cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Budget Process

Budgeting is an ongoing exercise, consisting of a number of distinct phases. Each phase consists of a sequence of activities and each activity, in turn, takes place in a specific time period. The phases of the process from one fiscal year often overlap phases from other fiscal years. Most fiscal years are twelve months long, which is a reasonable length of time to execute the budget. However, there are a handful of state and local governments that deviate from this practice. When a budget is prepared for execution over a two-year period, as opposed to twelve months, it is called a biennial budget. Considering the budget size of some governments, state as well as local, the length of the session for a biennial budget may appear rather short to have a lengthy discussion on budgetary issues than an annual budget, but one can argue that it saves government money in additional costs of meeting every year. Given the cyclical nature of the budgetary activities, there is a mechanical undertone to the process, but budgeting is more than a mechanical exercise; it is also political in that it takes place in a political environment. This chapter looks at the budget process both from a cyclical process and also from a political process. Interestingly, the current process evolved over a period of time; as such, the chapter begins with a brief history of budget development, especially at the federal level. Although it focuses on the federal budget, its development has a significant effect on how budgeting is done at the subnational level.
Towards more digital cities? Change in technology use and perceptions across small and medium-sized US cities

There is continuous pressure on public managers to adopt information and communication technologies (ICTs) to transform the way cities work. E-government research provides insights on the instituti...
Designing the Right Global Supply Chain Network

This paper considers how research in operations management can support the development of strategies for the design and management of global supply chains. It includes a model-based statement of th...
Calreticulin is important for the development of renal fibrosis and dysfunction in diabetic nephropathy.

Abstract Previously, our lab showed that the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and calcium regulatory protein, calreticulin (CRT), is important for collagen transcription, secretion, and assembly into the extracellular matrix (ECM) and that ER CRT is critical for TGF-β stimulation of type I collagen transcription through stimulation of ER calcium release and NFAT activation. Diabetes is the leading cause of end stage renal disease. TGF-β is a key factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. However, the role of calreticulin (Calr) in fibrosis of diabetic nephropathy has not been investigated. In current work, we used both in vitro and in vivo approaches to assess the role of ER CRT in TGF-β and glucose stimulated ECM production by renal tubule cells and in diabetic mice. Knockdown of CALR by siRNA in a human proximal tubular cell line (HK−2) showed reduced induction of soluble collagen when stimulated by TGF-β or high glucose as compared to control cells, as well as a reduction in fibronectin and collagen IV transcript levels. CRT protein is increased in kidneys of mice made diabetic with streptozotocin and subjected to uninephrectomy to accelerate renal tubular injury as compared to controls. We used renal-targeted ultrasound delivery of Cre-recombinase plasmid to knockdown specifically CRT expression in the remaining kidney of uninephrectomized Calrfl/fl mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. This approach reduced CRT expression in the kidney, primarily in the tubular epithelium, by 30–55%, which persisted over the course of the studies. Renal function as measured by the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio was improved in the mice with knockdown of CRT as compared to diabetic mice injected with saline or subjected to ultrasound and injected with control GFP plasmid. PAS staining of kidneys and immunohistochemical analyses of collagen types I and IV show reduced glomerular and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Renal sections from diabetic mice with CRT knockdown showed reduced nuclear NFAT in renal tubules and treatment of diabetic mice with 11R-VIVIT, an NFAT inhibitor, reduced proteinuria and renal fibrosis. These studies identify ER CRT as an important regulator of TGF-β stimulated ECM production in the diabetic kidney, potentially through regulation of NFAT-dependent ECM transcription.
Predation intensity in a rocky intertidal community : Effect of an algal canopy, wave action and desiccation on predator feeding rates.

The predation intensity exerted by populations of the gastropod Thais lapillus at different study areas in the rocky intertidal community of New England is unrelated to predator density. Specifically, very similar intensities are exerted by populations differing in density by at least an order of magnitude. Predation intensity is, in part, a joint function of individual rates of prey consumption and various environmental characteristics. Major factors potentially affecting the individual feeding rates of Thais are (1) prey abundance and productivity, (2) other predators, (3) canopy-forming algae, (4) wave shock, (5) desiccation and (6) snail phenotype and/or history. The effects of the first two of these factors seem unimportant. The effects of the latter 4 on prey consumption rates were studied by estimating field feeding rates of snails held in cages with prey in microhabitats which were characterized by one of two alternative states of each factor. For example, microhabitats could be exposed or protected, at higher or lower levels in the mid intertidal, or under a canopy or not. In addition, exposed-phenotype or protected-phenotype snails were used in each experiment.All of factors (3) to (6) had statistically significant effects except wave shock. The latter would probably also have had a significant effect if the experiments had been performed in the stormier part of the year as well as late summer. The results indicate that sparse populations of Thais can exert intense predation pressure on their prey if they are in protected sites covered with a dense canopy (i.e. in cool, moist habitats in calm waters). Areas with sparser canopy (i.e. greater desiccation stress) and more severe wave shock or both apparently reduce average feeding rates of snails. This appears to explain the paradoxical lack of correlation between predation intensity and snail density.An unexpected result with potentially major implications is the nonlinear response of Thais feeding rates to combinations of factors (3) to (6). Four-way analyses of variance on experiments at exposed and protected sites indicate that 7 of 14 1st-order interactions, 2 of 8 2nd-order interactions, and even 1 of 2 3rd-order interactions are statistically significant. These results suggest that individual predators cannot be assumed to be identical, and that socalled "higher order" interactions cannot be safely ignored in models of interacting multi-species systems. Hence, it appears that to obtain a thorough understanding of the organization of natural communities, both field and theoretical ecologists alike should begin to grapple with such complexities of nature rather than ignore them.
Are trees forms? On formalism, material feminism, and historical literature

This essay draws on formalist cultural studies and material feminism to argue for a new approach in modernist studies, which I call formalist materialism, that reads ecological forms alongside aest...
Indonesia’s Islamic revolution: by Kevin W. Fogg, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2020, xi + 259 pp., £75.00 (hbk), ISBN 978-1-108-48787-0

The main argument in Indonesia’s Islamic Revolution is ‘that a distinct but significant sector of Indonesian society participated in the revolution Islamically, and [that] the revolution also impac...
Racial-Ethnic Disparities in Diabetes Technology Use Among Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes.

Background: Recent studies highlight racial–ethnic disparities in insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor (CGM) use in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D), but drivers of disparities remain poorl...
ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF THE NORTH AL-ZOUR PROJECT IN THE STATE OF KUWAIT (In Arabic)

The analysis of data North Zour in the field of energy project and pure during the study period 2016-2019 , and use a set of indicators to measure the commercial profitability of the project and current indicators and the impact of time on a profitability of the project and also efficiency ratios indicators of profitability and credit worthiness where the study found high commercial yield of the project and the rate of return On the investment of capital in the project during the study period, using the current indicators, it shows the high profitability of the dinar invested in the project despite the occurrence of risks in revenues, costs and time. And also, the high indicators of efficiency ratios and profitability ratios of the project, which confirms the merit of the project and its good technical, operational and administrative studies, in addition to the commercial and financial indicators. By using the indicators of the efficiency ratios of the project, the project achieved the rates that confirm its efficiency, whether in the turnover of total assets, the operating ratio, the profitability ratio of the project, or the fixed assets turnover rate. This confirms the productive activity of the project, achieving the economic return to the economy and contributing to it positively. Through this, it is clear that the Zour project from the economic point of view is a project that contributed to achieving the appropriate and rewarding return in economic conditions and in light of the occurrence of risks of revenues, prices, costs, value and others caused by the market or other economic decisions and contributed to a good addition to the national economy and revenue in the field of energy and water during studied the period 2016-2019. And that is through the use of various indicators and economic measures. The study recommends increasing investments in these projects with their success, and thus achieving a continuous increase in national income . Conclusively, the researcher recommends paying attention to projects that contribute to more energy and water saving, as they are investment projects and on the other hand, achieve more expansion in the available resources.
Cultural Norms and Race Discrimination Standards: A Case Study in How the Two Diverge

The legal standard for race discrimination - the intent standard - has been scrutinized and justified for decades, but that conversation has occurred almost entirely within the legal community. Relatively little effort has been made to engage the public. This Article posits that the discussion of discrimination standards must account for and include public understandings of race and discrimination because race is a socially constructed concept and discrimination is culturally contingent. Race discrimination standards based solely upon the legal community’s perceptions are susceptible to significant flaws. This Article begins the incorporation of public understandings of race and discrimination by examining the public’s reaction to a recent cartoon that, on its face, is racially neutral or ambiguous, but in light of surrounding cultural context and history is arguably racist. The cartoon generated a flurry of internet postings, reactions, and polls. This Article systematically studies those reactions and finds that the public tends to conceptualize race discrimination differently than the courts and, thus, calls into question the validity of current legal standards.
The use of financial ratio models to help investors predict and interpret significant corporate events

A firm in a steady state generates predictable income and investors can generally agree on its valuation. However, when a significant corporate event occurs this creates greater uncertainty and disagreement about firm valuation, and investors could prefer to avoid holding such a stock. We examine research that has developed financial ratio models to: (a) predict significant corporate events; and (b) predict future performance after significant corporate events. The events we analyze include financial distress and bankruptcy, downsizing, raising equity capital, and material earnings misstatements. We find that financial ratio models generally help investors avoid stocks that are likely to have significant corporate events. We also find that, conditional on a significant event occurring, financial ratio models help investors distinguish good firms from bad. However, we find that research design choices often make it difficult to determine model predictive accuracy. We discuss the role of accounting rule cha...
Smartphone-enabled snapshot multispectral autofluorescence imaging and its application for bacteria assessments in skin and oral cavity

Abstract We propose a smartphone-enabled system and method to realize multispectral autofluorescence imaging for analyzing bacterial infection within skin and oral cavity. The system consists of an unmodified and intact commercial smartphone and a home-made cell phone case with built-in black light LEDs. We use Wiener estimation method to calibrate the RGB-mode smartphone camera and transform the acquired autofluorescence photographs into pseudo-multispectral data cubes with 15 wavebands ranging from 420 nm to 700 nm. Then, we extract and compare the spectral performance of emissions from bacteria-produced porphyrins and endogenous background tissue. Based on the extracted autofluorescence spectra, we apply weighted subtraction between wavebands of interest to realize bacteria targeting and feature mapping. We conduct analysis of autofluorescence on facial skin and dental plaques to demonstrate the performance of the proposed system and methods. Further, with this strategy, we realize quantitative analysis of the bacterial infection in the combination and oily types of skin. Compared to traditional bacteria assessment strategies, we provide a method with the features of real-time visualization, label-free molecular identification, and feature mapping. Meanwhile, differing from the most conventional multispectral imaging systems, the proposed smartphone-based system works in a snapshot mode, thus improving its immunity to motion artifacts. Considering the popularity of smartphones in today's world, it is expected a relatively easy acceptance of the proposed cost-effective method by the community, making an impact on skin and oral care in general and in rural areas with low resource settings in particular.
Hospital-Based Nursing Research: Clinical and Economic Outcomes.

We surveyed 181 nursing research leaders from Magnet® hospitals, using mixed methods with the online Hospital-Based Nursing Research Clinical and Economic Outcomes survey, to describe the clinical ...
Exploring data literacy via a librarian-faculty learning community: A case study

Abstract Faculty learning communities (FLCs) are year-long professional development opportunities available at many higher education institutions in the United States. While the literature reflects some librarian engagement with FLCs, it seems limited primarily to areas of traditional librarian expertise such as information literacy and outreach. This article describes a case study of a librarian-facilitated FLC focused on data literacy, which resulted in the development of a teaching toolkit, library-led data literacy instruction, and ongoing collaborations between librarians and faculty. The FLC structure proved to be a valuable framework that facilitated collaborative learning in topics relevant to both disciplinary faculty and librarians. In addition, the tangible work products produced by the FLC serve to advance the strategic, curricular goals of the university while giving the library an opportunity to showcase its value in the academic lifecycle.
Interest in Clinic-Based Financial Services among Low-Income Prenatal Patients and its Association with Health-Related Social Risk Factors.

BackgroundPoverty and financial stress affect prenatal health and well-being as well as early childhood development. This study sought to examine interest in clinic-based financial services to addr...
Quasi-static and dynamic behavior of additively manufactured lattice structures with hybrid topologies

Abstract When different unit cell topologies with distinct mechanical behavior (e.g. bending vs stretching dominated) are incorporated into a single hybrid lattice structure (LS), questions arise about the resolution of local stresses within the struts and how localized states of strain as a result govern the global response of the structure. To understand the mechanics of hybrid LS, this study uses a combination of experimental and modeling data to investigate the relationship between localized states of stress with the global behavior of hybrid additive manufactured lattice structures (AMLS) under different loading directions and strain rates. The hybrid AMLS in this study consist of two different unit cell topologies stacked in alternating rows, with loading directions identified with respect to this topology stacking. It is shown that the loading direction influences the mechanical behavior, as the flow stress of the hybrid AMLS is 7%–10% lower when loaded in the stacking direction than when loaded in the transverse direction. This flow stress decrease is due to a smaller number of structural elements supporting the loading and tensile failure of horizontally-manufactured struts in the stacking direction. The strain rate also influenced the mechanical behavior of the AMLS, as irrespective to the loading direction, for all hybrid AMLS, the first peak stress after static equilibrium is 5%–10% higher under dynamic loading compared to quasi-static loading. Additionally, it is shown that the collapse mechanisms are influenced by the order of the topology stacking. Structural shear band formation, which leads to up to a 60% drop in flow stress under dynamic loading of the hybrid AMLS, can be inhibited by separating adjacent rows of shear band-forming topologies with a row of unit cells of a topology which does not form shear bands. Ultimately, it was determined that the performance of these layered structures is limited by the weakest topology. Even under transverse loading, where the first peak stress approaches that of the stronger topology, the magnitude of the subsequent decrease in flow stress is generally more in line with that of the weaker topology.
THE INFLUENCE OF RELATIVE HUMIDITY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF TROPICAL CYCLONES

Traditionally, the development of tropical cyclones has been attributed to the coincidence of warm water, weak upper level divergence, and weak upper level wind shear. In this study, numerical simulations clearly demonstrate the importance of moisture on the intensification of these systems. Simulated tropical cyclones develop more quickly and become more intense when a moister initial sounding is used. Thus, attempts to explain the spatial and temporal distributions of tropical cyclones should include humidity in the list of variables to be examined.
Newman's conjecture in function fields

Abstract Text De Bruijn and Newman introduced a deformation of the completed Riemann zeta function ζ, and proved there is a real constant Λ which encodes the movement of the nontrivial zeros of ζ under the deformation. The Riemann hypothesis is equivalent to the assertion that Λ ≤ 0 . Newman, however, conjectured that Λ ≥ 0 , remarking, “the new conjecture is a quantitative version of the dictum that the Riemann hypothesis, if true, is only barely so”. Andrade, Chang and Miller extended the machinery developed by Newman and Polya to L-functions for function fields. In this setting we must consider a modified Newman's conjecture: sup f ∈ F ⁡ Λ f ≥ 0 , for F a family of L-functions. We extend their results by proving this modified Newman's conjecture for several families of L-functions. In contrast with previous work, we are able to exhibit specific L-functions for which Λ D = 0 , and thereby prove a stronger statement: max L ∈ F ⁡ Λ L = 0 . Using geometric techniques, we show a certain deformed L-function must have a double root, which implies Λ = 0 . For a different family, we construct particular elliptic curves with p + 1 points over F p . By the Weil conjectures, this has either the maximum or minimum possible number of points over F p 2 n . The fact that # E ( F p 2 n ) attains the bound tells us that the associated L-function satisfies Λ = 0 . Video For a video summary of this paper, please visit http://youtu.be/hM6-pjq7Gi0 .
Cleavage of human von Willebrand factor by platelet calcium-activated protease.

In human platelet lysates prepared by addition of nonionic detergent (Triton X-100) or by sonication, the multimer composition and electrophoretic mobility of platelet von Willebrand factor (vWF) were consistently modified under conditions that would favor activation of the endogenous calcium-activated, sulfhydryl-dependent neutral protease (CAP). By sodium dodecylsulfate-agarose gel electrophoresis, native platelet vWF contained some multimers that were larger than those characteristic of plasma vWF. Modified platelet vWF contained a multimer population equivalent to or smaller than that of plasma vWF plus an additional fast-migrating band. In crossed immunoelectrophoresis (CIE), modified platelet vWF was characterized by a more anodic distribution and the appearance of a distinct, cross- reactive, anodic component previously designated VIIIR:Ag fragment. In the presence of calcium, radiolabeled purified plasma vWF was also degraded by the protease in question, with a decrease in the apparent molecular weight of the reduced monomer from 230,000 to 205,000. The VIIR:Ag fragment isolated from the same degraded plasma vWF by preparative CIE was shown to be composed of an identical mol wt 205,000 subunit. Because cleavage of plasma or platelet vWF was inhibited by prior addition of leupeptin, EDTA, ethylene glycol bis (beta-aminoethyl ether)-N, N, N′, N′-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), or N-ethylmaleimide (agents known to inhibit platelet CAP) but was unaffected by numerous other protease inhibitors, including soybean trypsin inhibitor, benzamidine, hirudin, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, aprotonin, or epsilon-aminocaproic acid (none of which inhibits platelet CAP), we conclude that proteolysis of vWF observed in this study is a direct effect of CAP and is not mediated by way of secondary proteases.
Protein renewal in anti-peroxidase antibody forming cells. II. Combination of ultrastructural immuno-cytochemistry and autoradiography in "pulse-chase" experiments.

Abstract The rate of incorporation of 3 H-leucine was compared to protein (antibody) secretion using a method which combined quantitative ultrastructural autoradiography with immunocytochemistry in plasma cells isolated from rabbits hyperimmunized against peroxidase. Pulse-chase experiments indicated (1) that most proteins elaborated in the rough endoplasmic reticulum migrated into the Golgi apparatus after a lag of 20–30 min; (2) that some proteins did not migrate into the Golgi apparatus, or did migrate at a quite different time. Comparison between autoradiographic and cytochemical labelling (1) demonstrated that in a given cisterna the incorporation of aminoacids was independent of the presence of previously formed antibody, e.g. did occur whether antibody was present or not; (2) indicated that this independence was probably related to storage of proteins; (3) suggested that there was a flow of rough membranes with their protein content within the rough ER itself; (4) added some evidence to the clasmatosis (apocrine) model of antibody secretion. No distinction was possible between the autoradiographic labelling associated with antibody and that associated with other proteins.
Stable real cohomology of arithmetic groups

Given a discrete subgroup Γ of a connected real semisimple Lie group G with finite center there is a natural homomorphism $$j_\Gamma ^q:I_G^q \to {H^q}\left( {\Gamma ;c} \right)\quad \left( {q = 0,1, \ldots } \right),$$ (1) where I G q denotes the space of G-invariant harmonic q-forms on the symmetric space quotient X=G/K of G by a maximal compact subgroup K. If Γ is cocompact, this homomorphism is injective in all dimensions and the main objective of Matsushima in [19] is to give a range m(G), independent of Γ, in which j Γ q is also surjective. The main argument there is to show that if a certain quadratic form depending on q is positive non-degenerate, then any Γ-invariant harmonic q-form is automatically G-invariant. In [3], we proved similarly the existence of a range in which j Γ q is bijective when Γ is arithmetic, but not necessarily cocompact. There are three main steps to the proof: (i) The cohomology of Γ can be computed by using differential forms which satisfy a certain growth condition, “logarithmic growth,” at infinity; (ii) up to some range c(G), these forms are all square integrable; and (iii) use the fact, pointed out in [16] , that for q ≦ m(G), Matsushima’s arguments remain valid in the non-compact case for square integrable forms.
Characteristics of Optimal Clinical Case Formulations: The Linchpin Concept

Clinical assessment would ideally culminate in the construction of an empirically grounded, comprehensive case formulation that would: (a) organize all of the key facts of a case around one causal/...
Expression of nonmuscle myosin heavy and light chains in smooth muscle

We have compiled evidence that nonmuscle isoforms of both myosin heavy chain (NM MHC) and myosin regulatory light chain (NM LC20) are present in fully differentiated smooth muscles (SM). In swine carotid media sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis separated three MHC bands. The upper two bands were identified by immunoblotting as SM-specific isoforms. The lowest MHC band amounted to 14 +/- 2% of the total MHC and was electrophoretically and antigenically similar to platelet MHC. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of swine carotid media extracts resolved multiple LC20 species, including phosphorylated and "satellite" forms. Mass spectrometric analysis of tryptic peptides from blots of these gels demonstrated two LC20 isoforms. The measured peptide masses correspond with two published cDNA sequences proposed to represent SM and NM LC20 isoforms. These sequences readily explain the electrophoretic behavior of the isoforms. The minor isoform's abundance (16 +/- 3%, corresponding to NM MHC), antigenic properties, and pattern of expression in tissue culture all confirm that this is a NM LC20 isoform. The localization and functional significance of NM myosin in smooth muscle is unknown.
Nonreciprocal Trade Agreements and Trade: Does the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Increase Trade?

The recent proliferation of preferential trade agreements, reaching almost 400 in number, has made it increasingly important to determine their effects on trade flows. This study advances our understanding of the effect of a particular type of trade agreement, a nonreciprocal agreement between a major economic power and less developed countries often used as a foreign policy/foreign aid tool by the major power and allowable under WTO Special and Differential Treatment. The study tests the effect of a recently implemented nonreciprocal agreement between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa, the 2000 African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), on trade. A traditional gravity model is employed to test whether AGOA opens market access in the United States for eligible countries’ exports. The results of this study suggest that AGOA membership and eligibility for AGOA textile benefits have no significant effect on trade, an explicit goal of this agreement. Uncertainty about the expiration of preferences, eroding preferential margins, and the inability of African producers to adequately exploit preferences are explanations for these results.
Blood, Sweat, and Tears: Exercise in the Management of Mental and Physical Health Problems

The review by Stathopoulou, Powers, Berry, Smits, and Otto (2006) provides important evidence that exercise interventions have beneficial effects on depression, and perhaps other psychological disorders. Exercise is also useful in the management of a wide variety of medical disorders that often co-occur with depression and related emotional conditions. Hence, exercise may be particularly useful in managing such emotional–physical comorbidities. Their review also raises important issues for future research, practice, and policy, such as the value of exercise in preventing both emotional and physical disorders, common mechanisms underlying the emotional and physical benefits of exercise, and the range of strategies that might be useful for exercise promotion in the service of optimizing interrelated aspects of emotional and physical health.
Racial and Geographic Variations in Colectomy Rates Among Hospitalized Ulcerative Colitis Patients

Background & Aims Ulcerative colitis is a debilitating disease for which colectomy is curative. Racial disparities have been described for a wide spectrum of surgical procedures. The goal of this study was to characterize racial and geographic differences in colectomy rates among hospitalized ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. Methods We analyzed discharge records from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, the largest representative sample of acute care hospitals throughout the United States. A total of 23,389 discharges with UC from 1998–2003 were included for analysis. Colectomy rates, in-hospital mortality, and length of stay were calculated for non-Hispanic whites, African Americans, and Hispanics. Results After adjustment for age, gender, health insurance, comorbidity, and hospital characteristics, the colectomy rate ratios for African Americans and Hispanics compared with whites were 0.46 (95% confidence interval, 0.35–0.60) and 0.74 (95% confidence interval, 0.59–0.93), respectively. African Americans experienced a longer interval between admission and colectomy than whites (8.8 vs 5.6 days, P = .02). There were also significant geographic variations in colectomy, with the West and Midwest regions yielding rates 3-fold higher than the Northeast. Although adjusted in-hospital mortality did not differ by race, Medicaid patients had 3.3-fold higher mortality than those with private insurance. Between 1998 and 2003, the colectomy rate decreased among whites but not African Americans and Hispanics. A temporal narrowing of geographic variation in colectomy was also observed. Conclusions The rate of colectomy among hospitalized UC patients varies significantly by race and geographic location. Further studies are needed to elucidate the social and biologic underpinnings of these variations.
Portability issues in teleprogramming: a case study

The ATOP Laboratory at JPL is equipped with a two Universal Motor Controllers (UMCs) for real time control calculations. A high degree of software complexity is not practical for implementation on the UMCs due both to memory and speed limitations as well as minimal high level language support. An analysis of the minimum level of functionality required at the remote site of a teleprogramming system was performed. This minimum set of functionality was then implemented using the UMCs for real-time control calculations and a UNIX based computer communicating via a serial I/O line. The combination of the UMCs, the robotic manipulator, and the UNIX machine form the remote site of the teleprogramming system. Because the serial I/O line cannot provide real time communication, the architecture was designed to be insensitive to unpredictable serial I/O transfer times. A demonstration teleprogramming experiment performed in the ATOP Laboratory at JPL is presented. This paper is intended as an aid to researchers wishing to reproduce laboratory results or perform research in teleprogramming and supervisory control.
Surgical resection of ventricular cardiac fibromas: early and late results

Abstract Background Cardiac fibromas are rare tumors. Indications for and preferred type of operation are controversial, and little is known about early and late results of operation. Methods We retrospectively reviewed records of 18 patients who underwent resection of ventricular cardiac fibromas from 1964 to October 2002. Follow-up was obtained from current medical records and recent telephone and written correspondence. Results Seventeen patients had complete resection and 1 had subtotal resection of one or more fibromas. Tumors were located in the left ventricle (n = 12), septum (n = 4), or right ventricle (n = 2). A 2-month-old infant died intraoperatively. None of the surviving 17 patients had complete heart block. Follow-up lasted up to 33.7 years for a total of 172.1 patient-years. There were no late deaths. Fourteen patients were asymptomatic, 1 was in New York Heart Association functional class II, and 2 were in class III. There was no recurrence of tumor after complete resection and no change in size of residual tumor in the 1 patient who underwent subtotal resection. Conclusions Although cardiac transplantation has been suggested by some as a preferable operation, most ventricular fibromas, even though extensive, can be completely resected with excellent early and late results. For patients with tumors extending into critical locations, subtotal excision can also give excellent late survival.
Trigeminal sensory fiber stimulation induces morphological changes reflecting secretion in rat dura mater mast cells.

Abstract Mast cells are involved in allergic reactions, but may also participate in neurogenic inflammation. The morphology of mast cells in rat dura mater and tongue was evaluated by histochemistry, as well as by scanning and transmission electron microscopy following unilateral trigeminal ganglion stimulation (5 min, S Hz, 5 ms, and 0.02, 0. l or l .0 mA). Mast cells in dura and tongue of normal animals were numerous, perivascular and often in close proximity to nerve fibers. After 5 min of electrical stimulation, mast cells contralateral to the stimulation showed histochemical characteristics of normal peripheral tissue mast cells (Safranin-positive), and by electron microscopy appeared homogeneous with numerous intact electron-dense granules. On the stimulated side, however, the staining characteristics of mast cells showed changes indicating progressive intracellular loss of their granular content. In addition, the total number of stainable mast cells decreased at all three stimulus intensities, but reached significance only at 0.1 and 0.02mA. Ultrastructural evidence of granule changes consistent with secretion were observed although degranulation was not observed until 20 min after stimulation. There were no mast cell changes after electrical trigeminal stimulation in adult rats treated as neonates with capsaicin to destroy small caliber sensory afferent axons. These results suggest that mast cells may secrete in response to electrical stimulation of trigeminal axons, possibly mediated by antidromic release of neuropeptides, and may participate in the development of neurogenic inflammation.
Imidates in organic synthesis: Methyl N-cyanomethylmethanimidate

Abstract Synthesis, preliminary properties and reactions of the reagent Methyl N-cyanomethyl-methanimidate are reported.
A Windage Power Loss Model for Spur Gear Pairs

This article proposes a simplified fluid mechanics–based model to predict the windage power loss of a spur gear pair operating under jet lubrication conditions. In this model, the total windage power loss is defined as the sum of (a) the losses associated with the interactions of individual gears with the air or air–oil mixture and (b) the losses due to pocketing/squeezing of the same medium at the gear mesh interface. The first group of losses is modeled through a formulation for air drag forces induced on each rotating gear body along its faces and periphery (circumference). The pocketing power loss is modeled analytically through a compressible fluid flow formulation. The windage power loss model predictions are compared to published gear pair windage experiments and empirical formulae to assess their accuracy. Results of a parametric study are also presented to quantify the impact of key system parameters as well as individual contributions of each component to the total windage power loss.
Teaching patients how to effectively solve medication-related problems in an acute inpatient psychiatric setting

Patients with psychiatric disorders have high rates of medication nonadherence. Though there are many factors that contribute to medication nonadherence, lack of patient understanding about how to manage medication-related problems when they occur is associated with medication discontinuation. This article describes the importance of teaching patients to solve medication-related problems and discusses the scientific evaluation of such a practice.
The theory of geometric stable distributions and its use in modeling financial data

Abstract It is commonly accepted that stable distributions do provide useful models for asset returns. To accomodate the possibility of market crashes, we preserve the stability of stock price changes up to a random time T , geometrically distributed. T is viewed as a moment of extreme change of the fundamentals of a financial asset. This leads to the class of geometric stable laws, partially studied by Mittnik and Rachev. Using the Yen exchange rates data, we empirically compare several distributions and find that the geometric stable distributions dominate all other models considered, including stable laws.
The use of robotics in pediatric surgery: my initial experience

Robotic assisted minimal invasive surgery (RMIS) is a new resource popular in some surgical specialties but not yet in pediatric surgery. There are numerous advantages of robotic surgical technology in adult patients well documented in the literature. The purpose of this study is to define the feasibility, safety, and benefits of RMIS in pediatric patients in my initial learning experience. In a period of 24 months, all consecutive abdominal RMIS were reviewed. Chart revision was conducted retrospectively. Demographic data were collected in each patient. Other data reviewed were indications for surgery, surgical procedures, complication rate, and conversion rate to open procedure. Four arms robotic equipment was used in all cases with 3 (5 mm) reusable robotic ports and a single (12 mm) disposable port. A total of 102 consecutive abdominal RMIS were performed in 77 pediatric patients. All cases were performed by the same pediatric surgeon in a teaching institution. The average patient age was 6.2 years (ranged from 4 months to 18 years) with 16 patients <1 year of age. The smallest patient was 4 kg. No cases required conversion to open technique. However, one case was converted to laparoscopy because of mesenteric bleeding. There were five intraoperative complications in three patients: minor bleeding (2), suture orogastric tube (1), and gastric opening (2) with repair. Postoperative complications were noted in four patients: mild dysphagia (2) and Nissen wrap breakdown (2). Although the use of RMIS in pediatric patients is still controversial, it is feasible and safe to perform robotic surgery in children with a low complication rate. In addition, excellent visualization with outstanding maneuverability of instruments is of great benefit. These benefits may offset the increased cost of robotic technology especially in technically complex surgical cases.
Western and dot immunoblotting analysis of viral antigens and antibodies: Application to murine hepatitis virus

Viral proteins were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and transferred quantitatively to nitrocellulose by electroblotting in SDS-containing buffer. Monoclonal antibodies directed against previously defined epitopes on the viral proteins were used as probes to detect viral protein synthesis and processing, as well as expression in animal tissues. Circulating polyclonal antibodies were also probed and characterized for their polypeptide specificities. Under appropriate conditions, this Western immunoblotting technique was quantitative. Finally, a highly sensitive dot immunoblotting assay was used to analyze the sensitivity to denaturation of various epitopes on the viral proteins. This assay detected picogram quantities of viral antigens and antibodies.
Morphological and transmitter release properties are changed when sympathetic neurons are cultured in low Ca2+ culture medium

Abstract The stimulated elevation of [Ca2+]i can either promote neuronal survival or lead to Ca2+-mediated neurotoxicity. Similarly, growth cone mobility and neurite outgrowth may be promoted or arrested by elevated [Ca2+]i. We examined survival, development and transmitter release properties of chick sympathetic neurons maintained in culture medium containing varying concentrations of Ca2+. Neurons maintained in medium with no added Ca2+ or as low as 0.1 mM external Ca2+ show a dramatic change in growth and development compared to neurons kept in 1–2 mM Ca2+-containing medium. Furthermore, neurons in Ca2+-free medium (+ 100 μM EGTA) survived up to 24 h and, following change to 0.1 mM Ca2+, grew neurites and survived for several weeks. Neurons grown in high Ca2+ medium (0.6–2 mM) exhibited thick neurites, aggregated cell bodies, and neurites began to detach after six to eight days in culture. Neurons in low Ca2+ medium (no added Ca2+ to 0.3 mM) grew as single cells with extensive, thin branching neurites, remained firmly attached to the substrate and survived for several weeks. Neurons initially plated in 0.1 mM Ca2+ (or 2 mM Ca2+) medium and switched over to 2 mM (or 0.1 mM) Ca2+ medium after two days acquired the characteristic morphology of high (and low) Ca2+ medium over the next six days, demonstrating the plasticity of effects of external Ca2+. The above characteristic changes in growth of sympathetic neurons in low Ca2+ medium occurred when neurons were supported by 35 mM KCl or 30 nM phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate instead of nerve growth factor. The uptake and retention of tritiated norepinephrine in neurons grown in low or high Ca2+ medium were similar. However, basal release of [3H]norepinephrine in neurons maintained in low Ca2+ medium was one-third of that in neurons kept in high Ca2+ medium. Futhermore, electrically stimulated (10 pulses at 1 or 10 Hz) [3H]norepinephrine release from neurons grown in high Ca2+ had a high fractional release (> 1%) which did not change during six days in culture. On the other hand, fractional release in neurons grown in low Ca2+ medium for six to 10 days decreased about 50% and 75%, respectively, compared to release after two days in culture. The resulting low fractional release ( Besides the practical advantage of availability of neurons grown in low Ca2+ medium to study transmitter release and morphological characteristics over extended periods of time, our study shows that some transmitter release properties of these neurons reseble those of neuros growing in mature sympathetic neuroeffector organs. It is reasonable to propose that extracellular Ca2+ may have important consequences in the development and expression of transmitter release function.
Energetic Fuels for Combustion Applications

New fuels with high-energy-density are desirable for many combustion applications. Two types are reviewed in this paper, namely, mixtures resulting from addition of certain metallic or nonmetallic elements to conventional hydrocarbon fuels, and newly synthesized hydrocarbon fuels with strained molecular conformations or more densely packed molecular structures. Despite the favorable effects of high-energy content, these materials often exhibit low reactivity and their ability to improve the performance of practical combustion systems relies strongly on their interaction with the dynamics of the surrounding fluid flow. The intensity of the combustion processes of these materials is dictated, in general, by the melting, evaporation, pyrolysis, mixing, and exothermic reactions processes. Unlike other conventional hydrocarbon fuels, all these processes time scales are often comparable with each other, causing difficulties to devise simpler theoretical models to predict the combustion characteristics. Both the advances made in recent years and the needs for future research and development in the field of energetic fuels are discussed.
Life insurance companies as investment managers: New implications for consumers

Abstract This paper examines the attractiveness of the equity portfolios of life insurance companies as an alternative investment to mutual funds. In particular, this study analyzes the risk-adjusted investment performance of the stock portfolios of life insurance companies, attributable to their stock selection and market timing abilities. Using conventional measures of risk-adjusted portfolio performance, we find that life insurance companies exhibit performance similar to mutual funds. The evidence suggests that the life insurance companies, like their mutual fund counterparts, fail to exhibit differential stock selection or market timing abilities that are statistically significant. While the risk-adjusted investment performance of the two investment vehicles is similar, the variable annuity contracts of life insurance companies may offer an edge over mutual funds due to their ability to defer taxes.
Raman scattering in glasses at high temperature: the Boson peak and structural relaxation kinetics in glasses

Abstract Inelastic light scattering as a function of temperature was carried out on various halide glasses. In their low frequency Raman spectra, all glasses show a broad feature around 50 cm−1, the so-called Boson peak. This Boson peak is associated with the existence of an intermediate range order in the glass. The Boson peak is due to an increase in the vibrational density of state, over the Debye value, caused by localized excitations. The low frequency Raman scattering containing this dominant spectral line (Boson peak) is interpreted in its relation to the amplitude and extent of the density fluctuations in glasses. The glasses considered in this study are fragile glass formers and the measurements extend from room temperature to the glass transition region. The spectral form of the Boson peak is the same for different glasses and no strong dependence on their respective chemical compositions is observed. The degree and range of disorder in the glasses is obtained in a quantitative sense from the behavior of the Boson peaks with temperature and compared to Rayleigh-Brillouin scattering data on the same glasses.
Blood and urine tyrosine levels in starved x-irradiated rats.

A stuy of tyrosine levels in the blood and urine of starved control and starved x-irradiated rats revealed alterations in protein metabolism due to a restricted food intake. The results suggest that protein catabolism is inhibited due to the radiation syndrome. There was no evidence to substantiate the occurrence of protein degradation by the methods used in this study. (auth)
Amine-functionalized task-specific ionic liquids: a mechanistic explanation for the dramatic increase in viscosity upon complexation with CO2 from molecular simulation.

The capture of CO2 from fossil fuel combustion, particularly in coal-fired power plants, represents a critical component of efforts aimed at stabilizing greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere. Alkanolamines have traditionally been used to this end; however, drawbacks such as volatility, degradation, and regeneration costs have been drivers for the development of new, superior technologies. Recently, several seminal studies with ionic liquids (ILs), both experimental and computational, have demonstrated their potential as CO2 capture agents. In traditional ILs, experimental studies with CO2 have revealed its unusually high physical solubility in these media. Complementary simulation studies have provided evidence that this is attributable to CO2 occupying void space within the liquid and favorably interacting with the anion. Recently, a series of second-generation task-specific ionic liquids (TSILs) containing amine functional groups have been synthesized and demonstrated to have much higher capacities fo...