cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of the wind erosion module in DUSTRAN

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has developed a dust transport model (DUSTRAN), which calculates atmospheric dust concentrations that result from both natural and human activity. DUSTRAN is a comprehensive dispersion modeling system, consisting of a dust-emissions module, a diagnostic meteorological model, and dispersion models that are integrated seamlessly into graphical information system (GIS) software. DUSTRAN functions as a console application and allows the user to interactively create a release scenario and run the underlying models. We have recently compared dust concentrations calculated by DUSTRAN with observations of wind erosion on the US Department of Energy's Hanford Site in southeastern Washington. In this paper we describe both DUSTRAN's algorithm for predicting the source strength of wind-blown dust and the comparison of simulated dust concentrations with data. The comparisons use observations of PM10 concentrations for three separate dust events on the Hanford Site in 2001. The dust measurements were made as part of an effort to monitor site recovery following a large range fire that occurred in 2000. The comparisons have provided both encouragement as to the practical value of the wind erosion module in DUSTRAN and examples of occasions when the simulations and observations diverge. In general, the maximum dust concentrations from the simulations and the observations for each dust event agreed closely. Because of the lack of soil moisture information, the model was run in a “dry” mode. However, certain discrepancies between the measured and simulated values relative to the timing of observed precipitation events suggest that soil moisture should be accounted for where possible. For low dust concentrations, DUSTRAN tends to overestimate PM10 levels. This may be a weakness in the form of the dust flux parameterization at low wind speeds. Overall, however, we have shown DUSTRAN to be an effective tool for simulating dust events due to wind erosion.
Chicano Discourse about Language Use

RESUMENDiscurso chicano acerca del uso del idiomaEste etudio investiga la relacion entre el uso del espanol y la identidad etnica. Se anlizo un incidente linguistico especifico en el cual los participantes usaron lenguaje chicano mientras que discutian este mismo modo de discurso. Por lo general, los participantes mayores de edad eran monolingues en espanol; los menores de edad tendian a ser exclusi-vamente angloparlantes; mientras que los participantes de edad mediana generalmente hablaban ambos idiomas. El reemplazo del bilinguismo entre espanol e ingles por el monolinguismo en ingles se atribuye a la mayor interaccion dentro de situaciones domi-nadas por este idioma. La alternacion de idiomas funciona como tecnica conversacional que identifica la habilidad linguistica a la vez que aumenta la coherencia social del grupo. Se analizaron datos sobre el habla misma tanto como sobre la discusion acerca del habla para investigar actitudes hacia diferentes usos del espanol. Especifieamente, se analizo hasta que grado se internaliza la desaprobacion del uso del espanol, especialmente dentro de la esfera familiar, y el impacto de la politica linguistica sobre la interaccion comuni-taria. El analisis de conversaciones descubrio negociaciones sobre normas linguisticas asi como sanciones usadas por los participantes para hacer cumpliar con ellas.RESUMOCikana diskursado pri lingvouzoTiu ci studo esploras la rilaton inter utiligo de la hispana lingvo kaj etna idento. La aǔtoro analizis specifan lingvoeventon kie grupanoj diskutis kaj utiligis Cikanan dis-kursadon. La plej agaj grupanoj estis plejparte unulingvaj hispanparolantoj, la plej junaj estis precipe unulingvaj anglalingvanoj, kaj la mezaguloj estis kutime dulingvaj. Lingva transiro el hispana/angla dulingvismo al angla unulingvismo estas atribuata al pli forta interago en medioj kie dominas blankuloj. Saltado rolis kiel konversacia tekniko kaj por montri la lingvokompetenton de la koncerna parolanto, kiel ankaǔ por fortigi la kunteni-gon de la grupo. La autoro analizis konsistigajn kaj rekonsistigajn raportojn por esplori sintenojn al diversaj utiligoj de la hispana lingvo, precipe la gradon gis kiu negativaj sankcioj kontraǔ utiligo de la hispana estas internigitaj, speciale en familia medio, kaj la influo de lingvopolitiko je interago en la komunumo. Per analizo de konversacioj, la autoro malkovris intertraktojn pri lingvaj normoj, kaj ankau sankciojn, uzatajn de grupanoj por devigi normojn.
Up-regulation of a gene homologous to the human tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 6 gene in the obstructed rabbit bladder determined by differential display polymerase chain reaction.

Purpose We identified differentially expressed genes in the rabbit bladder after partial outlet obstruction. Materials and Methods Differential display polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on smooth muscle tissue from normal, 2 and 6-week obstructed rabbit bladders. Semiquantitative reverse transcriptase PCR, Western and RNA blot analysis were done to confirm messenger RNA and protein up-regulation. Results A signal transducing protein human tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6)-like protein was identified on differential display PCR. TRAF6-like protein was up-regulated in rabbit bladders after 2 weeks of partial outlet obstruction. Reverse transcriptase PCR demonstrated TRAF6-like protein in bladder muscle tissue and semiquantitative analysis confirmed up-regulation in 2-week obstructed tissue. These findings were confirmed by RNA and Western blot analysis. Conclusions TRAF6-like protein is up-regulated during the early phase of bladder outlet obstruction in rabbits. To our knowledge involvement of this gene in bladder outlet obstruction has not been described previously. TRAF6 may have a role in the regulation of molecular changes during the early bladder response to outlet obstruction, such as the up-regulation of growth factors and proto-oncogenes. Further understanding of this signaling pathway and its role in bladder outlet obstruction may open new avenues for treating detrusor dysfunction.
A numerical evaluation of some collinear scaling algorithms for unconstrained

Collinear scaling algorithms for unconstrained minimization were first proposed by Davidon (1977,80) so that they may incorporate more information about the problem than is possible with quasi–Newton algorithms. Sorensen (1980,82), and Ariyawansa (1983,90) have derived collinear scaling algorithms as natural extensions of quasi–Newton algorithms. In this paper we describe the results of a comprehensive numerical evaluation of four members in the classes of collinear scaling algorithms derived by Sorensen (1980,82) and Ariyawansa (1983,90), relative to the quasi–Newton algorithms they extend.
Teaching psychodynamics in the twenty-first century.

A lack of clarity in psychoanalytic education has negatively affected the educational experience of candidates now in training and makes it difficult for prospective candidates to understand the field. Three basic educational concepts—learning objectives, operationalizing, and adult learning theory—can help psychoanalysts teach and assess their students in a clearer, more objective way. Using these concepts has broad implications for both psychodynamic and psychoanalytic education in the twenty-first century.
OPTICAL PHASE-CONJUGATION PROPERTY OF THREE-PHOTON EXCITED BACKWARD STIMULATED EMISSION

Three-photon pumped cavityless lasing experiments have shown that the forward and backward stimulated emission (cavityless lasing) beams manifest different divergence angles and spatial/temporal fluctuation behaviors. When a dye solution as the gain medium is pumped by a pulsed laser beam with ~ 1500-nm wavelength and ~ 150-fs pulse duration, the backward stimulated emission beam exhibits a smaller divergence angle and much better spatial/temporal stability than the forward stimulated emission beam. These apparently unexpected results can be explained reasonably by assuming that the backward stimulated emission beam exhibits an optical phase-conjugation property, so that influences from a random spatial/temporal change of the refractive-index in the lasing medium can be automatically removed for this backward lasing beam. A physical model of wave-front reconstruction via pump-beam induced holographic grating in an aberrated gain medium is proposed, which is supported by a rigorous theoretical analysis.
The Evolution of Disk Galaxies in the GOODS-South Field: Number Densities and Size Distribution*

We examine the evolution of the sizes and number densities of disk galaxies using the high-resolution images obtained by the Great Observatories Origins Deep Survey (GOODS) with the Advanced Camera for Surveys on the Hubble Space Telescope. The multiwavelength images are used to classify galaxies based on their rest-frame B-band morphologies out to redshift . In order to minimize the effect of selection biases, we confine our z ∼ 1.25 analysis to galaxies that occupy the region of the magnitude-size plane where the survey is ∼90% complete at all redshifts. The observed size distribution is consistent with a lognormal distribution as seen for the disk galaxies in the local universe and does not show any significant evolution over the redshift range . We 0.25 ≤ z ≤ 1.25 find that the number densities of disk galaxies remains fairly constant over this redshift range, although a modest evolution by a factor of 4 may be possible within the 2 j uncertainties. Subject headings: galaxies: evolution — galaxies: formation — galaxies: fundamental parameters — galaxies: structure
The Role of Antioxidant Enzymes in the Control of Opossum Gallbladder Motility

Abstract Background. Superoxide rapidly oxidizes nitric oxide (NO) to form peroxynitrite, thus terminating the biological activity of NO. The aims of our study were to determine if superoxide alters the motor function of the gallbladder and to localize the antioxidant enzymes in the gallbladder. Materials and methods. Immunostaining and immunoblots were performed and enzyme activities were measured in the gallbladder. In physiologic experiments, force-displacement transducers recorded tension in gallbladder muscle strips. Superoxide was generated by the addition of xanthine with xanthine oxidase, while superoxide radicals were scavenged by the addition of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. SOD was inhibited by deithyldithiocarbamate. Results. Immunostaining demonstrated superoxide dismutase and catalase immunoreactivity in ganglia situated throughout the smooth muscle. Total superoxide dismutase activity was 115 ± 12 U/mg. Western blots detected expression of proteins of 19.4 kDa for copper/zinc SOD and 25.0 kDa for manganese SOD. Generation of superoxide increased isometric tension, while pretreatment with SOD prevented the increase in isometric tension induced by superoxide. Inhibition of SOD diminished the EFS-induced off response. Conclusions. We conclude that superoxide alters gallbladder motor function, and the presence of superoxide scavenging enzymes in enteric plexuses suggests that they may regulate gallbladder neuromuscular function by clearing endogenous superoxide.
Relations Between Ultimate Tensile Properties of Elastomers and Their Structure

Various factors which affect the tensile stress-at-break ( σ b ) and the corresponding ultimate extension ratio ( λ b ) of unfilled amorphous elastomers are considered. Such ultimate properties can be characterized by a failure envelope which is independent of the test temperatures and apparently of the stress-strain-time history prior to rupture. The envelope results from a plot of log σ b T 0 /T against log ( λ b — 1), where T and T 0 are, respectively, the test temperature and an arbitrary reference temperature, both expressed in degrees absolute. Characteristics of failure envelopes are illustrated in terms of data obtained at various rates of extension over extended temperature ranges on unfilled vulcanizates of silicone, butyl, styrene-butadiene, Viton (hydrofluorocarbon), and natural rubber. It is shown that the high-temperature segment of a failure envelope is identical to the near-equilibrium stressstrain curve and that the envelopes for vulcanizates having different cross-link densities yield a master envelope on a plot of log λ b σ b T 0 / T against log E e ( λ b — 1 ) T 0 / T , where is the true λ b σ b stress-at-break and E e is the equilibrium modulus. On this type of plot, envelopes for all vulcanizates studied, except those of silicone and natural rubber, are essentially identical. Effects resulting from crystallization prior to rupture are discussed briefly in terms of data obtained on the natural rubber vulcanizate at temperatures below 90°C.
Theory of a homogeneously broadened laser with arbitrary mirror outcoupling: Intrinsic linewidth and phase diffusion

We present a theory of the homogeneously broadened laser that is based on the simple boundary conditions that govern the connection of intracavity traveling fields and the leaking vacuum field at the cavity mirrors. The approach is uniformly valid for arbitrary output-mirror transmissions. We compute the intrinsic linewidth of the laser both below and above threshold and for arbitrary mirror outcoupling. In the limit of complete output-mirror transmission, for which any semblance of the cavity to a lasing cavity is completely untenable and the laser is severely below threshold, we show that the laser linewidth reduces to the natural linewidth of spontaneous emission by atoms in free space. Above threshold, in contrast with most previously obtained results, the fundamental linewidth exhibits a power-independent contribution that arises from gain saturation that is spatially nonuniform.
An observational study of surgery-related activities between nurses and surgeons during laparoscopic surgery

Abstract Background In the operating room (OR), nurse–surgeon coordination is essential to the success of a surgery. Methods This observational field study was conducted in the OR for selected laparoscopic surgeries to record surgery-related activities (SRAs) performed by the scrub nurses with different levels of OR experience. Those SRAs performed without instruction were defined as anticipatory movements. Results The scrub nurse spent 74% of OR time watching surgery and 35% of OR time performing SRAs. The intermediate skill nurses watch surgeon on 76% of the OR time and they performed 16 counts of anticipatory movements per procedure. Experienced nurses spent shorter amount of OR time (72%) watching surgery but they performed more anticipatory movements (20 counts) than the intermediate skill nurses. With basic cases, experienced and intermediate-skill nurses performed equal amounts of anticipatory movements; however, when assisting in complex cases, the experienced nurses performed significantly more anticipatory movements (24 counts) than the intermediate-skill nurses (16 counts). Conclusions Experienced nurses develop sophisticated cognition during their careers in the OR, which allows them to maintain their involvement with the surgical team consistently. The anticipatory movement and the eye gaze are 2 valuable behavioral markers for assessing team performance.
The metabolic syndrome: A crossroad for genotype-phenotype associations in atherosclerosis

The metabolic syndrome comprises a set of metabolic and physiologic risk factors associated with elevated cardiovascular disease risk. The expression of each one of its major factors (hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, hypertension, abdominal obesity, and insulin resistance) has been found to be the result of complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Moreover, obesity may play a major role in triggering the metabolic syndrome by interacting with genetic variants at candidate genes for dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance. In support of this hypothesis, several studies at multiple candidate genes have already demonstrated the significance of these interactions; however, the data and their reliability are still very limited, and in many cases replication studies are still lacking in the literature. Therefore, more studies with better epidemiologic design and standardized adiposity measures are needed to estimate the contribution of body weight and fat distribution to the genetic predisposition to the metabolic syndrome, which is the most common cardiovascular disease risk factor in industrialized societies.
Cellobiose Fermentation by Coliaerogenes Group

Several procedures are now available for differentiating Bacterium coli of intestinal origin from other closely related forms which seem to have a natural habitat in soil. These methods have aroused considerable discussion regarding the desirability of their practical use in the sanitary examination of water, and it is safe to say that at the present time there is no uniformity of opinion on this point. It is to be expected, therefore, that any new method for differentiating these types should command some interest, since it may serve to simplify the procedure of differentiation or to clear up some of the difficulties in interpreting results of the laboratory examination. The use of cellobiose for the differentiation has been suggested recently by Jones 1 who found that in a series of 53 cultures of the coliaerogenes group isolated from feces, soil, and water, the Bacterium coli type did not attack cellobiose, while all strains of Bacterium aerogenes fermented it with abundant gas formation. The former methods which have been suggested for this separation have been based upon other characteristics such as dextrose metabolism, the methyl red and VogesProskauer tests; or the ability to use certain simple compounds of nitrogen or carbon when supplied in chemically definite mediums, the uric acid and citrate mediums. The new method suggested by Jones depends upon the qualitative fermentation of a sugar, and the test can be made according to the usually accepted methods of determining fermentation.
Competition between paraquat and putrescine for accumulation by rat lung slices

Slices from rat lungs actively accumulate both paraquat and putrescine, while endogenous polyamines inhibit the accumulation of each. The organic ions phenol red and tetraethylammonium, as well as cycloleucine, have little, if any, effect on either paraquat or putrescine transport. Double reciprocal plots indicate that paraquat and putrescine compete for the same transport system in lung slices. The affinity for the system is much greater for putrescine than for paraquat; thus, a transport system normally meant for accumulation of polyamines can be usurped by the exogenous compound paraquat. Furthermore, these data support the hypothesis that paraquat and putrescine are accumulated by the same cell type.
Intracellular Proton Access Mechanism of the CLC-ec1 Cl-/H+ Exchanger

CLC-ec1 is a bacterial CLC Cl-/H+ exchanger that catalyzes 2:1 exchange of Cl- and H+. E148 is the pH-dependent external gate of both Cl- and H+ transport and E203 mediates proton transport from intracellular solution to the protein interior. Substitution of non-protonatable residues on either glutamate uncouples the exchanger by completely abolishing H+ transport. However, it is not clear how protons in the intracellular solution gain access to E203, which is buried under a cytoplasmic “lid” formed by the protein's N-terminal helix. Truncation of the N-terminal 29 residues removes this lid and preserves 2:1 coupling of Cl- and H+ and absolute transport rate. This result implies that proton transport from intracellular solution to E203 is not rate-limiting in the transport cycle, and that protons are somehow facilitated in their movement to the buried E203. In order to discover proton facilitators, we examined polar residues near E203. Nonpolar mutants of Q207, S446 and R403 only slightly inhibit H+-transport rate. However, mutations on the proximate glutamate, E113, and disruption of a nearby salt-bridge (E117I and R209I) decrease H+-transport rate ∼5-fold. These residues appear to form a water-filled conduit for proton access to E203. Interestingly, nonpolar mutants of E202, located near the dimer interface and near to intracellular solution, show 30-100-fold reduced H+-transport rates compared to wildtype. All mutations here preserve H+-coupled Cl- transport, although those with severely reduced rates display somewhat higher Cl-/H+ stoichiometry, indicative of Cl- slippage. One or two crystallographic water molecules were found between E203 and E202. We propose that these water molecules form an access pathway for H+ from bulk water, which is blocked by bulky, hydrophobic amino acids at E202.
The case for intentional networking

Wireless infrastructures are increasingly diverse, complex, and difficult to manage. Those who restrict themselves to homogeneous, managed campus or corporate networks are a vanishing breed. In the wild, users are confronted with many overlapping infrastructures with a broad variety of strengths and weaknesses. Such diversity of infrastructure is both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge lies in presenting the alternatives to applications and users in a way that provides the best possible utility to both. However, by managing these many alternatives, we can provide significant benefits, exploiting multiple networks concurrently and planning future transmissions intelligently.
Enhancement of tumor responsiveness to aminolevulinate-photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) using differentiation-promoting agents in mouse models of skin carcinoma

Aminolevulinic acid-mediated photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) is an emerging treatment for cancers. ALA, given as a prodrug, selectively accumulates and is metabolized in cancer cells to form protoporphyrin IX (PpIX). Targeted local irradiation with light induces cell death. Since the efficacy of ALA-PDT for large or deep tumors is currently limited, we are developing a new approach that combines differentiation-inducing agents with ALA-PDT to improve the clinical response. Here, we tested this new combination paradigm in the following two models of skin carcinoma in mice: 1) tumors generated by topical application of chemical carcinogens (DMBA-TPA); 2) human SCC cells (A431) implanted subcutaneously. To achieve a differentiated state of the tumors, pretreatment with a low concentration of methotrexate (MTX) or Vitamin D (Vit D) was administered for 72 h prior to exposure to ALA. Confocal images of histological sections were captured and digitally analyzed to determine relative PpIX levels. PpIX in the tumors was also monitored by real-time in vivo fluorescence dosimetry. In both models, a significant increase in levels of PpIX was observed following pretreatment with MTX or Vit D, as compared to no-pretreatment controls. This enhancing effect was observed at very low, non-cytotoxic concentrations, and was highly specific to cancer cells as compared to normal cells. These results suggest that use of differentiating agents such as MTX or Vit D, as a short-term combination therapy given prior to ALA-PDT, can increase the production of PpIX photosensitizer and enhance the therapeutic response of skin cancers.
A Spectromicroscopic Study of Corrosion in AI-Cu-Si Metallization

Soft X-ray photoelectron spectromicroscopy has been employed to examine the microstructural chemistry of corrosion on thin films of Al-l%Cu-l%Si alloy. Cu-rich precipitates are formed after the film is annealed at around 320°C. Localized corrosion takes place around these precipitates, and circular microstructures have been observed. Energy distribution curves (EDCs) taken at specific points are analyzed and photoelectron images were obtained from different kinetic energies corresponding to the peaks in EDC It was found that after corrosion the Al2Cu particles are revealed and distributed at the center of the corrosion structure with oxide as matrix, while the oxides form a ring-like band outside.
The influence of bone morphology on fracture toughness of the human femur and tibia

The influence of porosity, osteon density, osteonal area, osteonal lamellar area, osteon size, and haversian canal size on the tension and shear fracture toughness, that is, the mode I and mode II strain energy release rate (GIc and GIIc), respectively, were investigated for the human femur and the tibia. The results suggest that porosity and osteon density were the best explanatory morphological parameters for GIc and GIIc. Both GIc and GIIc significantly decrease with increasing porosity. They also increase with increasing osteon density, the increase being significant for the femur only. Morphological parameters, altogether, can explain 49%-68% of the variation in fracture toughness. We concluded that, although there must be other factors such as biochemical components and microdamage, osteon morphology has an important influence on fracture resistance of the cortical bone.
Myopic astigmatism and presbyopia trial.

Abstract Purpose No prospective double-masked study has evaluated whether low astigmatism benefits or harms patients with presbyopia, whose intermediate and near vision might theoretically benefit from enhanced depth of focus provided by astigmatism. The purpose of the first Myopic Astigmatism and Presbyopia (MAP I) study was to determine whether low myopic astigmatism enhances or harms the visual acuity, stereopsis, or quality of life in patients with presbyopia. Design Prospective, randomized, double-masked, crossover design clinical trial. Methods Fifteen patients with presbyopia aged 45 to 68 years were recruited from an academic center population. These patients were given a baseline eye examination, including manifest refraction, Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity at distance, intermediate, and near, accommodative amplitudes, and stereo vision. Each patient was then cycled in random order through three masked pairs of soft contact lenses. The power of each contact lens pair was calculated by the subtraction method to maintain a spherical equivalent of −0.5 diopters, while providing either no astigmatism (spherical arm, SPH), 1 diopter of with-the-rule (WTR) astigmatism, or 1 diopter of against-the-rule (ATR) astigmatism. Actual refractive errors produced were measured by masked examiner. Outcomes measured at the end of 1 week of usage of each contact lens arm were binocular (ETDRS) logMAR visual acuity at three distances (far [4 m], intermediate [1 m], and near [33cm]); near stereoacuity, using the quantitative Titmus Stereotest; and quality of life, measured using the Refractive Status and Vision Profile (RSVP), a standardized questionnaire. Results Visual acuity results across the three arms were similar. However, 1-m logMAR visual acuity was better for the spherical arm than either astigmatic arm (−0.06 SPH, +0.01 WTR, +0.02 ATR). Near (33 cm) and distance (4 m) acuities were similar across arms. Stereoacuity was better in ATR than WTR (50 vs 102 seconds, P = .01). Subjects preferred SPH slightly over the WTR astigmatic arm by the RSVP quality-of-life survey instrument (101 vs 104, P = .05). Other intergroup comparisons showed no difference in RSVP scores. Conclusions This study has demonstrated that intermediate distance acuity and refractive quality of life are slightly better with spherical low myopic refractive error vs either astigmatic arm. Near and far distance acuity were unaffected by low myopic astigmatism compared with spherical low myopia. Near stereopsis was best in the ATR arms, but this did not produce better near visual acuity or RSVP quality of life.
In vitro model for endogenous optical signatures of collagen

Type I collagen is a major component of the extracellular matrix as well as many tissue engineered models. To understand changes in collagen related models over time, it is important to evaluate collagen dynamics with noninvasive techniques. Fluorescence spectroscopy provides a method to noninvasively measure endogenous collagen fluorescence. Additionally, second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging of collagen produces high resolution images of the fibrils. In this study, a novel in vitro collagen measurement chamber was developed for measurement in standard spectroscopic cuvette chambers and microscopic imaging. The fluorescence of polymerized collagen was found to be highly variable, primarily depending on incubation time after polymerization. Changes in fluorescence over time were consistent with increases at UVA excitation wavelengths (lambda ex = 360 nm) and decreases at UVC excitation wavelengths (lambda ex = 270 nm), suggesting changes in nonenzymatic association of the collagen fibrils. SHG imaging of the collagen suggested that a stable network formed during polymerization. Unlike the fluorescence emission, SHG images from the gels varied little with time suggesting that SHG is not as sensitive to cross-linking or fibril-fibril associated changes. The developed measurement system will allow further studies on the effect of enzymatic cleavages and structural alterations on collagen fluorescence and SHG.
Near-infrared spectroscopy-derived tissue oxygen saturation in battlefield injuries: a case series report

Near-infrared spectroscopy technology has been utilized to monitor perfusion status in animal models of hemorrhagic shock and in human traumatic injury. To observe the effectiveness of such a device in a combat setting, an FDA-approved device was used in conjunction with standard resuscitation and therapy of wounded patients presenting to the 228th Combat Support Hospital (CSH), Company B, over a three-month period. These observations were performed on patients presenting to the 228th CSH, Co B, at Forward Operating Base Speicher, outside of Tikrit, Iraq, between the dates of June 15 and September 11, 2005. We utilized the Inspectra™ 325 tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) monitor (Hutchinson Technology, Inc; Hutchinson, MN, USA) with the probe placed on the thenar eminence or on another appropriate muscle bed, and used to monitor StO2 during early resuscitation and stabilization of patients. During the above time period, 161 patients were evaluated at the CSH as a result of traumatic injury and the device was placed on approximately 40 patients. In most patients, StO2 readings of greater than 70% were noted during the initial evaluation. No further information was collected from these patients. In 8 patients, convenience samples of StO2 data were collected along with pertinent physiologic data. In these patients, StO2 levels of below 70% tracked with hypotension, tachycardia, and clinical shock resulted in increases in StO2 after resuscitation maneuvers. Near-infrared spectroscopy-derived StO2 reflected and tracked the resuscitation status of our patients with battlefield injuries. StO2 has significant potential for use in resuscitation and care of patients with battlefield injuries.
Friends or Foes? The Commonwealth and the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission in the Courts

National human rights institutions (NHRIs), quasi-governmental agencies intended to protect human rights, constitute one of the most common institutional innovations advocated by the modern human rights movement. Among other things, they are intended to facilitate government compliance with human rights standards. This article examines the extent to which one particular NHRI, Australia's Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC), has performed this function by using its authority to intervene in litigation that involves claims of unlawful discrimination or human rights violations. Focusing on cases in which both the HREOC and Commonwealth government participated, it shows that the HREOC's rate of intervention has varied relative to the party in power and that the HREOC has experienced limited success in leveraging law and courts as a means of challenging the government's policies.
Synthesis of nanometal oxides and nanometals using hot-wire and thermal CVD

Abstract We report the synthesis of nano-oxides of molybdenum, tungsten, and zinc. Molybdenum oxide (MoO 3 ) and tungsten oxide (WO x ) were produced by hot-wire CVD with molybdenum and tungsten filaments, respectively while zinc oxide (ZnO) was produced by thermal CVD. When high purity molybdenum wire was oxidized at ambient system atmosphere, nanorods and nanostraws of MoO 3 with length ranging from ∼ 20–80 nm and diameters ranging from ∼ 5–15 nm were produced. Also, the oxidation of the tungsten filament led to the deposition of tungsten oxide nanorods (10–25 nm diameter and 75–90 nm long) and nanospheres with diameters of ∼ 60 nm. Each oxide was reduced to its metallic form by annealing in a hydrogen environment to produce metallic nanoparticles. Nanorods and nanoribbons of ZnO with diameters ranging from 20–65 nm and lengths up to 2 μm were also produced.
Simultaneous atmospheric nitrous oxide, methane and water vapor detection with a single continuous wave quantum cascade laser

A continuous wave (CW) quantum cascade laser (QCL) based absorption sensor system was demonstrated and developed for simultaneous detection of atmospheric nitrous oxide (N(2)O), methane (CH(4)), and water vapor (H(2)O). A 7.73-µm CW QCL with its wavelength scanned over a spectral range of 1296.9-1297.6 cm(-1) was used to simultaneously target three neighboring strong absorption lines, N(2)O at 1297.05 cm(-1), CH(4) at 1297.486 cm(-1), and H(2)O at 1297.184 cm(-1). An astigmatic multipass Herriott cell with a 76-m path length was utilized for laser based gas absorption spectroscopy at an optimum pressure of 100 Torr. Wavelength modulation and second harmonic detection was employed for data processing. Minimum detection limits (MDLs) of 1.7 ppb for N(2)O, 8.5 ppb for CH(4), and 11 ppm for H(2)O were achieved with a 2-s integration time for individual gas detection. This single QCL based multi-gas detection system possesses applications in environmental monitoring and breath analysis.
Exocytosis in the Frog Amphibian Papilla

Using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, we measured changes in membrane capacitance (ΔC (m)) in two subsets of hair cells from the leopard frog amphibian papilla (AP): the low-frequency (100-500 Hz), rostral hair cells and the high-frequency (500-1200 Hz), caudal hair cells, in order to investigate tonotopic differences in exocytosis. Depolarizations of both rostral and caudal hair cells evoked robust ΔC (m) responses of similar amplitude. However, the calcium dependence of release, i.e., the relationship between ΔC (m) relative to the amount of calcium influx (Q (Ca) (2+)), was found to be linear in rostral hair cells but supra-linear in caudal hair cells. In addition, the higher numbers of vesicles released at caudal hair cell active zones suggests increased temporal precision of caudal hair cell exocytosis. ΔC (m) responses were also obtained in response to sinusoidal stimuli of varying frequency, but neither rostral nor caudal hair cell ΔC (m) revealed any frequency selectivity. While all AP hair cells express both otoferlin and synaptotagmin IV (SytIV), we obtained evidence of a tonotopic distribution of the calcium buffer calretinin which may further increase temporal resolution at the level of the hair cell synapse. Our findings suggest that the low (rostral) and high (caudal) frequency hair cells apply different mechanisms for fine-tuning exocytosis.
Minimizing Dynamic Response of Counter-Rotating Engines Through Optimized Node Placement

It has been previously proposed that a low-speed rotor balancing procedure can be suitable for supercritical shafting (GT2008-50077). That paper documented the necessity of taking into account nodal locations in the bending mode shapes of a supercritical rotor when designing an optimum balance process for such a rotor. This is due to the fact that balance correction forces (or for that matter, any forces) have the least impact when applied near the nodes of a particular mode. This result led to consideration that node location optimization could help with another issue, i.e. the excitation of backward excited whirl modes in a counter-rotating system. When designing a two rotor gas turbine, there are distinct advantages to having the two rotors turn in opposite directions. Among these are the ability to shorten and lighten the engine by reducing the length of the engine since a row of static turning vanes can be eliminated. The engine can be further lightened by inclusion of an inter-shaft bearing which eliminates static bearing support structure. Additional reduction in gyroscopic maneuver loads and deflections can also be achieved, thus resulting in multiple benefits to a counter-rotating system with an inter-shaft bearing. Unfortunately, the excitation of backward whirl modes of one rotor, which would normally not be a major concern in a co-rotating engine, can be a significant issue when excited in such a counter-rotating engine through the inter-shaft bearing, which serves as a conduit for forces from the other rotor. However, the logic of the earlier statement regarding the effectiveness of forces applied at, or near, a nodal point led to the hypothesis that optimizing the nodal locations relative to the interface points between the rotors could minimize the responsiveness of the system. This led to the hypothesis that by optimizing the node placement relative to the inter-shaft bearing, it should be possible to minimize the excitation of the backward modes. This paper examines that proposition and demonstrates that considering this aspect during the design of such an engine could lead to significant benefit in terms of minimized dynamic responses.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Communication Breakdown in the Outpatient Referral Process

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate primary care and specialist physicians’ satisfaction with interphysician communication and to identify the major problems in the current referral process. DESIGN: Surveys were mailed to providers to determine satisfaction with the referral process; then patient-specific surveys were e-mailed to this group to obtain real-time referral information. SETTING: Academic tertiary care medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Attending-level primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The response rate for mail surveys for PCPs was 57% and for specialists was 51%. In the mail survey, 63% of PCPs and 35% of specialists were dissatisfied with the current referral process. Respondents felt that major problems with the current referral system were lack of timeliness of information and inadequate referral letter content. Information considered important by recipient groups was often not included in letters that were sent. The response rate for the referral specific e-mail surveys was 56% for PCPs and 53% for specialists. In this e-mail survey, 68% of specialists reported that they received no information from the PCP prior to specific referral visits, and 38% of these said that this information would have been helpful. In addition, four weeks after specific referral visits, 25% of PCPs had still not received any information from specialists. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial problems were present in the referral process. The major issues were physician dissatisfaction, lack of timeliness, and inadequate content of interphysician communication. Information obtained from the general survey and referral-specific survey was congruent. Efforts to improve the referral system could improve both physician satisfaction and quality of patient care.
Systemic irradiation for selected stage IV and recurrent pediatric solid tumors: method, toxicity, and preliminary results.

Abstract Eight patients with advanced pediatric solid tumors received either sequential upper and lower half-body irradiation (HBI) (7.5 rad/min to 500 rad total) or total body irradiation (TBI) (7.5 rad/min to 800 rad total) as part of two multimodality treatment regimens. All patients received combination chemotherapy; drugs were determined by the tumor type. The TBI regimen was selected for two patients who had progression of disease with conventional chemotherapy and for two patients with stage IV neuroblastoma. This intensive regimen consisted of bone marrow harvesting, followed by local radiation to gross disease, marrow-ablative chemotherapy, TBI, and re-infusion of the cryopreserved autologous marrow. Significant acute toxicity was followed by hematologic reconstitution in each patient within seven weeks. At this writing, two patients survive, one of whom is disease free two and one half years without maintenance chemotherapy. A less intensive, outpatient regimen was selected for four patients; three had a complete or good partial response to chemotherapy. The fourth patient had tumor-involved bone marrow not responsive to chemotherapy and was therefore ineligible for marrow cryopreservation and TBI. Each of these four patients received HBI after chemotherapy and local radiation to the primary and/or metastatic sites. Acute toxicity was limited to nausea and vomiting. Significant leukopenia and thrombocytopenia occured in three patients. All four patients were alive 10 to 26 months post HBI. This pilot study demonstrates that chemotherapy can be integrated with local fractionated radiation, and systemic radiation given as HBI or TBI with acceptable toxicity; sufficient bone marrow stem cells can be harvested after conventional chemotherapy and then cryopreserved to permit hematologic reconstitution of the patient who receives marrow ablative therapy.
Spindle-cell lesions of the liver: diagnosis by fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

Rarely, spindle-cell lesions in liver fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) are encountered. A retrospective review of our experience with lesions that are mesenchymal in origin or appearance was undertaken to elucidate the frequency and spectrum of these lesions. Image-guided liver FNABs performed over a 3-year period (n = 585) at our institution (1996-1998) were retrospectively evaluated. Cytologic smears, cell block preparations, and clinical follow-up of lesions with spindle-cell morphology were reviewed. Twenty-nine of 585 cases were of spindle-cell morphology (5%). Hemangiomas (n = 12, 41%) and metastatic sarcomas (n = 6, 21%) comprised the largest categories, followed by granulomatous inflammation (n = 3, 10%). Other cases included primary angiosarcoma and fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma. The most frequent spindle-cell liver lesion encountered is hemangioma, followed by metastatic leiomyosarcoma and granulomatous hepatitis. Awareness of diagnostic possibilities, special attention to specimen adequacy, and use of ancillary procedures can maximize diagnostic yield.
Identifying the exposure of two subsistence villages in Alaska to climate change using traditional ecological knowledge

Dramatic climatic change in the Arctic elevates the importance of determining the risk of exposure for people living in vulnerable areas and developing effective adaptation programs. Climate change assessment reports are valuable, and often definitive, sources of information for decision makers when constructing adaptation plans, yet the scope of these reports is too coarse to identify site-specific exposure to the impacts of climate change and adaptation needs. Subsistence hunters and gatherers in the Arctic are valuable knowledge holders of climate-related change in their area. Incorporating both their traditional ecological knowledge and information found in climate science assessment reports can offer adaption planners a deeper understanding of exposure to climate change and local adaptation needs. In this study, we compare information found in assessment reports of climate change in the Arctic with what we have learned from the Alaskans Sharing Indigenous Knowledge project from 2009 to 2012, a research project documenting traditional ecological knowledge in two Native villages in Alaska, Savoonga and Shaktoolik. Content analysis of the interviews with hunters and gatherers reveal the site-specific impacts of climate change affecting these two villages. We find that their traditional ecological knowledge is complimentary and largely corroborates the climate science found in assessment reports. Traditional ecological knowledge, however, is more current to the social and local conditions of the villages, and presents a more unified social and biophysical portrayal of the impacts of climate change. If taken together, these two forms of knowledge can focus adaptation planning on the pertinent needs of the communities in question.
A methodology for performance evaluation of systems with large emulation code

Emulation affects accurate performance evaluation of applications running on the present generation of computing machines. The emulation code from present generation of machines is often passed onto the traces which when used for the trace-driven performance evaluation of the next generation of architectures results in highly incorrect evaluations. The scenario captured by the trace may be real. However, one major problem associated with such a reality is that if such traces are used for future systems design, the underlying Implicit assumption will be that the emulation problem will persist with the same degree of impact. This novel paper presents the performance evaluation problem and solutions associated with a lot of computer systems executing relatively large amount of emulation code. As a case study, we have looked at the 68k emulation code problem on Apple's Macintosh computers for today's benchmarks. We have also attempted to explore the impact of the problem and alleviate it using novel techniques.
Retention and toxicity of a coal liquid in artificially contaminated sediments

Columbia River fine sediments were artificially spiked with coal liquids and removal rates and composition of retained phenolics were characterized following sequential water extractions. Acute (48 h) exposure of invertebrates Daphnia magna and Chironomus tentans within test containers provided an index of toxicity. Total phenols in the water column declined rapidly, with resultant reduced toxicity to pelagic D. magna. Significant mortalities to C. tentans larvae residing in the sediments were noted at the lowest sediment exposure level of 0.28 mg 1−1 total phenolics. Relative rates of phenolic compound removal from the sediments were noted as: C1, C2, C3, C4 phenols > C1, C2 indanols > phenol > C3 indanols. Sediment retention of less soluble, higher molecular weight phenolics may affect behavior and survival of sediment dwelling organisms following observance of transient effects in the water column.
Amphotericin B plus 1,3-bis (2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU-NSC no. 409962) in advanced cancer. Phase I and preliminary phase II results.

Twenty-one patients with advanced metastatic cancer received am photericin B (AmB) plus BCNU in a Phase I chemotherapy trial. Of 11 patients with measurable metastases from bronchogenic carcinoma, five had partial antitumor responses lasting 1.5 to 12+ months, and one had objective improvement. Only two of six patients with other types of tumors had objective improvement of short duration. No consistent evidence of immunologic stimulation was observed in eight patients studied. These results suggest that amphotericin B may increase the therapeutic ratio of BCNU, and further trials of this new concept in chemotherapy of advanced tumors are in progress. The dose-limiting toxicity was myelosuppression, usually thrombocytopenia. No enhancement of BCNU toxicity by the addition of AmB was observed. The recommended dose for future studies is: AmB, 7.5 mg/m2 on day 1, 15 mg/m2 on day 2, 30 mg/m2 on days 3 and 4; plus BCNU, 250 mg/m2 on day 4. The regimen is repeated every 6 to 8 weeks.
A 14b 3/6GHz current-steering RF DAC in 0.18μm CMOS with 66dB ACLR at 2.9GHz

The growth in communications coupled with the move towards multi-carrier, multi-band, multi-standard radio transmitters have helped drive high-speed digital-to-analog converter (DAC) technology for over a decade. The critical challenge for these DACs is realizing the highest possible signal purity at the DAC output. While DC linearity (from current source mismatch, for example) can be a factor, in most cases dynamic errors are the performance limiters.