 24 weeks. Grafts were sectioned and immunocytochemistry was performed with antibodies for alpha-acti...
Fabrication of cellular shape memory alloy materials by reactive eutectic brazing using niobium

A novel metal-joining process is described that exploits interfacial reactions between nitinol and pure niobium to produce a reactive eutectic liquid that readily creates a robust metallurgical bond between nitinol and itself. With this new reactive-brazing process we have been able to create prototypes of superelastic cellular honeycomb topologies from conventional nitinol precursor materials such as tubes and corrugated sheets. These have been found to display excellent isothermal shape-recovery and have high specific strength, low relative density, and extremely high resilience. The method will allow realization of complex space-frames, honeycomb sandwich panels, and other sparse built-up thermally active multifunctional nitinol structures. The braze material is corrosion-resistant, machinable, biocompatible, and has good osteoconductivity, potentially enabling a variety of compliant superelastic implant and bone-replacement materials unobtainable by any other means.
How do I know if I am normal

In the injury field, most of the variables of interest are count data – e.g. number of drownings in a given locale in a given time period; number of pedestrian deaths in a given area in a given tim...
A fast sinusoidal signal analysis technique for the determination of complex frequencies

A fast sinusoidal signal analysis technique is generalized to the complex domain of frequencies, where the imaginary component of frequency denotes an exponential envelope. The generalized method improves upon previously reported maximum-likelihood methods for exponentially-enveloped sinusoids by reducing the per iteration computational order from N to 1, where N is the number of data points. The generalized method is based upon the Laplace transform rather than the Fourier transform. And since the generalized method accommodates any window whose continuous-time Fourier or Laplace transform is known, it enables existing frequency-domain interpolative techniques for sinusoids to be applied to the analysis of exponentially-enveloped sinusoids. The proposed technique is used to develop an efficient algorithm for the study of spectroscopic signals.
Acute oral toxicity of N-2-fluorenylacetamide (2-FAA) in several strains of mice.

SummaryThe oral LD50/7 day of 2-FAA has been determined in both sexes of the following strains of mice: CD-1, C57BL/6Cr, C57BL/6j, and BALB/cj. Symptoms of toxicity included: lethargy, sedation, loss of righting reflex, circling, orange-red urine, bladder concretions and paralysis with all limbs rigidly extended. Deaths peaked between 48 and 72 hr. Particle size was shown to affect the LD50/7 day in CD-1 mice. His-topathological examination of the tissues indicated they were essentially normal.The authors thank S. Poiley for the C57BL/6Cr mice used in this study, and Drs. W. Jacques and C. Frith for the histopathological evaluations.
Qualitative analysis of environmental samples for aromatic sulfonic acids by high-performance capillary electrophoresis

High-performance capillary electrophoresis (HPCE) is investigated as a qualitative tool in the analysis of environmental samples for aromatic sulfonic acids and related compounds. Using standard borate buffer solutions, characteristic migration times define windows wherein certain compound types will be found. Eight aromatic sulfonic acids are separated as an example of the power of the technique. A leachate from a hazardous waste site is also subjected to HPCE. Qualitative identification may be approached by use of migration times and ancillary techniques such as continuous-flow fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry.
Output Feedback Adaptive Variable Structure Control of a Smart Projectile Fin

Based on the variable structure model reference adaptive control (VS-MRAC) theory, a new control system for the control of a projectile fin using a piezoelectric actuator is designed. The hollow projectile fin is rigid, within which a flexible cantilever beam with a piezoelectric active layer is mounted. The model of the fin-beam system includes the aerodynamic moment which is a function of angle of attack of the projectile. The rotation angle of the fin is controlled by deforming the flexible beam which is hinged at the tip of the rigid fin. For the derivation of the control law, its is assumed that the parameters in the model are unknown, and only the fin angle is measured for feedback. It is shown that, in the closed-loop system including the VS-MRAC system designed using bounds on uncertain functions, the fin angle tracks the reference trajectory and the vibration is suppressed. Digital simulation results show that the closedloop system has good transient behavior and robustness to the uncertainties , unmodeled dynamics and disturbance inputs.
The cornerstone of medicine: the physician-patient relationship.

Medical care and the practice of medicine as we have known it, and in many ways still wish it to be, is no longer what it once was and unlikely ever to be again. The major consequence of the changes we have experienced is the loss of a degree of control we physicians once possessed. There is less of the passion once felt by many of us who were drawn to the medical profession for mostly the right reasons. External pressures, well known and too numerous to recount at this time, are damaging the cornerstone of medicine, the physician–patient relationship. Physicians are angry, frustrated, and working harder than ever to adapt to changes and pressures and to continue to deliver high-quality medical care despite the obstacles. Patients are angry, frustrated, and working harder than ever to learn how to cope with changing rules and doctors. The cornerstone has been chipped, eroded somewhat, but not destroyed, and is still recognizable easily whenever some circumstance, scheduled or otherwise, brings together the physician and patient no matter the setting. This brief editorial is directed to physicians who still care and will continue to care about the physician–patient relationship.
Commentary: Validating the use of magnetic resonance imaging in making treatment decisions in patients with spine trauma.

Commentary on Crosby CG, Even JL, Song Y, et al. Diagnostic abilities of magnetic resonance imaging in traumatic injury to the posterior ligamentous complex: the effect of years in training. Spine J 2011;11:747–53 ( in this issue ).
An empirical investigation of self-esteem as a composite construct☆

Abstract Three measures of chronic self-esteem, plus four measures developed to assess situational components of self-esteem (task-specific self-esteem and social self-esteem), were administered to 238 undergraduates at a large, urban university and a community college in the southeastern United States. Evidence for a composite construct of self-esteem was found. Results also indicate task-specific self-esteem correlates as high as .42 ( p p
Managing stock‐outs effectively with order fulfilment systems

Purpose – When approaching a stock‐out situation, a company should be able to actively manage the allocation of available products on the basis of customer requirements and priorities as well as contractual relationships. The purpose of this paper is to describe different order promising mechanisms and analyze how well they can contribute to the effective management of stock‐out situations.Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides a formal description and analysis of alternative order promising mechanism applicable in make to stock systems. Numerical analysis is conducted based on the data of a pharmaceutical company.Findings – The paper clearly points out the potential of alternative order promising mechanisms to alleviate the negative consequences associated with a temporary stock‐out situation.Research limitations/implications – The paper does not consider implications of inventory pre‐allocation to customer classes. Further research should address the interplay between pre‐allocation and differ...
Improvement of coal direct liquefaction by steam pretreatment

Pretreatment of coal by reaction with subcritical steam enhances its performance in direct liquefaction. Illinois No. 6 coal, first reacted with 51 atm of steam for 15 min at 340 °C, was liquefied ...