cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metabolic Assessment Prior to Total Pancreatectomy and Islet Autotransplant: Utility, Limitations and Potential

Islet autotransplant (IAT) may ameliorate postsurgical diabetes following total pancreatectomy (TP), but outcomes are dependent upon islet mass, which is unknown prior to pancreatectomy. We evaluated whether preoperative metabolic testing could predict islet isolation outcomes and thus improve assessment of TPIAT candidates. We examined the relationship between measures from frequent sample IV glucose tolerance tests (FSIVGTT) and mixed meal tolerance tests (MMTT) and islet mass in 60 adult patients, with multivariate logistic regression modeling to identify predictors of islet mass ≥2500 IEQ/kg. The acute C-peptide response to glucose (ACRglu) and disposition index from FSIVGTT correlated modestly with the islet equivalents per kilogram body weight (IEQ/kg). Fasting and MMTT glucose levels and HbA1c correlated inversely with IEQ/kg (r values -0.33 to -0.40, p ≤ 0.05). In multivariate logistic regression modeling, normal fasting glucose (<100 mg/dL) and stimulated C-peptide on MMTT ≥4 ng/mL were associated with greater odds of receiving an islet mass ≥2500 IEQ/kg (OR 0.93 for fasting glucose, CI 0.87-1.0; OR 7.9 for C-peptide, CI 1.75-35.6). In conclusion, parameters obtained from FSIVGTT correlate modestly with islet isolation outcomes. Stimulated C-peptide ≥4 ng/mL on MMTT conveyed eight times the odds of receiving ≥2500 IEQ/kg, a threshold associated with reasonable metabolic control postoperatively.
Concept and Strategy in Surgery

Successful surgery requires study, advance planning, clear thinking, and technical skill. Brilliant execution of the wrong operation at the wrong time can only lead to disaster. To achieve consistently good results for each surgical condition the surgeon has to develop a concept that combines analysis of the literature, study of the disordered physiology, and comprehension of the hypothesis underlying the contemplated operation.
Factor XI and contact activation as targets for antithrombotic therapy

The most commonly used anticoagulants produce therapeutic antithrombotic effects either by inhibiting thrombin or factor Xa (FXa) or by lowering the plasma levels of the precursors of these key enzymes, prothrombin and FX. These drugs do not distinguish between thrombin generation contributing to thrombosis from thrombin generation required for hemostasis. Thus, anticoagulants increase bleeding risk, and many patients who would benefit from therapy go untreated because of comorbidities that place them at unacceptable risk for hemorrhage. Studies in animals demonstrate that components of the plasma contact activation system contribute to experimentally induced thrombosis, despite playing little or no role in hemostasis. Attention has focused on FXII, the zymogen of a protease (FXIIa) that initiates contact activation when blood is exposed to foreign surfaces, and FXI, the zymogen of the protease FXIa, which links contact activation to the thrombin generation mechanism. In the case of FXI, epidemiologic data indicate this protein contributes to stroke and venous thromboembolism, and perhaps myocardial infarction, in humans. A phase 2 trial showing that reduction of FXI may be more effective than low molecular weight heparin at preventing venous thrombosis during knee replacement surgery provides proof of concept for the premise that an antithrombotic effect can be uncoupled from an anticoagulant effect in humans by targeting components of contact activation. Here, we review data on the role of FXI and FXII in thrombosis and results of preclinical and human trials for therapies targeting these proteins.
Russell's Influence On Carnap's Aufbau

This paper concerns the debate on the nature of Rudolf Carnap'sproject in his 1928 book The Logical Structure of the Worldor Aufbau. Michael Friedman and Alan Richardson haveinitiated much of this debate. They claim that the Aufbauis best understood as a work that is firmly grounded inneo-Kantian philosophy. They have made these claims in oppositionto Quine and Goodman's ``received view'' of the Aufbau. Thereceived view sees the Aufbau as an attempt to carry out indetail Russell's external world program. I argue that both sidesof this debate have made errors in their interpretation ofRussell. These errors have led these interpreters to misunderstandthe connection between Russell's project and Carnap's project.Russell in fact exerted a crucial influence on Carnap in the1920s. This influence is complicated, however, due to the factthat Russell and Carnap disagreed on many philosophical issues. Iconclude that interpretations of the Aufbau that ignoreRussell's influence are incomplete.
US Sprint's high capacity, long-haul fiber network

The author addresses the design and construction rules established to ensure that the completed network would meet the long-range technical goals of the planners. They are covered in three parts, span design rules, installation methodology and requirements, and fiber testing methodology and requirements. He discusses a number of maintenance considerations and the need for additional standards in the industry. >
Judith Halberstam, The Queer Art of Failure

Judith Halberstam’s The Queer Art of Failure is an energetic and loving tribute to those of us who fail, lose, get lost, forget, get angry, become unruly, disrupt the normative order of things, and exist and behave in the world in ways that are considered antinormative, anticapitalist, and antidisciplinary. In this manifesto on failure, the author claims the possibility of failing well. She also looks at what it means to not win, to not buy into consumer culture, to not aspire to accumulate goods, or to challenge disciplinary boundaries. In doing so, Halberstam expands the archive of work that ought to be taken seriously, but hardly ever is. Her turn to overlooked or overtly rejected texts succeeds by throwing “high theory” out the window. From SpongeBob SquarePants to Valerie Solanas, from Jamaica Kincaid to Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009), Halberstam collects a set of narratives that weave together a politics of solidarity, of refusal, of unbecoming and unknowing, of the absurd that all come back to failing differently, failing better, and failing collectively.
A world model based approach to manipulator control

A dynamic world model is presented on which all planning, sensing, and control functions are based. A planning system that specifies how tasks are to be performed and the method used for sensing the state of the task are presented. The objectives of the control law and the algorithm used in the controller are given. Practical considerations are addressed, and some important details, such as the use of the null task, are explained. An example task of opening a door is examined. >
Fillet and groove stress concentrations

Utilizing the birefringent-coating technique complemented with data from electrical-resistance type of strain gages, the whole field stresses and stress-concentration factors were determined for single fillets and grooves for uniaxially and biaxially applied loads. The experimentally determined stress-concentration factors for the nonsymmetrical specimens subjected to uniaxially applied loads were considerably higher than the previously determined factors for symmetrical specimens subjected to uniaxial loads, or for the specimens in this study having a similar geometry but subjected to biaxial loads. The particular stress-concentration factors determined are not available in the literature, and these factors should, therefore, be especially useful for design purposes.
Performance analysis of direct data domain least squares approach for beamforming

In this paper, we investigate the performance of direct data domain least squares (D3LS) approach for beamforming. The beamforming techniques can be utilized in Wireless Sensor Networks to improve the performance of the estimation as it was done in Radars and Wireless Communications systems over the years successfully. D3LS approach requires the inversion of an ill-conditioned matrix to find the optimal array element complex weights and the performance of the beamformer will be dependent on the accuracy of these operations. Different matrix inversion approaches have been considered for D3LS. The numerical simulations are provided to show the efficacy of these methods.
Botulinum toxin for the treatment of chronic constipation in children with internal anal sphincter dysfunction

Internal anal sphincter (IAS) dysfunction is a cause of refractory constipation in children. The goal of this study was to determine whether intrasphincteric injection of botulinum toxin is effective in the treatment of constipation in pediatric patients with IAS dysfunction. A retrospective review was performed of 24 pediatric patients with intractable constipation. All patients had abnormal anorectal manometry, with either elevated IAS resting pressure (> or =100 mm Hg) or an absent or diminished rectoanal inhibitory reflex. Patients with Hirschsprung's disease were excluded. All patients underwent botox injection into the IAS and were followed for a minimum of 6 months. Of 24 patients, 22 experienced significant improvement in their constipation lasting greater than 2 weeks. The duration of effect was variable, with 12 patients demonstrating benefit lasting at least 6 months. Transient postoperative incontinence occurred in five patients. Intrasphincteric injection of botox is a safe and effective treatment for intractable constipation in children with IAS dysfunction.
Determination of hydralazine in human plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection

Hydralazine is used as an antihypertensive vasodilator drug. A specific and sensitive method for extraction and analysis of hydralazine by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection was developed. Hydralazine and 4-methylhydralazine (internal standard) in plasma were derivatized at room temperature with salicylaldehyde. The derivatives were extracted in basic medium with a mixture of heptane, methylene chloride and isopentyl alcohol. A very good separation of hydralazine and 4-methylhydralazine from matrix material was achieved on a Supelcosil LC-18-DB (5 microns) reversed-phase column kept at 28 degrees C with a mobile phase of 66% methanol in 0.055 M citric acid/0.02 M dibasic sodium phosphate (pH 2.5). The hydralazine level was measured electrochemically by a screen oxidation mode. This method offers significant advantages in sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. Sample analysis by HPLC required less than 8 min. Application of the method to monitor plasma levels of hydralazine from a patient receiving the drug for the treatment of severe pregnancy-induced hypertension is discussed.
Code You Can Use: Searching for web automation scripts based on reusability

Web scripting enables users to automate interactions with websites. Online open source repositories provide scripts available for reuse. Yet just because these scripts are open source does not mean they are all reusable: many are specialized and irrelevant to most peoples' needs, while others are hard to understand or learn from. Repositories offer keyword-based search engines to find scripts relevant to specialized needs, but they lack any means for filtering search results according to reusability. To address this shortcoming, we present an approach for creating a model to automatically estimate the reusability of web automation scripts. To test this approach, we prototyped a search engine that uses these reusability estimates to sort one particular kind of web automation scripts, CoScripter macros, according to reusability. An empirical evaluation confirmed that the system's reusability estimates are significantly correlated with user perceptions of macro reusability, thus implying that our approach presents a viable means for helping end-user programmers to find reusable web automation scripts. Keywords—reuse; end-user programming; scripting
Conversational English of university students

(1967). Conversational English of university students. Speech Monographs: Vol. 34, No. 1, pp. 65-73.
Proteolysis and Rheology of Low Fat and Full Fat Mozzarella Cheeses Prepared from Homogenized Milk

Abstract The rheological and proteolytic characteristics of low fat and full fat Mozzarella cheeses made from milk homogenized at 10,300 and 17,200 kPa were compared with those of cheeses prepared from nonhomogenized milk. Half of the samples were cooked at 45.9°C and half at 32.4°C; the lower temperature resulted in higher moisture in nonfat substance. α s1 -Casein partially degraded to α s1 -I-casein in the cheeses cooked at the lower temperature during 6 wk of refrigerated storage. Except for the 17,200-kPa cheese, proteolysis was dependent on moisture in nonfat substance. Hardness increased with homogenization pressure and decreased with fat percentage and moisture in nonfat substance. Meltability was aided by storage and hindered by fat reduction, higher cooking temperature, and homogenization. Storage modulus decreased during storage and increased with pressure and cooking temperature. A low fat Mozzarella having textural and melting properties comparable with those of a normal high fat cheese can be prepared using homogenized milk, a lower preparation temperature, and refrigerated storage.
Enhancing Database Access Control by Facilitating Non-Key Related Cover Stories

This paper presents an extension to a Multi-Level Secure (MLS) data model that requires the classification of data and users into multiple security levels. In MLS systems, cover stories allow information provided to users at lower security levels to differ from information provided to users at higher security levels. Previous versions of the MLS model did not permit cover stories for key attributes, because the key is used to relate the various cover stories for a particular entity. We have extended the MLS model to include non-key related cover stories so that key attributes can also have different values at different security levels. In this paper we describe the necessary model changes and modifications to the relational algebra, which are required to implement non-key related cover stories. We demonstrate the improvements made by these changes and discuss the implementation and performance of a system based on the described concepts.
Effect of hypertonic mannitol infusion during prolonged coronary occlusion

Previous studies investigating the effect of hypertonic mannitol infusion during coronary occlusion have yielded conflicting results. The present study investigated the effect of hypertonic mannitol infusion on regional myocardial blood flow (microsphere technique), a metabolic index of ischaemic severity (myocardial Pco2 (Pmco2)) and myocardial water accumulation during a 2 h anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) occlusion in open chest anaesthetised dogs. In seven dogs studied without mannitol intervention, LAD ligation resulted in an initial fall in regional blood flow to 25% of control flow followed by no significant change thereafter. Myocardial Pco2 distal to the ligation rose to a peak of 34.0±4.4 kPa (256±89 mmHg) (mean±SEM). At the completion of the 2 h ischaemia period, myocardial water content was 8.4% greater in ischaemic than non-ischaemic tissue (3.87±0.11 and 3.57±0.03 g·g−1 dry weight respectively). In seven additional dogs, mannitol infusion begun 12 min following occlusion resulted in an increase in plasma osmolarity from 304±5 to 346±8 mosmol·litre−1, but failed to influence regional flow, Pmco2, or water accumulation in the ischaemic tissue. The inability of mannitol to favourably influence the severity of myocardial ischaemia during prolonged coronary occlusion may be due to its inability to prevent myocardial cell swelling in this model.
Energy Legislation and Gasoline Tax Revenue

This article investigates the impact of changes in highway gasoline tax rates and gasoline efficiency on U.S. gasoline tax revenue, using a simultaneous equation model which incorporates highway mileage as one determinant of travel volume (hence user revenues) and travel volume (through highway trust fund revenues) as one determinant of highway mileage. The article concludes that: (1) a one-cent per gallon increase in the gasoline tax would be expected to increase annual gasoline tax revenues by $1.06 billion and (2) an increase in gasoline efficiency of one mile per gallon would be expected to decrease the annual gasoline tax revenue by $1.02 billion. The net effect of these two changes would thus be expected to result in a negligible increase in gasoline tax revenue.
A microcomputer based control and data acquisition system for early model wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometers

Early model wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometers can be inexpensively fitted with computer capability through the use of a microcomputer. The principal advantage of the microcomputer over a minicomputer is low cost and the principal disadvantage is relatively slow computational speed. We have found that an Apple II plus microcomputer can perform all of the tasks previously assigned to a larger (and more expensive) minicomputer. Ready availability, ease of service and program flexibility make the microcomputer an attractive choice for a laboratory computer. A matrix effect correction program, XRF-4, has been run in the microcomputer with excellent results.
Precision measurements and control of an automated two-dimensional grid plate testing machine

Abstract The article describes current development of an automated two-dimensional precision grid plate testing system applicable to measure an array of grid marks or points premarked on a grid plate at sub-micron level accuracy. The grid plates are commonly being used as referencing devices to check sizes of small manufactured parts such as semiconductor geometry and integrated circuits. The grid plates discussed in this paper are generally glass plates with some type of symmetric marks placed on the glass surface. The primary goal of this research work is to use off-the-shelf type of equipment like laser interferometer, precision stage, machine vision system and micro-computer, and integrate them to build a low-cost, practical system usable for the grid plate calibration services. The initial assessment indicates that the present system can measure locations of grid points with an accuracy of 0.5 μm. This accuracy is comparable to much more expensive measurement systems available in the market place. There are many additional refinements and improvements to the system are under way to enhance its present capability and meet our original design goal of 0.05 μm accuracy.
Approaches for Conducting Large Cohort Studies

Numerous cohort studies have been initiated over the past 50 years to address lifestyle and biochemical determinants of specific diseases. A key feature of these studies is that information on the primary exposures and potential confounders is required from the individual subjects themselves, rather than from routinely collected data. In this brief overview we will discuss some of the theoretical and practical issues to be considered in the development and conduct of a large modern cohort study. Earlier cohorts, such as those of occupational and medical exposures including the health effects of ionizing radiation (1, 2), frequently did not require contact with the participants, and, thus, could address only very specific issues and were limited in ability to account for confounding. These studies will not be considered in detail here. Some of the first modern cohort studies were established specifically to evaluate one or a few factors, such as the health effects of smoking (3-5) or physical activity (6, 7). Still, other simple variables were collected that have provided valuable opportunities to examine the effects of obesity (8), alcohol consumption (9, 10), and oral contraceptives (11, 12). Early population-based cohorts included the work of Archie Cochrane who, in 1950, began the study of Rhondda Fach which encompassed eight mining towns. Of the adult population, 89 percent were x-rayed, including some 2,764 miners and 3,055 ex-miners (13, 14). Though the initial focus was on causes of pneumoconiosis and progressive massive fibrosis among miners living in these communities (14), rheumatoid arthritis was examined (15), and by the first follow-up 2'/2 years after the baseline data collection, psychiatric conditions were added as a focus of disability (16). Cardiovascular risk factors and endpoints were studied from early in the life of this
Characterization of the Ras homologue of Schistosoma mansoni

Ras is a member of a super-family of guanine-binding or G-proteins. Ras functions as a molecular switch in the transduction of signals generated by the activation of a variety of cell surface receptors and relays the signals to downstream effectors. Little is known about signal transduction in schistosomes. In order for Schistosoma mansoni to survive different immune responses triggered by the host as well as to migrate from the site of penetration at the skin to the final destination in portal circulation, they must receive signals from the host environment and respond to them in a way that allows their survival. We have isolated the schistosome Ras cDNA by using sequence information of the schistosome Ras homologue submitted to the Genbank database. Analysis of the encoded peptide revealed 81% identity and 92% similarity with K-Ras from various species. Ras is a single copy gene as determined by quantitative hybridization experiments. The cDNA was cloned into pGEX-4T and the expressed peptide was used to generate specific antibody reagents. Affinity purified antibodies identified a 23 kDa native protein that localizes to the subtegument. Ras is not associated with the tegument. Ras is expressed in all the developmental stages of the parasite. However, Ras is over-expressed in female worms compared to males. Schistosome Ras was also shown to be post-translationally modified by addition of farnesyl isoprenoid moiety to the cysteine residue in the C-terminal box. Using a schistosome extract in vitro SmRas farnesylation was inhibited by the farnesyl transferase inhibitor, FTI-277, at concentrations comparable to those required to inhibit K-Ras processing. These initial studies on signal transduction in schistosomes should provide a solid basis for improving our understanding of schistosome-host interactions.
Equilibrium and transport properties of mixed electrolytes

The mixing rules which govern the changes in thermodynamic properties when electrolytes are mixed are briefly reviewed. Similar rules have been reported on the basis of both experiments and model calculations to govern the change in electrical conductivity when electrolytes are mixed. New model calculations show that there also is a Cassel-Wood effect in the conductivity of mixtures of electrolytes of different charge types.
A Field Theory of Spatial Interaction

Spatial interaction—the flows of people, goods, or other entities from place to place—can be conceptualized as occurring in a scalar field of influences, both of external origin (that is, travel costs) and of internal origin (that is, temporal correlations between flows). Conventional spatial interaction models, however, incorporate into their cost functions only the exogenous effects. This omission is addressed. The presence of significant positive and negative correlations between flows would be indicative of a ‘frustrated’ system of interactions, one in which all tendencies cannot be simultaneously respected. Cost (energy) minimization (a generalization of the classical problem of transportation) that can be pursued by means of simulated annealing, reduces these stresses. Enhancement of the tensions, on the other hand, leads to an equivalence with the quadratic transportation problem of Dorigo and Tobler, and suggests that the eigenvalues of the matrix of correlations between flows, are estimates of tr...
A spectrophotometric method for determination of urea

Abstract If phenazone is substituted for perchloric acid or arsenic pentoxide in the diacetylmonoxime reaction for urea determination, a colored product is formed, apparently from a double condensation of phenazone with diacetylmonoxime and urea. The color has a maximum absorption at 460 mμ. Beer's law is followed for concentrations of urea ranging from 0.1 to 2 μg/ml in the final reaction mixture. The sensitivity is very high ( E 1 cm 1% 5.900), the color is stable, and the reaction seems to be specific. It is very simple and is routinely performed on an amount of filtrate corresponding to 10 μl of blood.
Electron microscopic examination of skin biopsy as a cost-effective tool in the diagnosis of lysosomal storage diseases.

In this report, we have summarized our 9-year experience of over 100 proven cases of lysosomal storage disease using electron microscopic evaluation of skin biopsies as a screening tool. The skin biopsy was very specific in establishing the diagnosis in only two disorders, namely neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis and mucolipidosis IV. Although the biopsy was not diagnostic in other categories of storage diseases, it proved to be highly sensitive and provided valuable clues to direct further investigations on the basis of morphologic appearance of stored material and the cell type affected. Only in two cases of biochemically proven lysosomal storage disease was the morphologic diagnosis unable to be confirmed. We have compared the cost of screening for storage disorders using skin biopsy with the cost of performing multiple lysosomal enzyme assays. Our findings indicate that the skin biopsy, although more expensive than a single enzyme assay, provides an efficient, rapid, cost-effective tool to screen for mor...
An unsteady one-dimensional two-fluid model for fuel-coolant mixing in an LWR meltdown accident

Abstract The multiphase code PHOENICS is used to predict the mixing of molten core material with the lower plenum water pool in a severe light-water reactor accident. One-dimensional behavior is assumed, corresponding to catastrophic failure of the lower support plate, possibly due to a preliminary steam explosion. For the dangerous range of fuel drop sizes (10–100 mm) it is found that there is rapid level swell, with most of the drops being levitated upwards in a region of high steam volume fraction. This condition is thought to be unfavorable for an efficient explosion.
the dialogics of tribal self-representation in Jordan

Bedouin tribes have come to symbolize Jordan's national identity. The symbolization of tribes and the tribalism discourse of which it is a part have dialogically influenced tribal self-representations. In response to the denigration of tribal culture by its critics and the appropriation of tribal culture by the State as the keystone of Jordan's national heritage, the tribes of Jordan are reconceiving and reevaluating their culture. Two examples from the tribes of the Jordan Valley–the changing meanings associated with traditional Bedouin dresses and a local exhibition of tribal culture–illustrate the dialogic process by which the tribes of Jordan are constituting themselves in a changing world. [Jordan, tribes, nationalism, representation, dialogism]
Algorithm for multiple disassembly and parallel assemblies

We consider the geometric problem of generating efficient sequences for disassembling components. First, a classification of assemblies is proposed based on logical, dimensional and geometric complexities, and a simple method is outlined for recognizing parallel and sequential assemblies. Next, an efficient algorithm is outlined for removing multiple components from an assembly. Finally, we consider parallel assemblies and outline two algorithms for their disassembly
Microwave and infrared spectra of isotopically substituted carbonyl selenide (OCSe)

Abstract Infrared and microwave spectral measurements are given for three isotopically enriched species of carbonyl selenide. The high-resolution infrared measurements (made near 2000 and 2600 cm −1 ) provide constants for the following transitions: 10 0 000 0 0 for 16 O 12 C 80 Se; 10 0 000 0 0 and 11 1 001 1 0 for 18 O 12 C 80 Se; and 10 0 000 0 0, 11 1 001 1 0, 10 0 100 0 1, and 10 0 100 0 0 for 16 O 13 C 80 Se. Microwave measurements are given for the J = 4 ← 3, and 3 ← 2 transitions of 18 O 12 C 80 Se and 16 O 13 C 80 Se in the 00 0 0, 01 1 0, 02 0 0, 02 2 0, and 00 0 1 states. Equilibrium rotational constants are given for all three isotopic species and the equilibrium bond distances are determined to be r e (CO) = 1.1535 ± 0.0001 A and r e (CSe) = 1.7098 ± 0.0001 A .
Eccentric Ventricular Hypertrophy in Familial and Sporadic Instances of 46 XX, XY Turner Phenotype

This study of individuals with familial and sporadically occurring 46 XX or XY Turner phenotype documented a wide range of right- and left-sided cardiovascular abnormalities and a previously unreported eccentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle. A mother and five of her seven children had abnormal cardiovascular findings. Five had an abnormal electrocardiogram with frontal AQRS of -60° to ±180° and rS or rsr' in V1 and rS, qrS, or qRS in V5. Catheterization demonstrated the following anomalies: coarctation of the aorta in three, valvular aortic stenosis in one, pulmonary valvular insufficiency with atrial septal defect in one, and pulmonary arterial branch stenosis in one child. All six had a similar abnormality of the left ventricle on angiocardiography. During systole and also in diastole the cavity was encroached on in its superolateral and posteroinferior aspects. Septal hypertrophy altered right ventricular contour in two. A similarly abnormal electrocardiogram and left ventricle were found in four...
Collision avoidance and trajectory tracking control based on approximations of the maximum function

In this paper, convergent over approximations of the maximum function (previously introduced and used for designing strategies for multiple players in pursuit-evasion games) are used to accomplish two objectives for multiple vehicles scenarios: collision avoidance and trajectory tracking. The fact that these approximations are upper approximations of the maximum functions allows us to establish guarantees on the performance (in terms of achieving the objectives) of the vehicles. We combine the approximations of the maximum function with the receding horizon control approach to design control laws. Finally, the method is illustrated by a representative example, where the control laws are designed for nonholonomic vehicles with actuator constraints.
Lymphocyte adherence in multiple sclerosis. Role of monocytes and increased sensitivity of MS lymphocytes to prostaglandin E.

Abstract The role of monocytes and prostaglandin E (PGE) in control of MS lymphocyte adherence to measles virus-infected human epithelial cells was examined. Adherence of control and MS lymphocytes was significantly reduced when monocytes were removed from mononuclear cell suspensions by adherence to glass, to tissue culture cell microexudate-coated flasks, and by ingestion of iron filings. Adherence to uninfected cells was not altered by monocyte depletion. Lymphocyte adherence determination (LAD) values could be restored by incubation of depleted cell suspensions with PGE 1 and E 2 or by adding back monocytes at a 20:1 or 10:1 lymphocyte to monocyte ratio. These results indicated that monocytes, perhaps by virtue of their capacity for PG synthesis, are required for optimal adherence of lymphocytes to virus-infected cells. MS monocytes produce significantly higher levels of PGE in tissue culture than do control monocytes, and monocyte-depleted MS leukocytes are more sensitive to PGE-induced increases in LAD at lower concentrations of PGE (10 −12 M ) than control lymphocytes. MS mononuclear cells pretreated with 5 × 10 −5 M aspirin, were more sensitive to PGE-induced increases in LAD at concentrations from 10 −4 –10 −14 M . Thus increased lymphocyte adherence in MS patients appears to result from defective monocyte-mediated control and abnormal lymphocyte responses. The cell-cell interactions responsible for the in vitro test may be regulated by prostaglandins.
Epidural analgesia and cardiac output in severe pre-eclamptics.

Summary Labour and delivery cardiac output was assessed by thermal dilution in ten severe pre-eclamptics who received lumbar epidural analgesia. Control cardiac output was 8·8 litres/min which remained statistically unchanged following administration of lumbar epidural analgesia. At birth and delivery of the placenta, there was a moderate increase in cardiac output which increased significantly (28%) by 15 min after delivery of the placenta. Subsequently over the next hour, cardiac output returned toward baseline levels. Mother and fetus were stable throughout and infant Apgar scores were good. These results emphasise that lumbar epidural analgesia has little effect on cardiac output in severe pre-eclamptics.
Aspiration level effects: An empirical investigation

Abstract Theories of aspiration level effects predict that decisions under uncertainty will depend on whether performance is above or below some target level of performance. A sample of 5000 quarterly earnings announcements by publicity held companies listed on the COMPUSTAT and CRSP data bases is examined to test this hypothesis. Four models from the current accounting literature are used as alternative estimates of the target level of earnings for these firms. When earnings are announced the difference between actual and forecast earnings, here called a forecast error, can be computed. The data indicate that the relationship between valuation and forecast error differs conditional on the sign of the forecast error.
“How May I Help You?” Improving Telephone Customer Service in a Medical Clinic Setting

The current study was carried out per management request to improve the overall quality of telephone customer service among appointment coordinators in a medical clinic. Exceptional telephone customer service included (a) using a standard greeting, (b) speaking in the appropriate tone of voice throughout the call, and (c) answering every call received by the unit. A preintervention analysis suggested that performance deficiencies resulted from weak antecedents, poor knowledge and skills, and weak performance contingencies. Task clarification, goal setting, feedback, and performance-contingent consequences were combined to improve these customer service behaviors for 20 full-time appointment coordinators at the clinic. The study used an ABA reversal design with weekly maintenance and 5-month follow-up observations. Introduction of the multicomponent intervention produced visible improvements in greeting (38% increase) and friendly voice tone (22% increase) behaviors; performance was maintained above baseli...
Annual rainfall, topoedaphic heterogeneity and growth of an arid land tree (Prosopis glandulosa)

Abstract Basal area growth rates for Prosopis glandulosa were quantified for contrasting landscape elements in a subtropical savanna. We hypothesized that growth rates of P. glandulosa plants (1) are a function of seasonal or annual rainfall; and (2) vary with patch type and in the rank order observed for large trees. Prosopis glandulosa growth was responsive to changes in rainfall (−0·974 cm 2 year −1 in a dry year; 9·108 in a wet year), but correlations with rainfall were low. Growth of trees in contrasting patches was not consistently different, suggesting that contrasts in tree sizes across the landscape reflect differences in establishment dates rather than differences in growth rates.
Women Police Chiefs: A Statistical Profile:

The goal of this study was to identify women chiefs of police, women sheriffs, and women in federal law enforcement at the rank of special agent in charge or above to establish a demographic profil...
Tribological properties of silicon carbide in the metal removal process

Abstract In this paper material properties are reviewed as they relate to the adhesion, friction and wear of single-crystal silicon carbide in contact with metals and alloys that are likely to be involved in a metal removal process such as grinding. For simplicity of discussion, the tribological properties of concern in the metal removal processes are separated into two contributions: the first is that in which metal removal arises primarily from adhesion between sliding surfaces in contact and the second is where metal removal occurs as a result of the silicon carbide sliding against a metal, indenting into it and plowing a series of grooves or furrows. The paper also deals with the fracture and deformation characteristics of the silicon carbide surface. The adhesion, friction and metal transfer to silicon carbide are related to the relative chemical activity of the metals: the more active the metal, the higher the adhesion and friction and the greater the metal transfer to the silicon carbide. The atomic size and the content of alloying elements play a dominant role in controlling the adhesion and friction properties of alloys. The friction and abrasive wear (metal removal) decrease linearly as the shear strength of the bulk metal increases. The atomic size and the content of alloying elements are also important parameters in controlling the friction and abrasive wear of alloys. They decrease both as the solute-to-solvent atomic radius ratio increases or decreases linearly from unity and with an increase in solute content. The surface fracture of silicon carbide is due to cleavages of {0001}, {1010} and/or {1120} planes.
The Athenian Society of Queen's College

This article describes content and places into historical context the "Transaction of the Athenian Society from the Year 1776 to 1786," an old minute book of this student society of Queen's College. It contains what we believe to be the earliest reference to a library at Rutgers.
Characteristics and significance of atmospheric carbon monoxide consumption by soils

Abstract CO consumption by soils is an important but uncertain component of atmospheric CO budgets. Global estimates range from 15 to 640 Tg CO yr−1. A number of such estimates have been used in models of CO dynamics in the atmosphere. Uncertainties in these models and in CO sources readily accommodate a wide range of consumption estimates. A review of empirical evidence suggests that a range of 190–580 Tg yr−1 derived from Seiler (1978) encompasses the likely sink strength, although the lower limit is most probable since CO production in temperate soils and the effects of illumination have not yet been adequately incorporated. Various evidence also indicates that soil water content and organic matter concentrations are major parameters affecting CO exchange, with temperature exerting more modest effects except in arid systems. The microbes active in CO consumption remain unknown, although ammonia- and methane-oxidizing bacteria seem to contribute little.
Comparison of Selectively Polarizable Force Fields for Ion−Water−Peptide Interactions: Ion Translocation in a Gramicidin-like Channel

Previous molecular dynamics simulations have shown that explicit inclusion of electronic polarizability significantly influences correlations in a gramicidin-like channel (ref 1). We now separately consider how water and helix polarization modify structure in the single-file regime of the head-to-head β6.3 helix. Further, we investigate how internal energy barriers are influenced by polarization. We contrast midmonomer properties for small and large cations (Na+ and Cs+, respectively) and for four polarizability scenarios: all polar groups polarizable; only water polarizable; only helix groups polarizable; and no polar groups polarizable. To ensure comparability, the group dipole moments in nonpolarizable cases are adjusted to mimic either mean electrostatic interaction energetics or mean group dipole moments of the fully polarizable water-filled channel. With a polarizable helix, ion−carbonyl correlations strengthen and ion−water correlations weaken. With polarizable water, the opposite holds. The conse...
Bio-based phenols and fuel production from catalytic microwave pyrolysis of lignin by activated carbons.

Abstract The aim of this study is to explore catalytic microwave pyrolysis of lignin for renewable phenols and fuels using activated carbon (AC) as a catalyst. A central composite experimental design (CCD) was used to optimize the reaction condition. The effects of reaction temperature and weight hourly space velocity (WHSV, h −1 ) on product yields were investigated. GC/MS analysis showed that the main chemical compounds of bio-oils were phenols, guaiacols, hydrocarbons and esters, most of which were ranged from 71% to 87% of the bio-oils depending on different reaction conditions. Bio-oils with high concentrations of phenol (45% in the bio-oil) were obtained. The calorific value analysis revealed that the high heating values (HHV) of the lignin-derived biochars were from 20.4 to 24.5 MJ/kg in comparison with raw lignin (19 MJ/kg). The reaction mechanism of this process was analyzed.
Correlation and Prediction of Phase Behavior of Organic Compounds in Ionic Liquids Using the Nonrandom Two-Liquid Segment Activity Coefficient Model

Room-temperature ionic liquids have shown great potential as media for reactions and separations. Information on how organic compounds interact with these ionic liquids is crucial in assessing their usefulness. Here, the nonrandom two-liquid segment activity coefficient (NRTL-SAC) model is used first to correlate values of infinite-dilution activity coefficients for organic compounds in ionic liquids and then to predict the phase behavior of various mixtures involving these ionic liquids. NRTL-SAC provides a robust, qualitative predictive model based on four molecular descriptors that are designed to capture molecular surface interaction characteristics: hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, polarity, and solvation strength.
A method for easing the launch and recovery of mouth-closing midwater trawls

Abstract A method is described to simplify the handling of mouth-closing midwater trawls during launch and recovery operations at sea. The vertical cables of the net mouth are drawn upward to stack the mouth and frame bars into a smaller package.
Analysis of gross error rates in operation of commercial nuclear power stations

Abstract Experience in operation of US commercial nuclear power plants is reviewed over a 25-moth period. The reports accumulated in that period on events of human error and component failure are examined to evaluate gross operator error rates. The impact of such errors on plant operation and safety is examined through the use of proper taxonomies of error, tasks and failures. Four categories of human errors are considered; namely, operator, maintenance, installation and administrative. The computed error rates are used to examine appropriate operator models for evaluation of operator reliability. Human error rates are found to be significant to a varying degree in both BWR and PWR. This emphasizes the import of considering human factors in safety and reliability analysis of nuclear systems. The results also indicate that human errors, and especially operator errors, do indeed follow the exponential reliability model.
Deprivation and drug effects on prepyriform cortex electrical activity in rats

Abstract Food deprivation in rats was accompanied by increased mean amplitude of prepyriform cortex electrical activity. Virtually all of the effect was observed in the first 23 hr. Observations at deprivation periods of 47 hr showed no further increments in amplitude. Deprivation-associated increments in electrical activity were observed across several different behaviors. The frequency of high amplitude bursts characteristic of the prepyriform region was not affected by deprivation nor did burst frequency vary in the different behaviors. Administration of Benzedrine to food-deprived rats produced a marked diminution in average electrical amplitude and tended to depress the frequency of high amplitude bursts. The animals in this condition ceased working to obtain food but continued to exhibit exploratory behavior resembling that found during food deprivation. Light doses of barbiturate, on the other hand, increased the average electrical amplitude at the same time rendering the animal inactive. Motivational effects on brain electrical activity do not appear to parallel drug-induced effects, although behavior is similar in the two situations.
Technololgy, group process, and group outcomes: testing the connections in computer-mediated and face-to-face groups

This article examines the effect of communication media on group processes and the consequent effect of processes on group cohesiveness, satisfaction, and productivity using mediated regression analysis. Data are based on Straus and McGrath (1994), in which 72 three-person groups worked on idea generation, intellective, and judgment tasks in either computer-mediated (CM) or face-to-face (FTF) discussions. Straus and McGrath found that in comparison to FTF groups, CM groups were less productive across tasks and expressed lower satisfaction in the judgment task. This article adds to findings about group outcomes by showing that CM groups expressed lower cohesiveness than did FTF groups. Analysis of communication processes shows that CM groups had higher proportions of task communication and disagreement and greater equality of participation. In contrast to prior reports that people using electronic communication are depersonalized, CM groups did not engage in more attacking behavior and they exchanged higher rates of supportive communication than did FTF groups. Mediated regression analysis reveals that the group process accounted for the effect of communication mode on cohesiveness and satisfaction but not on productivity. Results suggest that media effects on outcomes, as well as on processes such as task focus and equality of participation, are due to the rates by which CM and FTF groups operate and not necessarily because of any inherently depersonalizing feature of electronic communication.
Q&A: The flu catcher

Richard Webby studies the ecology of influenza, trying to better understand how certain strains of influenza can leap across the species divide from animals to people. Nature Outlook sat down with him to learn more about his research.
Skull of Hesperornis and Early Evolution of Birds

Additional preparation of a specimen found a century ago permits complete reconstruction of the skull of the Cretaceous bird Hesperornis. This skull provides new evidence on the evolution of the avian palate and the origin of avian cranial kinesis, and further substantiates the evolution of birds from theropod dinosaurs.
A k shortest path algorithm for adaptive routing in communications networks

An efficient and flexible algorithm is presented for finding a k shortest loopless path with distinct initial links from one node to each other node. Low-order polynomial bounds are established for the worst-case time complexity of the algorithm, showing it to offer a substantial improvement over applying known algorithms to the problem. The algorithm can incorporate various extensions, including the ability to handle an algebraic objective, which enhance its applicability to diverse network models. In addition, the k shortest path formulation and algorithm are proposed as a basis for network survivability measures where path length bounds exist. >
Fischer–Tropsch synthesis: effect of ammonia impurities in syngas feed over a cobalt/alumina catalyst

Abstract The effect of co-fed ammonia in syngas on the performance of a traditional cobalt catalyst (platinum promoted cobalt/alumina) was investigated during Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) using a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR). The addition of 1, 10, 100, and 1200 ppmw (concentration of ammonia with respect to the syngas feed) of ammonia resulted in significant irreversible deactivation of the catalyst under identical reaction conditions. The percentage of deactivation was almost constant (±5%) at all the concentrations (1–1200 ppmw) of ammonia exposure. The addition of ammonia (either NH 3 gas or aqueous NH 4 OH) particularly at higher concentrations exhibits lower methane selectivity compared to ammonia-free synthesis conditions. This enhancement in C 5 + hydrocarbon formation may be attributed to the selective poisoning of metallic cobalt sites by addition of ammonia.