cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Open endotracheal tubes may be safely left on an ED airway cart for 48 hours.

Objective: To determine if endotracheal tubes (ETTs) that are opened, prepared, and stored in an ED airway cart are prone to bacterial contamination. Methods: A prospective study conducted in the ED of a level 1 trauma center. A study group of 50 endotracheal tubes were opened, preloaded with a stylet, the cuff checked for integrity by air inflation, and then stored in an ED airway cart. The study group was subdivided into 5 groups of 10 ETTs each, cultured at different time intervals. The ETTs were cultured at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours for the presence of bacterial contamination. The control group consisted of 10 ETTs that were left in their sterile packing in the ED airway cart and then removed at 48 hours and cultured. Results: In the study group, 7 (14%) ETTs resulted in a positive culture; 43 ETTs cultured negative for bacteria. In the control group, 2 (20%) ETTs cultured positive, the remainder was all negative. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .63). If only clinically significant bacteria are considered, defined as a culture with 5 or more colony-forming units, 3 ETTs in the study group cultured positive; there were no clinically significant bacteria cultured in the control group. Once again, there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups, with a P value of .57. Conclusion: It appears that opening, preparing, and storing ETTs in an ED airway cart for up to 48 hours does not increase the risk of bacterial contamination of the ETTs.
Endurance training improves post-exercise cardiac autonomic modulation in obese women with and without type 2 diabetes

Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are associated with abnormal cardiovascular autonomic function and increased risk for cardiac complications, especially after exercise. Since improvements at rest are not always observed after training, we investigated changes in resting and post-exercise autonomic function in obese women with and without T2D after16-week of walking training. Heart rate (HR) variability (HRV) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) were measured at rest and 20 min after a 20 min bout of treadmill exercise at 65% VO(2) peak in obese women with (n = 8) and without T2D (n = 12) before and after training. HRV was analyzed by frequency-domain [high- (HF) power and low-frequency (LF)] and BRS by the sequence method. Exercise training induced similar significant changes in VO(2) peak, resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) and post-exercise autonomic function in both groups. Training increased VO(2 )peak (6%; P < 0.01) and decreased resting SBP (8%; P < 0.001). Increased post-exercise HR recovery (5%; P < 0.001), HF power (14%; P < 0.05), LF power (14%; P < 0.05) and BRS (86%; P < 0.001) were also observed. Resting autonomic function and post-exercise SBP were not altered after training. In conclusion, endurance training reduced blood pressure without changes in HRV and BRS at rest, but training increased HRV and BRS during the recovery of acute endurance exercise indicating an improved post-exercise autonomic modulation of HR, which was similar in obese women with and without T2D.
Not driving alone? American commuting in the twenty-first century

This paper investigates recent commuting trends by American workers. Unlike most studies of commuting that rely on data from the American Community Survey this study utilizes the American Time Use Survey to detail the complex commuting patterns of modern-day workers. Changes in the price of gasoline in recent years suggest that the incidence of “driving alone” should be on the decline. Indeed, results show that the sensitivity of modal commuting with respect to changes in gasoline prices appears to be relatively large. We estimate the gasoline-price elasticity of driving alone to be 0.057 and the gasoline-price elasticity of carpooling to be 0.502. Additional factors also affect commuting, including socio-economic characteristics and social desires. However, it is changes in gasoline prices that appear to account for nearly all of the recent variation in the mode chosen for commuting.
Superconductivity in sputtered thin films of Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O

Abstract Films of Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O have been made by multi-target magnetron sputtering. The best films show an onset of superconductivity at ≈ 110 K and zero resistance at 96 K. Preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis suggests the films to be predominantly oriented with the c -axis perpendicular to the film surface with the lowest multiple of lattice spacing along the c -axis being ∼ 2.94 nm, consistent with the Tl 2 Ba 2 CaCu 2 O x (2212) phase.
SU-E-T-53: Benchmarking a Monte Carlo Model for Patient Plane Leakage Calculations of Low Energy 6MV Unique Linacs

Purpose: To validate the physics parameters of a Monte Carlo model for patient plane leakage calculations on the 6MV Unique linac by comparing the simulations against IEC patient plane leakage measurements. The benchmarked model can further be used for shielding design optimization, to predict leakage in the proximity of intended treatment fields, reduce the system weight and cost, and improve components reliability. Methods: The treatment head geometry of the Unique linac was simulated in Geant4 (v9.4.p02 with “Opt3” standard electromagnetic physics list) based on CAD drawings of all collimation and shielding components projected from the target to the area within 2m from isocenter. A 4×4m2 scorer was inserted 1m from the target in the patient plane and multiple phase space files were recorded by performing a 40-node computing cluster simulation on the EC2 cloud. The photon energy fluence was calculated relative to the value at isocenter for a 10×10cm2 field using 10×10mm2 bins. Tungsten blocks were parked accordingly to represent MLC120. The secondary particle contamination to patient plane was eliminated by “killing” those particles prior to the primary collimator entrance using a “kill-plane”, which represented the upper head shielding components not being modeled. Both IEC patient-plane leakage and X/Y-jaws transmission were simulated. Results: The contribution of photons to energy fluence was 0.064% on average, in excellent agreement with the experimental data available at 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5m from isocenter, characterized by an average leakage of 0.045% and a maximum leakage of 0.085%. X- and Y-jaws transmissions of 0.43% and 0.44% were found in good agreement with measurements of 0.48% and 0.43%, respectively. Conclusion: A Geant4 model based on energy fluence calculations for the 6MV Unique linac was created and validated using IEC patient plane leakage measurements. The “kill-plane” has effectively eliminated electron contamination to patient plane in these simulations.
Longitudinal evaluation of microvessel density in survivors vs. nonsurvivors of cardiac pathologic antibody-mediated rejection.

Background Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) of cardiac allografts is associated with reduced long-term graft survival, but not every patient with AMR develops premature graft failure. The tissue level mechanisms leading to graft failure in some patients with antibody-mediated rejection are poorly characterized.
Line strength measurements of the 2ν3 band of methane

Abstract The line strengths of the manifolds of the 2ν 3 band of methane have been measured for the P , Q and R branches up to J = 10 ( J = 9 for the R branch). The results are based on curves of growth using the assignments given by three different groups of investigators. They indicate that intensities deviate from the conventional factor given by Fox.( 8 ) The deviation is descrived in terms of an empirical Herman-Wallis factor.
Reflex regulation of peripheral blood flow during lung hyperinflation

Abstract Although positive pressure ventilation and lung hyperinflation are known to produce changes in blood pressure, cardiac output and heart rate, little information is available about the effects of these procedures on peripheral blood flow in specific tissues. This study examined the reflex effects per se induced by lung hyperinflation in a heterogenous vascular bed (hindlimb), a cutaneous vascular bed (paw) and skeletal muscle (gracilis muscle) of anesthetized dogs. Each of the 3 vascularly isolated preparations employed constant blood flow perfusion, thereby excluding the effects of humoral substances. Invariably, lung hyperinflation produced reflex vasodilatation in the hindlimb and paw but produced consistent vasoconstriction in skeletal muscle. This differential reflex response also occurred when the vascularly isolated, innervated, separately ventilated and reservoir-perfused left lower pulmonary lobe was hyperinflated, thus demonstrating a persistence of the reflex response in the absence of mechanical interference with return of blood to the heart. With constant sinoaortic baroreceptor activity, lung hyperinflation still resulted in vasoconstriction of skeletal muscle. In addition, it was demonstrated that the reflex vasoconstriction in skeletal muscle initiated by lung hyperinflation could override the effects of increased carotid sinus pressure. These data indicate that reflex vasoconstriction in the large mass of skeletal muscle may provide an important means for maintaining the integrity of the circulation during the general cardiovascular depression that occurs with increased airway pressure.
Ranitidine 300 mg twice daily and 150 mg four‐times daily are effective in healing erosive oesophagitis.

BACKGROUND: Ranitidine 150 mg q.d.s. is the currently recommended dosage in the United States for the treatment of erosive oesophagitis. To determine whether a higher dose of ranitidine administered less frequently would also be effective in healing erosive oesophagitis, we compared ranitidine 300 mg b.d. with ranitidine 150 mg q.d.s. in the treatment of erosive oesophagitis. METHODS: This multicentre, double- blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study conducted in the United States compared two dosages of ranitidine in 772 patients with endoscopically diagnosed erosive oesophagitis. Patients were treated with ranitidine 300 mg b.d., ranitidine 150 mg q.d.s. or placebo for up to 12 weeks. Endoscopies were repeated after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Ranitidine 300 mg b.d. was significantly more effective than placebo in healing erosive oesophagitis at weeks 8 and 12 (51 vs. 36% and 66 vs. 52%, respectively; P < or = 0.004). Significantly higher healing rates were also achieved with ranitidine 150 mg q.d.s. compared with placebo at 4, 8 and 12 weeks (37 vs. 21%, 62 vs. 36% and 77 vs. 52%, respectively; P < 0.001). Healing rates were significantly higher with ranitidine 150 mg q.d.s. than with ranitidine 300 mg b.d. at all scheduled endoscopies (P < or = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Ranitidine 300 mg b.d. is effective in healing erosive oesophagitis and may be appropriate as an alternative dosage regimen to ranitidine 150 mg q.d.s. in some patients with erosive oesophagitis.
Identification of proteolytic fragments from ErbB-2 that induce apoptosis

The receptor tyrosine kinase ErbB-2 plays an important role in cell proliferation and differentiation as well as oncogenesis. We have found that ErbB-2 kinase domain fragmentation is important for the induction of apoptosis. Exogenous expression of peptides derived from the ErbB-2 kinase domain induces cells death with the hallmarks of apoptosis. In contrast, transfection of the ErbB-2 carboxy-terminal domain did not induce apoptosis. We have identified a 37-residue segment from the ErbB-2 kinase N-terminal lobe that can strongly induce apoptosis in transfected cells. Cell death was not blocked by the pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD-FMK. Similar fragments derived from several other receptor tyrosine kinases also induce cell death. These data imply that proteolytic fragmentation of tyrosine kinases liberates apoptotic fragments that can accelerate cell death.
Macromolecular hydration changes associated with BamHI binding and catalysis.

In this report, the effects of osmotic pressure on BamHI cognate binding and catalysis were investigated and compared with a previous study on EcoRI (Robinson, C. R. and Sligar, S. G. (1998) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 95, 2186–2191). Our observation of the dependence of binding and catalytic parameters on osmotic pressure has allowed for the comparison of hydration changes associated with site-specific DNA recognition for both endonucleases. Over a large range of osmotic pressures (π), the dependence of BamHI on osmotic stress during cognate binding and catalysis was very different from that of the related endonuclease EcoRI. The binding of EcoRI to cognate DNA was dominated by a dehydration of the endonuclease-DNA complex, whereas binding by BamHI to its cognate sequence was accompanied by a solvent release corresponding to some 125 fewer waters. Catalytic analysis at elevated osmotic pressures indicated that both endonucleases had undergone a net hydration of the complex with BamHI displaying a much greater dependence on osmotic stress than EcoRI. Although the enzymes shared core structural motifs, comparisons of high resolution x-ray structures revealed many different secondary structural features of the complexed endonucleases. The large difference in hydration changes by both BamHI and EcoRI could be attributed to these dissimilar secondary structural features, as well as the functional differences of the two endonucleases during site-specific DNA recognition.
On the lattice approach to the maximum Higgs boson mass

If the triviality upper bound on the Higgs boson mass mH occurs for strong self-coupling, inferring properties of the Higgs from the euclidean propagator is in principle theoretically difficult whether in coordinate or momentum space. In that case, common methods of identifying mH in lattice field theory simulations may produce a value for which is at best distantly related to the true upper limit. We discuss some shortcomings and ambiguities of recent results suggesting that the maximum occurs for weak coupling and emphasize potential complications due to finite-size and non-Lorentz-invariant effects of the lattice. The situation is illustrated by reference to the behavior in an analytically soluble approximation based on a 1/N expansion.
English as gatekeeper: linguistic capital and American schools

Purpose – This paper aims to progress the dialogue on language rights in the urban classroom. Research has evidenced how language can serve as a powerful tool in mainstream ideologies; more specifically, the preferred and dominant use of Standard Written English in the American classroom has demonstrated how language serves as a gatekeeper for student success. This paper calls for a more democratic notion of language usage that denies the “gatekeeper” of English into specific educational tracks. Design/methodology/approach – By framing the issue of linguistic diversity through a theoretical analysis of cultural reproduction theory, this paper demonstrates how language serves as a bridge in building and negotiating cultural identities for students. In addition, an examination of how language serves as a stratification tool in educational contexts provides credence for reform initiatives. Findings – In the field of linguistics, the shift in verbal and language repertoires has provided a new paradigm for rethinking what constitutes as an acceptable and innovative language use. However, structures such as schools have remained static in their vision of linguistic success in the classroom, assessing students’ language abilities in the specifics of standard written English. Originality/value – This analysis encourages recommendations for examining current curriculum with regards to the promotion of language diversity, encouragement for teachers to reexamine their individual perceptions about language difference and the realignment of assessment and academic measurement tools to better accommodate students with linguistically diverse backgrounds.
In-situ HVEM Investigations under the Influence of Ion Beams

A 200 kV ion accelerator was coupled to a 500 kV TEM for in-situ studies of the 80 keV He+ irradiation of 316 stainless steel. Dynamic and static observations of bubble growth, exfoliation and blistering show that slip bands, incoherent twin boundaries and grain boundaries are preferred sites for helium bubble formation. Bubble growth is enhanced by plastic deformation during irradiation. Exfoliation and blistering occur in samples thinner than the projected range of 80 keV He+ ions. Crack propagation during tensile tests proceeds through the bubbles enlarging them in diameter by a factor of two. Bubble enlargement also accompanies the formation of a blister cap. Brittle intergranular failure, even in samples with a large bubble population on the grain boundaries, occurred only when tensile tests were performed at elevated temperatures. Ein 200-kV-Ionenbeschleuniger wurde an ein 500-kV-Transmissions-Elektronenmikroskop gekoppelt, um in-situ-Untersuchungen an rostfreiem Stahl 316 bei Bestrahlung mit He+-Ionen mit 80 kV durchzufuhren. Dynamische und statische Untersuchungen des Blasenwachstums, der Exfoliation und des Blistering-Phanomens zeigten, das Gleitbander, inkoharente Zwillingsgrenzen und Korngrenzen die bevorzugten Orte fur die Bildung von Heliumblasen sind. Das Blasenwachstum wird durch die plastische Deformation wahrend der Bestrahlung beschleunigt. Exfoliation und Blistering laufen in Proben ab, die dunner als die projizierte Reichweite der 80 keV-He+-Ionen sind. Wahrend der Zugversuche geht die Risausbreitung durch die Blasen weiter, wobei der Durchmesser der Blasen um das Doppelte erhoht wird. Korngrenzensprodbruch kommt sogar in Proben mit hoher Blasendichte nur dann vor, wenn Zugversuche bei erhohten Temperaturen durchgefuhrt werden.
Global warming impacts on lake trout in arctic lakes

Arctic freshwater ecosystems may be sensitive indicators of climatic warming trends because they have relatively few species and simple food webs. Many of these systems are dominated by lake trout, which act as keystone predators. For arctic Alaska Toolik Lake, we have a 16-yr record of physical, chemical, and biological data. Our temperature data show a 3°C increase in mean July epilimnetic temperatures. An individual-based bioenergetics model for young-of-year (YOY) lake trout in the lake was used to examine the effects of climate warming on growth of YOY lake trout. Our simulation models predicted that with a July temperature increase, YOY lake trout would need to consume > 8-fold more food (> lo-fold with seasonally increased temperatures) to achieve the same end-of-year size as historically surviving YOY lake trout. We have observed no increase in food availability in the lake, and recent analysis shows that primary productivity has actually decreased. If recent changes in the lake foreshadow a long-term trend, our model results suggest that YOY lake trout will not survive their first winter. Such changes, coupled with other current anthropogenic impacts in the arctic, may disrupt lake trout control of the trophic structure in arctic lakes.
Recent advances in guided wave NDE

Guided wave NDE applications are becoming more popular each day, primarily because of the many recent developments on understanding their complexity and potential in defect detection, classification, and sizing analysis. Mode selection can be based on wave structures that can achieve improved sensitivity to certain defects as well as superior penetration power for immersed or coated structures. Utility dispersion curves are available to study wave structure variations along a specific mode. The source influence effect and its influence on the phase velocity spectrum is now understood, allowing either multiple modes to propagate or a high energy isolated mode. Boundary element techniques are now being used to calculate mode conversion reflection and transmission factors for a particular incident mode and frequency onto a specific defect. Resonance matching procedures are also being introduced to allow efficient transfer of energy across a joint or geometrical structure variation. Tube inspection in the power generating field for heat exchangers and steam generator tubing will be discussed. Several applications will also be presented for fuselage, lap splice joint, tear strap, and composite patch repair in aging aircraft inspection. Initial work efforts on flaw classification will be presented. Finally, applications in manufacturing will be introduced focusing on a powder metal injection molding in situ guided wave measurement system.
Are gender differences in colorectal cancer screening rates due to differences in self-reporting?

Abstract Objective Studies have found that women are less likely than men to undergo colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. While one source of these disparities may be gender differences in barriers and facilitators to screening, another may be differences in reporting bias. Method In this study of 345 male and female veterans, conducted in 2006 in Minneapolis, MN, we examined CRC screening adherence rates by gender using medical records and self-report and assessed whether any differences were due to reporting bias. Results We found a significantly higher rate of colonoscopy use among men when using self-report data, but no significant differences in either overall or test-specific screening adherence when using medical record data. Analyses examining the prevalence and determinants of concordance between self-report and medical records screening revealed that compared to women, men were less accurate in reporting sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy and over-reported screening by colonoscopy. Men were also more likely to have missing self-report data and how missing data were handled affected differences in screening behavior. Accuracy in screening behavior was not explained by demographic variables, good physical or mental health, or physician recommendation for screening. Conclusions Reported gender disparities in CRC screening adherence may be a result of reporting bias.
Cultural Re-Constructions of an Adoptive Child: Science

In this article, I take the idea of science as a cultural construct in order to understand the formation of boundaries, the maintenance of boundaries, and the permeability of margins within and between cultures. I use the metaphor of the child, my experiences working in science education on two continents, and my social theory toolbox to structure my discussion. I begin by describing the relationship between science and inquiry, and how inquiry organizes and structures human reality. Then a brief history is provided of education in Togo, West Africa. The next section addresses the classroom and schooling practices I observed in Togo in the 1990s. Using western theories I identify and characterize the cultures of training and education and analyze their implications for education. The final section offers interpretations and warnings on the use of ‘science’ in order to highlight the use of boundaries and our own colonialization.
Information and medical ethics: protecting patient privacy

As medical records become electronic, pieces of everyone's health history will reside in public and private computer repositories. The paper discusses issues of medical ethics, including the protection of patient privacy.
A Non-Iterative Technique for Phase Noise ICI Mitigation in Packet-Based OFDM Systems

A practical approach for detecting packet-based orthogonal-frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) signals in the presence of phase noise is presented. An OFDM packet consists of several OFDM symbols with full-pilot symbols at the beginning followed by consecutive data symbols. Based on the full-pilot OFDM symbol, a frequency-domain joint phase noise and channel vector estimator is first derived. It is shown that the phase noise vector can be estimated by maximizing a constrained quadratic form without requiring knowledge of the channel vector. This estimated phase noise vector is then used to compute the least squares channel estimator. Assuming that the channel is constant during each packet, the estimated channel is used in subsequent data OFDM symbols for equalization and data detection. Since phase noise changes from one OFDM symbol to the next, the scattered pilots in each data OFDM symbol are used to non-iteratively estimate and mitigate the phase noise induced interference. A significant improvement in the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio is achieved using the proposed algorithm.
Bronchospasm and its Biophysical Basis in Airway Smooth Muscle

Airways hyperresponsiveness is a cardinal feature of asthma but remains unexplained. In asthma, the airway smooth muscle cell is the key end-effector of bronchospasm and acute airway narrowing, but in just the past five years our understanding of the relationship of responsiveness to muscle biophysics has dramatically changed. It has become well established, for example, that muscle length is equilibrated dynamically rather than statically, and that non-classical features of muscle biophysics come to the forefront, including unanticipated interactions between the muscle and its time-varying load, as well as the ability of the muscle cell to adapt rapidly to changes in its dynamic microenvironment. These newly discovered phenomena have been described empirically, but a mechanistic basis to explain them is only beginning to emerge.
Digital chest radiography: effect on diagnostic accuracy of hard copy, conventional video, and reversed gray scale video display formats.

Observer performance tests were conducted to compare the effects on diagnostic accuracy of hard copy (film) versus video display and to determine the diagnostic merits of conventional negative ("white bone") versus positive ("black bone") video displays. Subjective preferences were elicited from each observer for each display modality, and diagnostic accuracy was determined with receiver operating characteristic analysis. Digitized chest radiographs were used, including normal and abnormal cases with a variety of subtle abnormalities. The hard copy was printed with a 1,024 X 1,024-matrix by a high-quality drum scanner in conventional white bone format only. The video images were displayed on a 1,023-line monitor (30 Hz, interlaced) in both white bone and black bone formats with fixed window and brightness settings. Most observers preferred hard copy to video, but preferences were sharply divided between white bone and black bone video. Diagnostic accuracy was significantly greater with hard copy than with...
Evidence-based use of emollients in neonates☆

Abstract Skin is a unique organ that provides protection, thermoregulation, sensation, and metabolic functions. From birth to adulthood, it serves as a barrier to the environment, protecting the body against infection, injury, and fluid loss. If skin barrier function is compromised at any time, clinically significant deleterious systemic effects could result. Many skin care products have therefore been marketed specifically for “babies.” However, even though advances in dermatology and neonatology have led to a better understanding of the development, structure, and function of neonatal and premature neonatal skin, there is limited evidence-based literature promoting the use of topical emollients for optimizing the skin health of newborns. This review discusses the uniqueness of neonatal skin and the purpose and potential side effects of topical emollients, and it briefly overviews the available evidence-based literature that focuses on the use of emollients in neonates. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company
The BYU SAR: A Small, Student-Built SAR for UAV Operation

Students at Brigham Young University have developed a new, low-cost synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system, the BYU muSAR. The simple design, based on a linear frequency modulated continuous wave signal (LFM-CW), reduces the size and power compared to a conventional pulsed SAR system. This enables the BYU muSAR to fly on a small UAV, further reducing the cost of operation and extending the use of SAR into new areas. Design parameters and specifications for the BYU muSAR are presented in this paper, together with results from experimental data collection and test flights.
An extractive-summarization baseline for the automatic detection of noteworthy utterances in multi-party human-human dialog

Our goal is to reduce meeting participants' note-taking effort by automatically identifying utterances whose contents meeting participants are likely to include in their notes. Though note-taking is different from meeting summarization, these two problems are related. In this paper we apply techniques developed in extractive meeting summarization research to the problem of identifying noteworthy utterances. We show that these algorithms achieve an f-measure of 0.14 over a 5-meeting sequence of related meetings. The precision - 0.15 - is triple that of the trivial baseline of simply labeling every utterance as noteworthy. We also introduce the concept of ldquoshow-worthyrdquo utterances - utterances that contain information that could conceivably result in a note. We show that such utterances can be recognized with an 81% accuracy (compared to 53% accuracy of a majority classifier). Further, if non-show-worthy utterances are filtered out, the precision of noteworthiness detection improves by 33% relative.
Encoding Bandpass Signals Using Zero/Level Crossings: A Model-Based Approach

A new approach to representing a time-limited, and essentially bandpass signal x(t) , by a set of discrete frequency values is proposed. The set of discrete frequency values is the set of locations along the frequency axis at which (real and/or imaginary parts of) the Fourier transform of the signal x(t) cross certain levels (especially zero level). Analogously, invoking time-frequency duality, a set of time instants denoting the zero/level crossings of a waveform x(t) can be used to represent a bandlimited spectrum X(f) . The proposed signal representation is based on a simple bandpass signal model that exploits our prior knowledge of the bandwidth/timewidth of the signal. We call it a Sum-of-Sincs (SOS) model, where Sinc stands for the familiar sinx/x function. Given the discrete fequency/time locations, we can accurately reconstruct the signal x(t) or the spectrum X(f) by solving a simple eigenvalue or a least squares problem. Using this approach as the basis, we propose an analysis/synthesis algorithm to decompose and represent complex multicomponent signals like speech over the entire time-frequency region. The proposed signal representation is an alternative to standard analog to discrete conversion based on the sampling theorem, and in principle, possesses some of the desirable attributes of signal representation in natural sensory systems.
Importance of the CCR5–CCL5 Axis for Mucosal Trypanosoma cruzi Protection and B Cell Activation

Trypanosoma cruzi is an intracellular parasite and the causative agent of Chagas disease. Previous work has shown that the chemokine receptor CCR5 plays a role in systemic T. cruzi protection. We evaluated the importance of CCR5 and CCL5 for mucosal protection against natural oral and conjunctival T. cruzi challenges. T. cruzi-immune CCR5(-/-) and wild-type C57BL/6 mice were generated by repeated infectious challenges with T. cruzi. CCR5(-/-) and wild-type mice developed equivalent levels of cellular, humoral, and protective mucosal responses. However, CCR5(-/-)-immune mice produced increased levels of CCL5 in protected gastric tissues, suggesting compensatory signaling through additional receptors. Neutralization of CCL5 in CCR5(-/-)-immune mice resulted in decreased mucosal inflammatory responses, reduced T. cruzi-specific Ab-secreting cells, and significantly less mucosal T. cruzi protection, confirming an important role for CCL5 in optimal immune control of T. cruzi replication at the point of initial mucosal invasion. To investigate further the mechanism responsible for mucosal protection mediated by CCL5-CCR5 signaling, we evaluated the effects of CCL5 on B cells. CCL5 enhanced proliferation and IgM secretion in highly purified B cells triggered by suboptimal doses of LPS. In addition, neutralization of endogenous CCL5 inhibited B cell proliferation and IgM secretion during stimulation of highly purified B cells, indicating that B cell production of CCL5 has important autocrine effects. These findings demonstrate direct effects of CCL5 on B cells, with significant implications for the development of mucosal adjuvants, and further suggest that CCL5 may be important as a general B cell coactivator.
The effects of mandatory employment arbitration systems on applicants' attraction to organizations

This study draws on organizational justice theory to investigate the effects of mandatory employment arbitration on organizational attraction. Specific attention is given to the characteristics of employment arbitration procedures that moderate the adverse effects these programs have on applicants' intentions to continue with the recruitment process. A total of 389 professional and executive MBA students read simulated employment brochures. Making employment arbitration mandatory was found to have a significant negative main effect on applicant attraction. This negative effect was mitigated when procedures afforded employees more due process considerations and when employees were given a just-cause protection in return for giving up their right to sue. Finally, this negative effect was greater among minorities than nonminorities. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sequential blanking effects for two interleaved words

The present study, employing a computer-based CRT display system, extended and verified earlier findings concerned with display parameters that attenuate “sequential blanking” effects. It also revealed two additional parameters, namely word length and word orientation, which markedly affect the probability of word detection in such a sequential blanking paradigm.
Airfoil boundary-layer development and transition with large leading-edge roughness

An experimentalstudy of the effects of largedistributed roughness located neartheleading edgeofan airfoilhas been performed to determine the effect on boundary-layer development and transition. Boundary-layer measure- ments werecarried out on a two-dimensional NACA0012 airfoil with a 53.34-cm chord through theuse of hot-wire anemometry at Reynolds numbers of 0 .75 £ 10 6 , 1.25 £ 10 6 , and 2.25 £ 10 6 . These measurements included mean anductuating velocity, turbulence intensity, ¯ ow® eld intermittency, and associated integral parameters. The roughness used was of the type and density observed to occur during the initial glaze ice accretion process. Results have shown that the transitional boundary layer induced by large distributed roughness is markedly different from the smooth model Tollmein± Schlicting induced transition process. No fully developed turbulent boundary layers were observed to occur near the roughness location. Instead, the large distributed roughness was observed to trigger a transitional boundary layer at or very near the roughness location. This transitional boundary layer required asubstantialchordwiseextentto obtaina fully developedturbulentstate.Streamwiseturbulenceintensity levels in the roughness induced transitional region were observed to berelatively low as compared with the smooth model transitional region.
Use of a Low-Cost CMOS Detector and Cross-Polarization Signal Isolation for Oxygen Sensing

A portable, low-cost optical oxygen sensor based on quenching of PtOEP emission is described. A CMOS image sensor was used as detector, while cross-polarization was used for signal isolation. At high oxygen concentrations, emission of PtOEP was quenched leading to changes in the red channel of the CMOS sensor, while the green and blue channels exhibited little signal change. Sensitivity of the integrated sensor was comparable to that of commercial sensors utilizing bulky and expensive external optical components. The wide dynamic range of the demonstrated approach will permit use in a large variety of point-of-care oxygen-sensing applications.
Ring Optimal Assignment of Slot Reservations for Cyclic TDMA Protocols

We present an algorithm to assign time slots to nodes in a TDMA network that minimizes the jitter in time slot assignments. By reducing the jitter in time slots around the TDMA frame, we can provide more consistent network access and reduce the overall delay seen by an application with time-varying traffic patterns, such as normal web traffic. Our algorithm can reduce the average delay seen by all nodes in a network by up to 51%, based on our numerical analysis. The algorithm is designed for TDMA MAC layers where a node has the potential to reserve some number of time slots out of a larger selection of available slots, and one wishes to choose the slots that most evenly distribute them around the TDMA ring. The algorithm solves the Minimum Variance Placement problem for the special case of a directed ring. After describing an exact solution using dynamic programming, we present a much faster run time heuristic that closely approximates the exact solution.
Twin spacing and its correlation with critical current density in melt-textured YBCO with yttria nanoparticle addition

Twin boundaries have been proved to be effective flux pinning centers in YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ (YBCO). Increases in twin density yield higher values of critical current density. Twin spacings in melt-textured grown (MTG) YBCO with different amounts of yttria nanoparticles were investigated with a new x-ray method. Twin spacings from the x-ray method were compared with those from transmission electron microscopy to show applicability. From investigation, MTG-YBCO with 11.9 weight percent yttria and oxygenation temperature at 680/spl deg/C showed a colony size of 3.65 microns. This particular sample had a small twin spacing of 33 nm with a corresponding high value of critical current density (J/sub c/) of 1.2 /spl times/ 10/sup 4/ A/cm/sup 2/.
Strategic Planning/Outside Consultants: Power and Authority, Vertical Hierarchies, and the Informal Organization

This case presents a scenario that challenges a new dean’s understanding of the power and limits of vertical hierarchies and the crucial role of informal organizations. It also demonstrates the difference between authority and power. What is critical to keep in mind is that the formal rights are only a necessary but not sufficient basis for making decisions that can be implemented and that such rights are meaningless if you do not get the support of the informal organization. The case is complicated by the fact that the new dean has to act quickly, before he has had an opportunity to earn his authority.
619 PTEN Is a Therapeutic Target in Pulmonary Hypertension

tively 1162 385 dynes.s.cm-5 and 53 9 mmHg, 30 days survival was 37.5% (6/16), in this group, survivors compared to nonsurvivors were younger (45 11 vs 62 13 years, p 0.013), had higher preoperative MPAP (59 7mmHg vs 49 8mmHg, p 0.031), higher preoperative cardiac index (2.47 0.38 l/min/m vs 1.97 0.54 l/min/m, p 0.09) and lower post-operative TPR (538 192 dynes.s.cm-5 vs 942 441 dynes.s.cm-5, p 0.056). Conclusions: ECLS is relevant as a bridge to salvage HLT in patients presenting severe distal CTEPH with uneffective PEA. Factors affecting successfull outcomes in ECLS as bridge to recovery after PEA, were younger age of patients, highter preoperative cardiac index and lower post-operative pulmonary resistances.
Vertical line quench in low gravity - Flow patterns

This paper addresses the phenomenological aspects of line quench in a low gravity environment, a phenomenon essentially analogous to flow boiling. The specific phenomenon addressed in here is the evolution of the gas/liquid flow patterns arising when a cooling liquid is injected, at saturation conditions, into a hot tube. The main emphasis here is to delineate the effects of the gravitational acceleration level on these flow patterns. We present results from several low gravity experiments conducted on board the NASA KC-135 aircraft for the purpose of determining the exact flow patterns during the injection of liquid nitrogen into a small diameter, vertically mounted tube, initially at room temperature. The data presented in here is derived from a large number of visual recordings, obtained using high speed photography, of the quenching process inside the quartz tube. The flow visualization data revealed a new gas/liquid flow pattern that is believed to be unique to boiling in the low gravity environment.
Support for race-targeted affirmative action in Brazil

Brazil is undergoing a paradigm shift in its approach to racial inequality. Once eschewing race, legislators and other policy makers are now vigorously implementing racial quotas in public institutions of higher education. In this paper, we explore public opinion on racial quotas using the 2010 and 2012 AmericasBarometer. In 2010, a surprising majority of Brazilians strongly supported these policies. Afro-Brazilians and individuals with lower levels of education were more likely to express strong support compared to whites and those with higher levels of education. In 2012, a question format change that set up a zero-sum game scenario between afro-Brazilians and others resulted in a dramatic fall in that support. Interestingly, those 2012 results show that education, and not race, contours support. We discuss possible explanations for these particular patterns of public opinion on racial quotas in Brazil.
Understanding and Addressing Teen Dating Violence: Implications for Family Counselors

Teen dating violence is a significant public health and social justice issue. However, family counselors may lack training in the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe, competent services to clients impacted by teen dating violence and other forms of abuse. To address this need for family counselors to develop competence to work with clients impacted by teen dating violence, this article integrates current literature on the subject of teen dating violence to provide a set of eight counseling recommendations. To further support these recommendations, examples of stories and statements made by survivors of past teen dating violence relationships between the ages of 13 and 19 are provided.
A multifacet typology of patient satisfaction with a hospital stay.

The author views patient satisfaction after a hospital visit as a combination of several different and distinct evaluations. Patients are posited to form satisfaction judgments concurrently for each of the individual "objects" (e.g., physician, insurance provider) comprising the health care system. With patient data from four geographic areas, the author examines this multifacet view empirically and uses it to derive a typology of patient satisfaction. The study results suggest two broad groups of patients, the "satisfieds" and the "dissatisfieds." Finally, the author delineates the behavioral and demographic characteristics that discriminate between the two groups. Implications for health care researchers, practitioners, and public policy officials are presented.
Constructing symplectic invariants

Introduction 1. Euler class of weakly Fredholm V-bundles 1.1 Smooth stratified orbitspaces 1.2 Weakly pseudocycles 1.3 Weakly Fredholm V-bundles 1.4 Construction of the Euler class 2. GW-invariants 2.1 Stable maps 2.2 Stratifying the space of stable maps 2.3 Topology of the space of stable maps 2.4 Compactness of moduli spaces 2.5 Constructing GW-invariants 2.6 Composition laws for GW-invariants 2.7 Rational GW-invariants for projective spaces 3. Some simple applications 3.1 Quantum cohomology 3.2 Examples of symplectic manifolds
In Fear of Revolution: Confronting the Communist Parties

On the face of things, Germany needed a good revolution in 1945. The National Socialist regime had reached far into German life with its claims on the loyalty of the citizenry. Any sensitive occupier would have not only welcomed, but downright promoted revolution — but a revolution only against Nazism. Such a revolution would have been purely reactive and negative; it would have had no clear, longer-range, constructive goals in mind. It definitely would not have meant a revolution in the sense that many on the left, both Social Democrats and Communists, would have wished. It would have been closer in its goals to those of the great conservative revolution, the American one of the eighteenth century, which sought to restore a perceived disrupted status quo, than to those of the Bolshevik revolution, which altered the concept of property and enlarged the role of the state in everyday life. To many important Allied leaders, this latter sort of revolution seemed just as disruptive and threatening to peace, stability and economic prosperity as the Nazi revolution had. Thus to complement their moves against reaction, throughout the occupation the Allies hindered the self-proclaimed party of radical democracy, the German Communists.
Predicting Couples’ Communication from Couples’ Self-Reports

(1983). Predicting Couples’ Communication from Couples’ Self-Reports. Annals of the International Communication Association: Vol. 7, Communication Yearbook 7, pp. 49-82.
Tina's Sneeze: Female Oppression in Multatuli's Max Havelaar

(1990). Tina's Sneeze: Female Oppression in Multatuli's Max Havelaar. Dutch Crossing: Vol. 14, No. 42, pp. 85-95.
Dielectric losses in swollen polycarbonate films

Interest in the dielectric behavior of polymers swollen in liquids has recently been intensified by commercial developments in the areas of capacitors and EHV cables. In such applications very low dielectric losses are required, and these often stem from uncontrolled amounts of unknown impurities in the system. In the work described here, we have attempted to examine the mechanisms and behavior of losses stemming from known amounts of swelling in a model system. We have chosen acetic acid as the swelling agent since it may act as a source of both ionic and dipolar losses. The polymer chosen for investigation was poly(dian carbonate), partly because of the interest in it for practical systems and partly because of the expected interaction via hydrogen bonding with acetic acid. The results reported here are to be considered preliminary as the investigation is still incomplete.
Quantitative Measurement of Cartilage Volume is Possible Using Two-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Data Sets

Summary Purpose 3D Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are generally used for quantitative cartilage measurements in knee osteoarthritis. However, a great deal of MRI data is from 2D scans, often thought to be unsuitable for quantitative cartilage assessment. The goal of our study was to demonstrate that mLACS, a modified version of the Local Area Cartilage Segmentation (LACS) method, could be used to measure cartilage volume on 2D MRI images. Methods We studied 301 randomly selected subjects from the OA Biomarkers Consortium FNIH Study, a nested case-control study within the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI). The study comprised four subgroups based on radiographic and pain progression. We compared mLACS applied to 2D TSE scans to LACS on 3D DESS data. The Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to establish agreement between LACS and mLACS, standardized response means (SRMs) for responsiveness, and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) to measure reader precision. Logistic regression in a case/control analysis was used to compare the clinical validity between the two methods. Results We found R2 = 0.76 for the correlation between LACS and mLACs. For LACS, the responsiveness was SRM = 0.49 compared to 0.39 for mLACS. The odds ratios (OR) for the primary case/control analyses were 1.62 for LACS and 1.78 for mLACS. The intra and inter reader reproducibility values for mLACS were ICC = 0.90 and 0.86, respectively. Conclusion This study has demonstrated that a reproducible, responsive, and clinically valid quantitative measurement of cartilage volume can be made using 2D TSE scans with a modest loss of responsiveness compared to 3D scans.