cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Models and algorithms for a real-time hybrid image enhancement methodology

The paper presents models and algorithms for a hybrid method of image enhancement. The proposed framework involves processing of the digitized image to transform the input signal from image sensors such that the digitization of the transformed analog signal yields the enhanced image. First, an analytical framework which yields robust algorithms for image enhancement (following our approach) is established. Unlike many conventional methods, the approach allows the user to specify certain statistical measures for desired gray values in the enhanced image. An appealing feature of the proposed method is its ease of implementation using off-the-shelf hardware such as Analog-to-Digital Converters. To support our models and analyses, we perform character recognition on a set of industrial parts.
The Canada-U.S. Border After September 11th: The Politics of Risk Constructed

Many significant changes have occurred in North American security and border management since September 11, 2001. There has been much speculation about how Canada-U.S. relations will change, as well as the broader issue of what this means for North American regionalism economic integration and transnationalism. This chapter suggests that if we are to find the answers to these questions, we need to appreciate the context in which security, border management and transnational cooperation has evolved in North America in recent times. We also need to appreciate that the final outcome will not be solely the result of U.S. decisionmaking, but will involve negotiating consensus and cooperation with its neighbors in order to manage the risks posed by closed or open borders. The way in which security risk is constructued, politicized and publicly discussed in instrumental in maintaining the border and in setting the tone for border management. So also are issues such as technological application, identity politics and historical nationalisms, institutional capacity for transnationalism.
Nitrate leaching in an Atlantic Coastal Plain soil amended with poultry manure or urea-ammonium nitrate: Influence of thiosulfate

Nitrate leaching, which can lead to groundwater contamination, is a common occurrence, especially in sandy, well drained soils. Nitrogen from poultry manure (PM) and ammonium fertilizers has been shown to undergo rapid nitrification upon addition to soils, making it highly susceptible to nitrate leaching. Any management technique that could delay nitrification and thereby reduce nitrate leaching would be desirable. Ammonium thiosulfate has been shown to be an effective nitrification inhibitor in laboratory studies and may be useful in reducing nitrate leaching.
Useful benchmarks to evaluate outcomes after esophagectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy

Abstract Background Multiple publications have suggested that outcomes after complex operations are better at high-volume centers. However, of all the potential “outcomes” to measure, only mortality has been studied extensively. The broadest difference in mortality between low- and high-volume centers has been measured after esophagectomy (EG) and pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). If a low-volume center recorded high mortality, then a broader set of outcomes beyond mortality would be useful for self-assessment. Methods Two single-surgeon prospective databases for outcomes of EG and PD were reviewed in a multispecialty clinic within a tertiary-referral, resident-training hospital. Between January 1996 and December 2002, 174 consecutive patients underwent EG performed by 1 surgeon (25 cases/y), and 232 consecutive patients underwent PD performed by another surgeon (34 cases/y). We measured hospital and 30-day mortality rate, mean operation time (OR time), mean estimated intraoperative blood loss (EBL), mean length of stay (LOS), and the anastomotic leak rate. These outcomes were compared with those of recently published cases for EG and PD. Results Mortality for both operations was zero. After EG, OR time was 394 minutes (literature = 336), EBL was 204 mL (literature = 964), transfusion rate was 3.5% (literature = 34%), LOS was 11.1 days (literature = 16.6), leak was 2.9% (literature = 9.1%), and reoperation was 1.7% (literature = not stated). After PD, OR time was 450 minutes (literature = 431), EBL was 382 mL (literature = 1,183), transfusion rate was 7.3% (literature = not stated), LOS was 11.2 days (literature = 17.8), leak was 6.5% (literature = 9.9%), and reoperation was 0.4% (literature = 3.8%). Conclusions These 2 single-surgeon series provide benchmarks to help better define acceptable outcomes after EG and PD. This assessment demonstrated lower mortality and LOS in a high-volume surgical practice. These outcomes are not associated with OR time but with lower EBL, less need for transfusion, and lower need for reoperation. Anastomotic leaks occurred in both series; however, this was not associated with mortality because of early recognition and the use of nonsurgical minimally invasive techniques. If mortality is high at a low-volume center, then the additional benchmarks of this study, in addition to mortality and LOS, could be used to lower mortality through self-assessment by identifying specific outcomes that need improvement.
Monoclinic and triclinic phases in higher-order Devonshire theory

Devonshire theory provides a successful phenomenological description of many cubic perovskite ferroelectrics such as ${\mathrm{BaTiO}}_{3}$ via a sixth-order expansion of the free energy in the polar order parameter. However, the recent discovery of a novel monoclinic ferroelectric phase in the PZT system by Noheda et al. [Appl. Phys. Lett. 74, 2059 (1999)] poses a challenge to this theory. Here, we confirm that the sixth-order Devonshire theory cannot support a monoclinic phase, and consider extensions of the theory to higher orders. We show that an eighth-order theory allows for three kinds of equilibrium phases in which the polarization is confined not to a symmetry axis but to a symmetry plane. One of these phases provides a natural description of the newly observed monoclinic phase. Moreover, the theory makes testable predictions about the nature of the phase boundaries between monoclinic, tetragonal, and rhombohedral phases. A ferroelectric phase of the lowest (triclinic) symmetry type, in which the polarization is not constrained by symmetry, does not emerge until the Devonshire theory is carried to twelfth order. A topological analysis of the critical points of the free-energy surface facilitates the discussion of the phase transition sequences.
Preparation of porous alumina using CO2 laser firing of amorphous powder synthesized by chemical solution deposition

A new method of fabricating porous alumina using powder synthesis by chemical solution deposition followed by fast laser firing is proposed. Although there are many reports of alumina films synthesized using chemical solution deposition [1–6], heat treatment above 1000 ◦C is needed to crystallize the aluminum hydroxide gel, which is prepared by the hydrolysis of aluminum alkoxide precursor, to α-alumina [1]. Laser firing is an excellent method for rapid heat treatment at temperatures above 1000 ◦C. Fast laser firing of sol– gel coating films, such as alumina, silica, titania and SnO2:Sb, is now established [6–10], but the sintering of pressed sol–gel derived powder using laser firing has not yet been reported. A problem with the synthesis of a sol–gel derived monolithic body is breakage due to shrinkage of the gel body during the drying process, and due to weight loss with burnout of organic residues in the heating process. Here, to prepare a porous alumina disk without breakage, fast laser firing is applied to crystallize a pressed powder disk, which is a compact of amorphous alumina powder that has been preheattreated at a temperature that prevents weight loss. Fig. 1 shows the procedure for preparing porous alumina. Amorphous alumina powder is prepared by a modified sol–gel method using aluminum alkoxide as a starting material. For each mole of aluminum tri-secbutoxide, which is dissolved in ethyl acetate, 2 moles of acetic acid are added into ethanol and the two are mixed at around 80 ◦C to prepare a homogeneous precursor solution. Homogeneous gel powder is prepared by evaporating the solvent of ethyl acetate and ethanol at this temperature. Properties of the gel powder were determined using differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetry (TG/DTA 2000, MAC Science Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). Fig. 2 shows DTA and TG data for the gel powder. Two broad endothermic peaks are seen at 95 and 210 ◦C, and a single broad exothermic peak around 420 ◦C, associated with the weight loss in TG. With DTA, two further weak exothermic peaks are visible at 878 and 1156 ◦C, without weight loss. The endothermic peak at 95 ◦C is due to evaporation of ethyl acetate and ethanol solvent remained in the gel powder. The endothermic peak at 210 ◦C is due to dehydration. The exothermic peak with weight loss at 420 ◦C is the result of burnout of organic residues. Weight loss virtually ceases at around 500 ◦C. The two exothermic peaks without weight loss are due to phase transitions of alumina. The peak at 878 ◦C is tentatively identified as η-alumina to θ -alumina, and Figure 1 Procedure for preparing porous alumina.
Effects of Exercise Training on Sleep Apnea: A Meta-analysis

Background Several studies have shown a favorable effect of supervised exercise training on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This meta-analysis was conducted to analyze the data from these studies on the severity of OSA (primary outcome) in adults. Secondary outcomes of interest included body mass index (BMI), sleep efficiency, daytime sleepiness and cardiorespiratory fitness.
Iron-titanium oxides and olivine from 10020 and 10071.

A new mineral (approximately Fe0.5Mg0.5Ti2O5) related to the pseudobrookite series has been discovered in section 10071,28. Electron-probe analyses for this mineral, a coexisting ilmenite, and a chromian ulvospinel-ilmenite assemblage in section 10020,40 indicate crystallization under highly reducing conditions. Analytical and optical absorption studies of the olivine in 10020 show it to contain unusually high Cr (1400 parts per million) probably as Cr2+.
D2 but not D1 dopamine receptor stimulation augments brain signaling involving arachidonic acid in unanesthetized rats.

Rationale and objectives Signal transduction involving the activation of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) to release arachidonic acid (AA) from membrane phospholipids, when coupled to dopamine D1- and D2-type receptors, can be imaged in rats having a chronic unilateral lesion of the substantia nigra. It is not known, however, if the signaling responses occur in the absence of a lesion. To determine this, we used our in vivo fatty acid method to measure signaling in response to D1 and D2 receptor agonists given acutely to unanesthetized rats.
Reactions of HSCH2 Radical with O2, NO, and NO2: Ab Initio Calculations of Enthalpies of Reaction

For reactions of the HSCH2 radical with atmospheric gases O2, NO, and NO2, we describe the thermochemistry by HF, MP2, and density functional computational methods, by Petersson's complete basis set extrapolation (CBS-4 and CBS-Q), and, in part, by Pople's G2MP2 model chemistry method. We offer recommendations of values of heats of formation for the participants in these reactions, which differ in some cases from the estimates based on the group additivity principle. The least expensive post-Hartree−Fock methods provide a coherent account of the thermochemistry, but are not superior to group additivity estimation.
Suggested Units for Conductivity

IN the hybrid system of units most frequently used for electrical conductivity σ the units are ohm−1 cm−1. Often the atrocity mho/cm is used and neither form is particularly convenient if it is necessary to specify the units several times in a short space.
Modeling of picosecond pulse propagation in microstrip interconnections of integrated circuits

Theoretical time-domain analyses of the dispersion and loss of square-wave and exponential pulses on microstrip transmission line interconnections on silicon integrated-circuit substrates, performed using the quasi-TEM approximation, are discussed. Geometric dispersion and conductor line width, as well as losses from conductor resistance, conductor skin effect, and substrate conductance, are considered over the frequency range from 100 MHz to 100 GHz. Results show the enormous significance of the substrate losses and demonstrate the need for substrate resistivities >10 Omega -cm for high-performance circuits. The results also show the effects of geometric dispersion for frequencies above 10 GHz, the unimportance of conductor skin-effect losses for frequencies up to 100 GHz, and the transition from a high-frequency regime where losses do not affect phase velocity to a low-frequency regime where the ratio of he conductor and substrate loss coefficients determines phase velocity. >
Does orbital proprioception contribute to gaze stability during translation

Translational motion induces retinal image slip which varies with object distance. The brain must know binocular eye position in real time in order to scale eye movements so as to minimize retinal slip. Two potential sources of eye position information are orbital proprioception and an internal representation of eye position derived from central ocular motor signals. To examine the role of orbital proprioceptive information, the position of the left eye was perturbed by microstimulation of the left abducens nerve during translational motion to the right or left along the interaural axis in two rhesus macaques. Microstimulation rotated the eye laterally, activating eye muscle proprioceptors, while keeping central motor commands undisturbed. We found that microstimulation-induced eye position changes did not affect the translational VOR in the abductive (lateral rectus) direction, but it did influence the responses in the adductive (medial rectus) direction. Our findings demonstrate that proprioceptive inputs appear to be involved in the TVOR responses at least during ipsilateral head movements and proprioceptive influences on the TVOR may involve vergence-related signals to the oculomotor nucleus. However, internal representation of eye position, derived from central ocular motor signals, likely plays the dominant role in providing eye position information for scaling eye movements during translational motion, particularly in the abducent direction.
A Naturally Occurring Splice Variant of CXCL12/Stromal Cell-Derived Factor 1 Is a Potent Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Inhibitor with Weak Chemotaxis and Cell Survival Activities

CXCL12/stromal cell-derived factor 1 is a member of the CXC family of chemokines that plays an important role in hematopoiesis and signals through CXCR4 and CXCR7. Two splice variants of human CXCL12 (CXCL12alpha and CXCL12beta) induce chemotaxis of CXCR4(+) cells and inhibit X4 infection. Recent studies described four other novel splice variants of human CXCL12; however, their antiviral activities were not investigated. We constructed and expressed all of the CXCL12 splice variants in Escherichia coli. Recombinant proteins were purified through a His affinity column, and their biological properties were analyzed. All six CXCL12 variants induced chemotaxis of CXCR4(+) and CXCR7(+) cell lines. Enhancement of survival and replating capacity of human hematopoietic progenitor cells were observed with CXCL12alpha, CXCL12beta, and CXCL12epsilon but not with the other variants. CXCL12gamma showed the greatest antiviral activity in X4 inhibition assays and the weakest chemotaxis activity through CXCR4. The order of potency in X4 inhibition assays was as follows: CXCL12gamma > CXCL12beta > CXCL12alpha > CXCL12theta > CXCL12epsilon > CXCL12delta. The order of anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) activity was associated with the number of BBXB motifs present in each variant; the most potent inhibitor was CXCL12gamma, with five BBXB domains. The results suggest that the different C termini of CXCL12 variants may contain important molecular determinants for the observed differences in antiviral effects and other biological functions. These studies implicate CXCL12gamma as a potent HIV-1 entry inhibitor with significantly reduced chemotaxis activity and small or absent effects on progenitor cell survival or replating capacity, providing important insight into the structure-function relationships of CXCL12.
Use of biotechnology in mining and metallurgy

Biotechnology continued to gain importance in the mineral industry during the past four years. This upsurge of interest is especially expressed in the areas of biodesulfurization of coal, recovery of precious metals from pyrite- and arsenopyrite- containing minerals, biosorption processes and biogenetic engineering.
The Nuclear Transport Factor Karyopherin β Binds Stoichiometrically to Ran-GTP and Inhibits the Ran GTPase Activating Protein (∗)

The heterodimeric karyopherin functions in targeting a nuclear localization sequence (NLS)-containing protein to the nuclear pore complex followed by Ran-GTP and p10-mediated translocation of the NLS protein into the nucleoplasm. It was shown recently that Ran-GTP dissociated the karyopherin heterodimer and, in doing so, associated with karyopherin β (Rexach, M., and Blobel, G.(1995) Cell 83, 683-692). We show here, using all recombinant yeast proteins expressed in Escherichia coli, that karyopherin β binds to Ran-GTP and inhibits GTP hydrolysis stimulated by RanGAP (the Ran-specific GTPase activating protein). Inhibition of RanGAP-stimulated GTP hydrolysis by karyopherin β was dependent on karyopherin β concentration relative to Ran-GTP. Complete inhibition of RanGAP was observed at karyopherin β concentrations that were equimolar to Ran-GTP. In gel filtration experiments, we found Ran-GTP and karyopherin β to form a stoichiometric complex. Ran-GDP bound only weakly to karyopherin β. We propose that stoichiometric complex formation between karyopherin β and Ran-GTP renders Ran-GTP inaccessible to RanGAP.
Dynamic thermography of thermite chemical heat sources

Thermites are solid chemical heat sources that react exothermically by the following equa-tion: Metall + Metal2 Oxide -* Metall Oxide + Metal2 + Heat. This thermite reaction produces a high calorific output that can be used when a concentrated heat source is required. Dynamic evaluation of the thermal profiles generated during thermite reactions requires infrared thermography. The results of this analysis and the technique involved will be discussed.© (1984) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A model for steady state creep based on the motion of jogged screw dislocations

Abstract A theory of steady state creep is presented which is based on the diffusion controlled motion of jogged screw dislocations. Steady state creep is assumed to exist when the chemical force on the jogs is balanced by the force on the dislocation due to the applied stress. The resulting expression for the steady state creep rate is g3 g = 2π ρ s Dα( b α 0 ) 3 sinh ( σb 2 λ 2kT ) , where pg, is the mobile screw dislocation density, D the self-diffusion coefficient, α the number of atoms per unit cell, b the Burgers vector, α0 the lattice parameter, and λ is the average spacing between jogs. In order to compare this equation with experimental results, the stress dependence of ρs is determined for an Fe + 3.0% Si alloy. The following expression is obtained: ρg, = Aσ3. Using this result, the above expression for g3g can accurately predict the observed stress dependence and can give reasonable agreement with absolute creep rates. The predictions of this theory are compared with Garofalo's empirical expression for steady state creep.
End fixity effects on the buckling and post-buckling of delaminated composites

Abstract A study of the effects of end fixity (clamped-clamped vs simply-supported) on the buckling and post-buckling of delaminated composites is performed. The study includes the case of a delaminated composite beam-plate on an elastic foundation. First, the analytical solution for the post-buckling behavior of delaminated composites with simply-supported ends, derived via the perturbation technique, is presented. For high valves of the foundation modulus the end fixity has little effect on the instability point. For the low values the simply-supported case requires less load for instability. Similarly, the end fixity has little effect on the slope of the energy release rate vs applied load curves for high values of the foundation modulus. For the low valves the simply-supported case results in less steep curves, which suggests that the configuration can withstand more load beyond the critical point in the initial post-buckling stage before delamination growth takes place.
Theophostic Ministry: Preliminary Practitioner Survey

This exploratory survey investigated Theophostic Ministry, a recently developed inner healing prayer technique that has simultaneously garnered much anecdotal support and criticism. Specifically, the survey sought to assess who is using Theophostic Ministry, what disorders are being treated, and regular practitioners’ perceptions of this technique’s efficacy. The survey was administered during an advanced training seminar given by Ed Smith, the technique’s developer. Of the 148 participants 74% completed the survey (Respondent N = 111). Survey results suggested a wide variety of people are using Theophostic Ministry - from pastors to lay counselors to psychologists. Overall, the respondents believe this technique is very effective and have used the prayer ministry in treating a wide variety of disorders including some quite complex. Training level issues therefore emerged from this survey’sfindings. These issues are explored and recommendations made. The limitations of the survey are discussed.
Determination of In Situ Articular Cartilage Pericellular Matrix Properties via Inverse BEM Analysis of Chondron Deformation

The pericellular matrix (PCM) of articular cartilage is the narrow tissue region surrounding all chondrocytes. Together, the chondrocyte and its surrounding PCM have been termed the chondron. In normal cartilage, the presence of type VI collagen is exclusive to the PCM, and the PCM is believed to play a critical role in regulating biomechanical cell-matrix interactions. Since the PCM is stiffer than the chondrocyte, it has been hypothesized to play a critical role in protecting the cell while, simultaneously, facilitating the transmission of mechanical signals to the cell. Previous studies that represent the cell, PCM and extracellular matrix (ECM) as linear biphasic materials have supported this hypothesized role for the PCM [1–4]. Previous in vitro micropipette studies of isolated chondrons [5–7] have shown that the PCM Young’s modulus ranges between 25–70kPa in middle and deep zone cartilage, separating it by an order of magnitude from both the chondrocyte stiffness (∼1kPa) and ECM stiffness (∼1MPa). In recent years, Choi et al. [8] measured changes in the three-dimensional morphology of the chondron, in situ within the ECM, under equilibrium unconfined compression of porcine cartilage explants subjected to 10–50% compressive strain (Fig. 1). Their study employed a novel 3D confocal microscopy technique, based on immunolabeling of type VI collagen, that yielded ellipsoidal approximations of undeformed and deformed chondron shapes in the superficial, middle and deep zones of the explant. In this study, an efficient computational model, based on the boundary element method (BEM), was developed and used to estimate cartilage PCM linear elastic properties based on the data reported in Choi et al. [8] for the case of middle zone cartilage under 10% compressive strain.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
SU‐GG‐J‐05: A Comparative Analysis of in Vivo and Ex Vivo Prostate Volumes Using CT and Ultrasound Imaging

Purpose: Several studies have reported computerized tomography(CT) overestimates prostate volume by 30 to 50% in comparison to ultrasound in prostate radiation therapy. To further elucidate this phenomenon, we compared the differences in prostate volume assessed by ultrasound and CT, specifically with in vivo and ex vivoultrasound, and ex vivoCT.Method and Materials: Seven patients with localized prostate cancertreated with radical prostatectomy were enrolled. Each patient was scanned with transrectal ultrasound(TRUS) prior to surgery. Prostate specimens were immediately scanned post‐surgery with both ultrasound and CT. 3‐D imaging scans were acquired from the base to the apex of the prostate in the axial plane in 2 mm and 1.25 mm slices for ultrasound and CTimaging, respectively. The prostate gland was contoured on each 3‐D ultrasound and CTimage set by one radiation oncologist and then volume calculations were made based on voxel size. Results: The in vivo prostate volume acquired with ultrasound was on average 33.2 cc (range 25.7 – 41.3 cc). The ex vivoCT and ultrasound volumes of the prostate specimens were 32.8 cc (range 24.7 – 41.1) and 32.7 cc (range 24.9 – 40.3), respectively. The ex vivo and ex vivoultrasound prostate volume measurements were within 5% of each other. Overall, there was a 1 to 2% reduction between the imaged pre and post‐surgery prostate volumes. For each individual specimen the concordance between the CT and ultrasound volumes was within 5%. Conclusion: While several studies have consistently reported larger prostate volumes when using CT as compared to transrectal ultrasound, our study shows no intrinsic difference between ultrasound and CTimaging in terms of prostate volume measurements. Therefore, we propose the difficulty with precise prostate contour delineation encountered with CTimaging results in the frequent overestimation of the prostate gland size seen in prostate radiation therapy.
DNA replication of bacteriophage θ29 Effect of two viral genes on the association of phage chromosomes with the host cell membrane

Abstract The kinetics of DNA arrest and the maintenance of the association of viral chromosomes with the cell membrane were examined by temperature-shift experiments using temperature-sensitive mutants in two early bacteriophage φ29 genes required for phage DNA replication. φ29 ts 2(35), a mutant in cistron 2 whose product (protein P2) is continuously required for associating phage DNA with the Bacillus subtilis membrane, does not stop phage DNA synthesis immediately after a shift to the nonpermissive temperature. In contrast, bacteria infected with φ29 ts 3(28), a mutant in cistron 3 (which codes for protein P3), stop synthesizing phage DNA immediately after transfer to the nonpermissive temperature. Parental phage DNA in φ29 ts 2(35) infections rapidly dissociates from the cell membrane after a shift to 45°, whereas φ29 ts 3(28) DNA remains associated with the membrane after the shift to the nonpermissive temperature and then slowly dissociates. Thus the rapid dissociation of parental phage φ29 chromosomes from the membrane is dependent on a functional protein P3. These findings are discussed in terms of possible modes of action of these two proteins and suggest that protein P2 operates as a linker of phage chromosomes to the membrane, whereas protein P3 participates directly in the initiation or in the polymerization of viral DNA molecules.
Prerequisite Practice and Criterion Form in Mathematics Learning

IN A SERIES of studies (1,2, 3,4, 5) it has b e e n found that unless S can operationally make use of terms or statements, a description of a super Ordi nate topic, which involves these terms or state ments, is essentially not understandable (i. e., can not be interpreted). Furthermore, providing S with definitions of the prerequisite verbalizations is not always sufficient. Practice in using the referents of these terms and statements (prerequisite prac tice) has been shown to improve superordinate crite rion learning (4, 5). In all of these experiments, (1, 2, 3, 4,5), use was made of some artificial abstract material (1) devised for use in problem solving re search. In this short article, a related pilot study, involv ing actual mathematical materials, is outlined. It was hypothesized that prerequisite practice would facilitate superordinate criterion learning only when the prerequisite terms and statements were used explicitly to describe the criterion material.
High speed optical signal distribution using fully embedded thin film MSM photodetectors in multimode interference couplers

High speed optical interconnections offer an attractive alternative to electrical interconnections, particularly when they can be integrated into electrical systems. In particular, waveguide signal distribution and optical to electrical (O/E) conversion are critical to the integration of optical signals into electrical systems. The integration and interfaces between waveguides and O/E devices is a topic under intensive study. One approach to the integration of optical interconnections into electrical systems is to use fully embedded thin film optoelectronic (OE) devices in planar lightwave components on electrical interconnection substrates. In this approach, the propagating optical signal from the optical waveguide can be evanescently or directly coupled into the embedded thin film OE devices based on the embedded structure. Efficient and high speed optical signal distribution and O/E conversion, such as those using planar channel polymer waveguides with embedded thin film photodetectors, are examples of optical interconnection critical functions that are optimally implemented in electrical systems. In this paper, a 1 by 4 thin film metal semiconductor metal (MSM) photodetector (PD) array is embedded in a 1 by 4 photoimageable polymer multimode interference (MMI) coupler. This optical distribution and E/O system was fabricated and experimentally characterized at a wavelength of 1.3 μm. The measured overall loss, including the propagation loss and splitting loss of the MMI coupler was -0.18 dB at λ = 1.3 μm.
Response of HIV-infected patients with asymptomatic syphilis to intensive intramuscular therapy with ceftriaxone or procaine penicillin.

The objective of this prospective pilot study was to evaluate the response of HIV-infected patients with asymptomatic syphilis to one of two intensive antibiotic treatment regimens. Thirty-one HIV-...
Multilocus Restriction Typing: A Novel Tool for Studying Global Epidemiology of Burkholderia cepacia Complex Infection in Cystic Fibrosis

Burkholderia cepacia complex infections contribute significantly to mortality and morbidity in persons with cystic fibrosis (CF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a novel typing method, multilocus restriction typing (MLRT), for investigation of the global epidemiology of B. cepacia complex genomovar III, the species most commonly encountered in CF. In the MLRT method, variation at several loci is indexed by restriction analysis of polymerase chain reaction-amplified genes. Data obtained by MLRT and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis of a large number of B. cepacia genomovar III isolates (including isolates belonging to epidemic lineages and environmental isolates) show a strong correlation. MLRT extends the utility of isolate genotyping by allowing comparisons of isolates collected in studies of larger scale (both temporal and spatial). The portability of MLRT data will facilitate comparison of data obtained in different laboratories. In addition, data obtained with MLRT can be used in studies of bacterial population structure.
“Widely Perceived as Grossly Unfair”: The Unfulfilled Promise of Interest Abatement

ABSTRACT: This paper explores Internal Revenue Code (IRC) section 6404(e)(1). Enacted in 1986 and amended in 1996, this section authorizes the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to abate assessed interest on tax deficiencies and underpayments to the extent attributable to prescribed categories of procedural error or delay committed by the IRS in the course of audits and other routine processes. A companion provision, section 6404(h), enacted in 1996, grants the Tax Court jurisdiction to review IRS abatement determinations for abuse of discretion. This paper analyzes the statutory language, legislative history, Treasury regulations, and other administrative materials, as well as post-1996 Tax Court opinions, toward identifying problematic factors that to date have frustrated the stated congressional intent. Recommendations for clarifying statutory amendments are noted.
TREATMENT PLANNING FOR MR-GUIDED FOCUSED ULTRASOUND SURGERY

MR-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) is rapidly gaining clinical acceptance worldwide for procedures throughout the body. However, focusing abilities are still limited by scattering and refraction of ultrasound by heterogeneous tissues, often causing unpredictable results. Presently, a new treatment planning method is proposed that performs ultrasound phase-aberration correction using diagnostic pre-imaging combined with wave vector-space modeling of the ultrasound and thermal fields. The kernel of the wavevector model is described, and the ability to predict both reflective (spectral) and point-like scattering is assessed. The model is tested by propagating 1 MHz focused ultrasound through a 50 mmtimes50 mmtimes40 mm tissue section, with varying degrees of heterogeneity. Both spectral echoes and small scattering were successfully replicated with the model, which then could be used to predict and offset ultrasound phase distortion. It is concluded that the wavevector-domain kernel, when similarly applied in the clinic, will result in improved and expanded treatment volumes.
Towards a compact cold atom frequency standard based on coherent population trapping

We describe the main features of a cold atom frequency standard based on coherent population trapping (CPT). We explain our particular CPT configuration and our experimental setup, and present simulations of the expected performance (stability and major systematics).
Preprocessing technique to signal strength data of wireless sensor network for real-time distance estimation

There is a real need in the robotics and wireless sensor network (WSN) communities for the estimation of the geolocation of wireless agents. The received signal strength indicator (RSSI), a common metric in most networking hardware, has been reputed as a very unreliable method for doing the job, due to its vulnerability to environmental factors. Nevertheless, it still remains as the most prevalent estimator of distance between agents on many research projects. Multipath fading, shadowing and other effects that the environment exerts over a signal while propagating are regarded as the main cause of such vulnerability. Although some success has been obtained using RSSI outdoors where the effects are less noticeable, indoor settings remain an unconquered territory. The main motivation of this paper is to establish whether, in real time applications, the use of preprocessing techniques over partial raw collected data helps the RSSI to be a suitable estimator of distance. We propose one such technique and the results suggest that its use may indeed assist the obtainment of more accurate distance estimations while using RSSI.
Secondary systemic amyloidosis: Response and survival in 64 patients

From 1956 through 1989, 38 men and 26 women were seen at the Mayo Clinic with biopsy-proven secondary amyloidosis (AA). The underlying disease was rheumatic in 42, infectious in 11, inflammatory bowel disease in 6, and other causes in 5. of the 64 patients, 58 had proteinuria or renal insufficiency at diagnosis. Symptoms of gastrointestinal amyloid were seen in 14 and 6 had amyloid goiter. None of the patients had symptomatic cardiac involvement, and only three had palpable hepatomegaly. Renal, gastric, rectal, fat, and marrow biopsies were positive for amyloid in 100, 94, 82, 58, and 46 percent of tested patients, respectively. The median survival of the entire group was 24.5 months. 0f the 47 deceased patients, 35 died as a direct result of their amyloidosis, primarily complications of renal failure. Nine were successfully treated and had regression of the disease. Two with bronchiectasis responded to antibiotic therapy as did one patient with osteomyelitis. One patient with inflammatory bowel disease responded to surgical resection and one with familial Mediterranean fever responded to colchicine. Four patients with rheumatic disease were treated with cyclophosphamide (2) and methotrexate (2) with resolution of their renal disease. All nine patients are alive with a median follow-up of 58 months. Multivariate analysis revealed that creatinine ≥2.0 mg/dl (p > 0.003) and serum albumin >2.5 g/dl (p > 0.02) had an adverse impact on survival. The strongest variable predicting survival was serum creatinine >2 mg/dl with a median survival of 11.2 months compared to patients with a creatinine >2.0 mg/dl where median survival was 56.9 months.
Optimizing tracking loops for UWB monocycles

This paper explores a correlation timing detector for tracking of Ultra-Wide-Band (UWB) monocycle signals. We seek to examine the optimal relationship between the received and reference UWB monocycle waveforms considering timing jitter and the ability to acquire lock. We modeled the received UWB monocycle waveform as the n/sup th/ order derivative of the Gaussian function. We are able to obtain a good fit using the UWB model with n=4 to both UWB impulses measured in an anechoic chamber and UWB impulses obtained in an indoor office environment. The UWB monocycle model, though an idealized representation, allows us to derive a closed form expression for the slope of the characteristic function of the TLL when both the received and reference monocycle are of arbitrary and different orders n and m. Using this compact formula, we can analyze the timing jitter of the error-tracking TLL in an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel. Computer simulation is also used to examine the dynamics of the tracking process when the loop is second order. Notably the phase plane plot is examined that gives us an indication of the ability of the TLL to acquire lock. The analysis allows us to make informed choices of the order of the monocycle waveform considering trades-off between timing error variance due to AWGN in the channel and the ability of the TLL to acquire lock. We conclude this paper by discussing a possible automatic gain control (AGC) scheme, whose main purpose is to remove the dependence of the TLL on variations in input signal amplitude.
Common Stratigraphic Boundaries Associated with Coastal Plain Aquifers

There is a tendency during the verification stage of aquifer model building to manipulate stratigraphic boundaries. This procedure is acceptable insofar as the geohydrologist is sufficiently knowledgeable to sense the point at which the manipulations encroach upon the integrity of his model. Examples from the Maryland Coastal Plain are used to depict several types of stratigraphic boundaries. These include erosional truncation, overlap (or pinchout), disconformity, and facies change. Defining statements are given for each in order to clarify the stratigraphic implications of boundary modeling.
Designing smart health care technology into the home of the future

This editorial paper presents a vision for intelligent health care in the home of the future, focusing on technologies with the highest potential payoff given targeted government funding over the next ten years. A secure, plug-and-play information framework provides the starting point for identifying technologies that must be developed before smart home-based devices can know their context and assimilate information to make care decisions.
A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of Teaching Presence Within Online Professional Development

The Community of Inquiry model provides a framework for recognizing and evaluating interpersonal behaviors in online educational settings. One of its three components, teaching presence, describes behaviors that are under the auspices of the online instructor. By examining behaviors through the theoretical lens provided by teaching presence, and by measuring them with the Teaching Presence Scale (TPS), it may be possible to better understand the most effectively online instruction practices. The purpose of the study was to confirm the factor composition of TPS in an online professional development course and to determine the relationship between teaching presence and student satisfaction. Participants (n = 718) were in-service educators enrolled in online professional development. Confirmatory factor analysis results provided strongest support for a three-factor TPA model using 17 of the 28 original TPS items and evidence of a strong relationship between TPS and student satisfaction. The implications for practice center primarily on how enhanced knowledge of teaching presence may be used to develop instructor/facilitators as online educators of adults. It is important that such instructors have a solid knowledge base in their field, as well as knowledge and experience with andragogy.
A fast optical propagation technique for modeling micro-optical systems

As designers become more aggressive in introducing optical components to micro-systems, rigorous optical models are required for system-level simulation tools. Common optical modeling techniques and approximations are not valid for most optical micro-systems, and those techniques that provide accurate simulation are computationally slow. In this paper, we introduce an angular frequency optical propagation technique that greatly reduces computation time while achieving the accuracy of a full scalar formulation. We present simulations of a diffractive optical MEM grating light valve to show the advantages of this optical propagation method and the integration of the technique into a system-level multi-domain CAD tool.
Success rates with low dose misoprostol before induction of labor for nulliparas with severe preeclampsia at various gestational ages

Objective. To assess the efficiency of labor induction using low dose misoprostol for cervical ripening among nulliparous patients with severe preeclampsia.Methods. This retrospective investigation involved cases gathered from our perinatal database for nulliparous women with severe preeclampsia delivering singleton gestations between January 2002 and May 2006. After a review of 229 hospital records, we selected only those cases (N = 145) that were eligible for a trial of labor and were administered intravaginal misoprostol (25 mcg every 3 to 6 h) for an unfavorable cervix. Primary outcomes related to the success and timing of vaginal deliveries. Secondary outcomes involved maternal and neonatal morbidity rates. Statistical evaluations included Chi-square testing and regression analysis.Results. Vaginal delivery was successful in 95 cases (65.5%). This rate increased from 55.1% in cases at <34 weeks to 68.9% in cases at between 34 and 36 weeks, and to 72.5% in those at ≥37 weeks. Most of those who deliver...
Activation of Human Inactive (“Pro-”) Renin by Cathepsin D and Pepsin

Inactive human renin is found in amniotic fluid, plasma, and kidney and may be a renin precursor ("prorenin"). The mechanism of activation of inactive renin in vivo is not known. The present study examined the hypothesis that cathepsin D, a lysosomal pepsin-like endopeptidase may be capable of eliciting activation. Cathepsin D was incubated with inactive renin in human amniotic fluid at pH 4.8 and 22 C for 0-5 h. Marked activation occurred and the reaction displayed first order kinetics with respect to the concentration of cathepsin D. The initial velocity of conversion of inactive renin to active renin by cathepsin D was 0.007%/min/microgram cathepsin D. Under identical conditions, the initial velocity of conversion by pepsin was 0.18%/min/microgram pepsin. The 25-fold higher potency of pepsin compared with cathepsin D is in accordance with the recognized relative substrate affinities and catalytic efficiencies of the two enzymes. Inactive renin in human amniotic fluid seems to be similar to that found in human kidney and since cathepsin D is present in juxtaglomerular cells, this activation process may have physiological importance.
The effects of tea polyphenols on Candida albicans: inhibition of biofilm formation and proteasome inactivation.

The adherence of Candida albicans to one another and to various host and biomaterial surfaces is an important prerequisite for the colonization and pathogenesis of this organism. Cells in establish...
Local search techniques for the generalized resource constrained project scheduling problem

In this article we address the problem of scheduling a single project network with both precedence and resource constraints through the use of a local search technique. We choose a solution definition which guarantees precedence feasibility, allowing the procedure to focus on overcoming resource infeasibility. We use the 110-problem data set of Patterson to test our procedure. Our results indicate a significant improvement over the best heuristic results reported to date for these problems (Bell and Han [1]). Two major advantages of the local search algorithm are its ability to handle arbitrary objective functions and constraints and its effectiveness over a wide range of problem sizes. We present a problem example with an objective function and resource constraints which include nonlinear and non-continuous components, which are easily considered by the procedure. The results of our algorithm are significantly better than random solutions to the problem. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Combined average SNR of a generalized diversity selection combining scheme

The average signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) of a generalized selection combining (GSC) scheme, in which the m diversity branches (m/spl les/L, where L is the total number of diversity branches available) with the largest instantaneous SNRs are selected and coherently combined, is derived. A Rayleigh fading channel is assumed, and a simple closed-form expression for the SNR is found which is upper bounded by the average SNR of maximal ratio combining, and lower bounded by average SNR of conventional selection combining.
Folk and Scientific Medicine in Amish Society

When a person becomes ill he is confronted with decisions. His acts are based upon the conceptions of sickness provided by his culture. If he is a member of a folk society he will act according to the assumptions held by his kind, which will differ from the assumptions of a civilized society. Decisions with respect to treatment and who should provide the treatment depend upon his theory of disease and sickness. Every known society has developed methods for coping with disease and thus has created a theory of medicine in keeping with its whole culture. Although sickness and medical behavior have concerned social scientists the past few decades, we know little about the sociology of folk medicine as a type in contrast to medical behavior in civilization.