cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laser-assisted atom probe tomography of c-plane and m-plane InGaN test structures

Laser-assisted atom probe tomography (APT) was used to measure the indium mole fraction x of c-plane, MOCVD-grown, GaN/In(x)Ga(1-x)N/GaN test structures and the results were compared with Rutherford backscattering analysis (RBS). Four sample types were examined with (RBS determined) x = 0.030, 0.034, 0.056, and 0.112. The respective In(x)Ga(1-x)N layer thicknesses were 330 nm, 327 nm, 360 nm, and 55 nm. APT data were collected at (fixed) laser pulse energy (PE) selected within the range of (2-1000) fJ. Sample temperatures were = 54 K. PE within (2-50) fJ yielded x values that agreed with RBS (within uncertainty) and were comparatively insensitive to region-of-interest (ROI) geometry and orientation. By contrast, approximate stoichiometry was only found in the GaN portions of the samples provided PE was within (5-20) fJ and the analyses were confined to cylindrical ROIs (of diameters =20 nm) that were coaxial with the specimen tips. m-plane oriented tips were derived from c-axis grown, core-shell, GaN/In(x)Ga(1-x)N nanorod heterostructures. Compositional analysis along [0 0 0 1] (transverse to the long axis of the tip), of these m-plane samples revealed a spatial asymmetry in charge-state ratio (CSR) and a corresponding asymmetry in the resultant tip shape along this direction; no asymmetry in CSR or tip shape was observed for analysis along [-1 2-1 0]. Simulations revealed that the electric field strength at the tip apex was dominated by the presence of a p-type inversion layer, which developed under typical tip-electrode bias conditions for the n-type doping levels considered. Finally, both c-plane and m-plane sample types showed depth-dependent variations in absolute ion counts that depended upon ROI placement.
Small files’ problem in Hadoop: A systematic literature review

Abstract Apache Hadoop is an open-source software library which integrates a wide variety of software tools and utilities to facilitate the distributed batch processing of big data sets. Hadoop ecosystem comprises two major components - Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS), which is primarily used for storage and MapReduce, which is primarily used for processing of the files. The performance of Hadoop holds back when it comes to storage and processing of small files. Small files are essentially the files that are significantly smaller in size when compared to the default block size of HDFS. This is because each small file consumes a block individually leading to excessive memory requirement, access time and processing time. Scaling the memory, allowing access latencies and processing delays beyond a limit is not an option. Henceforth, in this paper, a Systematic Literature Review has been performed to provide a comprehensive and exhaustive gestalt of the small files' problem in Hadoop. The paper defines a comprehensive taxonomy of Hadoop ecosystem and its’ existent small files problem. Further, the study also attempts to critically analyze the solutions that have been proposed to overcome this problem. These solutions have been analytically studied to identify the set of parameters that should be considered in impending while proposing solutions pertaining to this problem.
Image Processing and Mathematical Morphology: Fundamentals and Applications

Introduction to Mathematical Morphology Basic Concept in Digital Image Processing Brief History of Mathematical Morphology Essential Morphological Approach to Image Analysis Scope of This Book Binary Morphology Set Operations on Binary Images Logical Operations on Binary Images Binary Dilation Binary Erosion Opening and Closing Hit-or-Miss Transformation Grayscale Morphology Grayscale Dilation and Erosion Grayscale Dilation Erosion Duality Theorem Grayscale Opening and Closing Basic Morphological Algorithms Boundary Extraction Region Filling Extraction of Connected Components Convex Hull Thinning Thickening Skeletonization Pruning Morphological Edge Operator Basic Morphological Filters Alternating Sequential Filters Recursive Morphological Filters Soft Morphological Filters OSSM Filters RSM Filters (RSMFs) ROSSM Filters Regulated Morphological Filters Fuzzy Morphological Filters Distance Transformation DT by Iterative Operations DT by Mathematical Morphology Approximation of Euclidean Distances Decomposition of Distance SEs Iterative Erosion Algorithm Two Scan-Based Algorithm Three-Dimensional Euclidean Distance Acquiring Approaches Deriving Approaches 7 Feature Extraction Edge Linking by MM Corner Detection by Regulated Morphology Shape Database with Hierarchical Features Corner and Circle Detection Size Histogram Object Representation Object Representation and Tolerances Skeletonization or MA Transformation Morphological Shape Description Decomposition of Morphological Structuring Elements Decomposition of Geometric-Shaped SEs Decomposition of Binary SEs Decomposition of Grayscale SEs Architectures for Mathematical Morphology Threshold Decomposition of Grayscale Morphology into Binary Morphology Implementing Morphological Operations Using Programmable Neural Networks MLP as Processing Modules A Systolic Array Architecture Implementation on Multicomputers General Sweep Mathematical Morphology Theoretical Development of General Sweep MM Blending of Sweep Surfaces with Deformations Image Enhancement Edge Linking Geometric Modeling and Sweep MM Formal Language and Sweep Morphology Grammars Parsing Algorithms Morphological Approach to Shortest Path Planning Relationships between Shortest Path Finding and MM Rotational MM The Shortest Path-Finding Algorithm Experimental Results and Discussions Dynamic Rotational MM The Rule of Distance Functions in Shortest Path Planning Index
La visibilidad del homosexual, sus cartógrafias urbanas y la tolerancia del consumo

Resumen es: Este trabajo pretende analizar el tratamiento del personaje literario homosexual y su vinculo con el exito y el fracaso del sistema economico imperante e...
Lotteries, Liberty, and Legislatures

The central purpose of this paper is to show that lottery play is not economically irrational and uninformed. The paper presents a theory of lottery tickets not as misguided inputs into wealth production as some critics believe but as valuable inputs in creating a sense of open-ended possibility, specifically the possibility of escaping one's current life by acquiring great wealth. In the course of the discussion the claim that the lottery is a regressive tax is investigated and a variety of empirical predictions are generated as to patterns of purchase both across groups and by individuals. Finally the insights gained from the earlier discussion are employed as a springboard to reground the normative use of the assumption of rational utility maximization.
A highly portable, self-stimulating and self-testing reliability test chip for ASIC products

The use of a highly portable ASIC design, a reliability test chip (RTC), that has been successfully used for the reliability assessment of two generations of CMOS products is described. The RTC design has many features that make it an excellent vehicle for performing silicon process and package reliability qualifications. This design comprises a repetitive megacell-based core that is supported by a standardized vector generator and verification circuitry. The standardization of the design allows easy portability to various base array sizes and new silicon process technologies. >
Molecular cloning of a cDNA for the E1 alpha subunit of rat liver branched chain alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase.

Abstract We have isolated a cDNA encoding the branched chain alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase E1 alpha subunit. A rat liver lambda gt11 expression library was screened with antibody reactive with the 2-oxoisovalerate dehydrogenase (lipoamide) component. A positive clone, lambda BZ304, contains a 1.7-kilobase pair cDNA insert with a 1323-base pair open reading frame. Translation of the open reading frame predicts the 24 residues of the previously reported phosphorylation sites 1 and 2 for the bovine kidney and rabbit heart enzymes. The N-terminal sequence of purified E1 alpha was determined, and this sequence was found 40 residues from the beginning of the deduced peptide sequence. Northern blots of rat liver and muscle RNA demonstrate a single mRNA species of approximately 1.8 kilobase pairs in each tissue, suggesting that this cDNA is nearly full length.
Constructing deterministic finite-state automata in sparse recurrent neural networks

Presents an algorithm for encoding deterministic finite-state automata in sparse recurrent neural networks with sigmoidal discriminant functions and second-order weights. The authors prove that for particular weight strength values the regular languages accepted by DFAs and the constructed networks are identical. >
Predictors of colorectal cancer screening in diverse primary care practices.

To explain why rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening including fecal occult blood testing (FOBT), flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS), colonoscopy (CS), and barium enema (BE), are low, this study assessed determinants of CRC screening from medical records. Data were abstracted from patients aged ≥64 years selected from each clinician from 30 diverse primary care practices (n = 981). Measurements included the rates of annual FOBT, ever receiving FOBT, ever receiving FS/CS/BE under a combination variable, endoscopy/barium enema (EBE). Over five years, 8% had received annual FOBT, 53% had ever received FOBT and 22% had ever received EBE. Annual FOBT was negatively associated with female gender, odds ratio (OR) = .23; 95% confidence interval = .12–.44 and positively associated with routinely receiving influenza vaccine, OR = 2.55 (1.45–4.47); and more office visits: 3 to <5 visits/year, OR = 2.78 (1.41–5.51), and ≥5 visits/year, OR = 3.35 (1.52-7.42). Ever receiving EBE was negatively associated with age ≥75 years, OR = .66 (.46–.95); being widowed, OR = .59 (.38–.92); and positively associated with more office visits: 3 to <5 visits/year, OR = 1.83 (1.18–2.82) and ≥5 visits/year, OR = 2.01 (1.14–3.55). Overall CRC screening rates were low, but were related to the number of primary care office visits. FOBT was related to immunization status, suggesting the possible benefit of linking these preventive services.
The Two-Career Marriage

Ideally both partners should have and like their jobs. Helping each other advance and be satisfied should be the goal.
The Conflicted State and Agrarian Transformation in Pink Tide Venezuela

Can radical political-economic transformation be achieved by electoral regimes that have not thoroughly reconstructed the state? Contemporary Venezuela offers an optimal venue for examining this question. The Chavista movement did not replace the previous state: instead, its leaders attempted to reform existing state entities and establish new ones in pursuit of its transformation agenda. It has also used its oil wealth to support cooperatively-oriented economic activity, without necessarily fundamentally altering the property structure. Thus, the social change-oriented political economy exists alongside the traditional one. Focusing on agrarian transformation, we examine ethnographically how these factors have impacted the state's capacity to attain its goal of national food sovereignty. We find that the state's ability to accomplish this objective has been compromised by lack of agency-level capacity, inter-agency conflict and the persistence of the previously-extant agrarian property structure. These dynamics have influenced the state to shift from its initial objective of food sovereignty to a policy of nationalist food security.
Meibomian Secretions in Chronic Blepharitis

Secretions of the eyelid meibomian glands form the outer layer of the ocular tear film. Two conditions are necessary for this lipid material (meibum) to be effective: first, it must be secreted in appropriate amounts, and, second, it must form an effective lipid layer over the hydrophilic aqueous-mucin layer of the tear film. The many functions of this lipid layer have been enumerated by others.1 The focus of this discussion will be the importance of meibum lipid composition and the ramifications of lipid abnormalities, as well as the relationship of ocular microflora to these differences. Thus, signs associated with chronic blepharitis, such as secretion consistency, inflammation, microbial infections, and dry eye syndrome (previously defined more narrowly only as keratoconjunctivitis sicca), will be discussed in terms of the specific lipid composition of meibomian gland secretions.
Survey for magnetically induced plasma membrane damage

An in vitro study using the N1E-115 neuroblastoma cell line was performed to determine whether cell membrane damage occurs during magnetic stimulation. Trypan Blue stain and Fluorescein Isothiocyanate (FITC) dextran uptake was used as an indicator of increased permeability. No acute effects were found.
Impact of an atmospheric-oceanic disturbance on phytoplankton community dynamics in the North Pacific Central Gyre

Abstract During the ADIOS I (Asian Dust Input to the Oceanic System) expedition to 26°N, 155°W in the North Pacific Central Gyre (NPCG) atmospheric-oceanic disturbances caused significant changes in phytoplankton community dynamics. A low pressure disturbance and several major dust deposition events resulted in a 37 and 25% increase in autotrophic carbon and nitrogen assimilation rates, respectively, relative to the pre-storm rates. The integrated submicron autotrophic N-assimilation rate increased by 72%. This submicron autotrophic community was responsible for 63 ± 7% of total autotrophic N-assimilation. New production increased by up to a factor of 4 as a result of the disturbances. The areal Chl a concentration doubled with the most significant increase observed near the base of the photic zone. Chemotaxonomic identification by HPLC pigment analyses indicated that the characteristic pigment concentrations of all major phytoplankton classes (except prokaryotic algae) increased as a result of the disturbances. Water column stability estimates and NO 3 − gradient measurements indicated that turbulent vertical transport of NO 3 − across the pycnocline could not explain the observed increases in photosynthetic parameters. Near surface NO 3 − concentrations increased following a dust deposition event. In addition, a positive temporal correlation was observed between the atmospheric Al concentration and the near-surface Chl a concentration. The data suggested that atmospheric deposition of NO 3 − and Fe stimulated autotrophic growth. Atmospheric deposition of NO 3 − and Fe may significantly enhance new production rates in the NPCG, especially during episodic dust events.
A digitized fluorescence imaging study on the effects of local anesthetics on cytosolic calcium and mitochondrial membrane potential in cultured rabbit corneal epithelial cells.

Abstract It has been documented by several investigators that local anesthetics displace calcium from calcium binding sites and alter the functioning of different calcium regulating systems. Local anesthetics have also been shown to have adverse effects on mitochondrial function and interact with cytoskeletal elements. Few studies have addressed the role that a potential disturbance of calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial function may have on the toxicity caused by local anesthetics in corneal epithelial cells. This investigation was undertaken to evaluate the effects of tetracaine (TTC), proparacaine (PPC), and cocaine (CC) on cytosolic calcium and mitochondrial membrane potential in primary cultures of rabbit corneal epithelial cells. Previous studies by our laboratory documented that the local anesthetics produce toxicity after 30 to 60 min of treatment. In this study, the cells were treated for 15 min, a time when minimal cell damage occurred. The following concentrations of local anesthetics were used to treat the cells: TTC, 0.5-2.5 mM; PPC, 1-5 mM; and CC, 4-10 mM. We utilized the technology of digitized fluorescence imaging to measure changes in intracellular calcium ([Ca 2+ ] i ) with fura-2 and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ) with rhodamine 123. A dose-dependent increase in [Ca 2+ ] i was evident after treatment with each local anesthetic. Concentrations equal or greater than 2.5 mM TTC dissipated ΔΨ. A rise in [Ca 2+ ] i preceded any loss of ΔΨ caused by TTC. PPC at high concentrations (4-5 mM) occasionally dissipated ΔΨ but this was not a consistent finding. The effects of CC on ΔΨ could not be evaluated accurately because of the extensive morphological alterations that occurred after treatment. We conclude that TTC, PPC, and CC elevate [Ca 2+ ] i before cytotoxicity occurs and disruptions in calcium homeostasis may contribute to their toxicity.
XPS core levels of KHgC4 and KHgC8

Abstract We have measured the X-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectra of the stage 1 and 2 mercurographitides KHgC 4 and KHgC 8 , and compared them with the corresponding binary intercalation compounds KC 8 and KC 24 . Relative to the Fermi energy, the K peaks appear at lower binding energies in the ternaries than in the binaries, while the C(1s) levels are at roughly the same energies. Referring the peaks to the original graphite Fermi level we find that the K(2p) peaks are shited to markedly lower binding energy in the ternaries than in the binaries; this shift is most pronounced for the second stage compounds. We interpret this as clear evidence that the potassium atoms are not fully ionized in the ternaries as they are in the binaries. We discuss the relationship between the stage dependence of the K(2p) shift and the observed superconductivity of these compounds. The Hg core levels occur at lower binding energy in both KHgC 4 and KHgC 8 than in Hg metal, consistent with the suggestion by the Nancy group that Hg carries a net negative charge in the mercurographitides.
Combination of compressed sensing and parallel imaging for highly-accelerated dynamic MRI

The introduction of compressed sensing methods to speed up image acquisition has received great attention in the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) community. Compressed sensing exploits the compressibility of medical images to reconstruct unaliased images from undersampled data. Moreover, compressed sensing can be synergistically combined with previously introduced acceleration methods such as parallel imaging, which employs arrays of receiver coils to further increase imaging speed. Over the past three years, we have been working on the combination of compressed sensing and parallel imaging, exploiting the idea of joint multicoil sparsity. In this work, we present a summary of our image acquisition and reconstruction methods for the combination of compressed sensing and parallel imaging, and describe applications to cardiac and body dynamic MRI.
Screening for colorectal cancer on the front line

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, beliefs, and practices of primary care clinicians regarding colorectal cancer screening. Methods We surveyed 77 primary care providers in six clinics in central Massachusetts to evaluate several factors related to colorectal cancer screening. Results Most agreed with guidelines for fecal occult blood test (97%) and sigmoidoscopy (87%), which were reported commonly as usual practice. Although the majority (86%) recommended colonoscopy as a colorectal cancer screening test, it was infrequently reported as usual practice. Also, 36% considered barium enema a colorectal cancer screening option, and it was rarely reported as usual practice. Despite lack of evidence supporting effectiveness, digital rectal examinations and in-office fecal occult blood test were commonly reported as usual practice. However, these were usually reported in combination with a guideline-endorsed testing option. Although only 10% reported that fecal occult blood test/home was frequently refused, 60% reported sigmoidoscopy was. Frequently cited patient barriers to sigmoidoscopy compliance included fear the procedure would hurt and that patients assume symptoms occur if there is a problem. Perceptions of health systems barriers to sigmoidoscopy were less strong. Conclusions Most providers recommended guideline-endorsed colorectal cancer screening. However, patient refusal for sigmoidoscopy was common. Results indicate that multiple levels of intervention, including patient and provider education and systems strategies, may help increase prevalence.
Theory of the fractional quantum Hall effect.

A scaling procedure on the particle number is developed to construct the wave function of the uniform liquid ground state of the two-dimensional electron system in a strong magnetic field. When the filling factor is equal to the inverse of an odd number, this wave function is the correlated basis function introduced by Laughlin. In more general cases, when the filling factor is equal to a rational number, this wave function also can be regarded as a Laughlin wave function on the scale of a certain cluster. By this procedure, we can prove that an energy gap is always present between such a uniform liquid ground state and the excited states when the filling factor is equal to a rational number.
Aharonov-Bohm effects of the photon

Abstract Although completely neutral systems are not expected to manifest the Aharonov-Bohm effect, it is shown that photons propagating through the vector potential field of a string of magnetic flux can, in principle, give rise to flux-dependent phenomena by means of nonlinear quantum electrodynamic processes involving virtual electtron-positron pairs. The magnetic flux dependence is determined for lowest order contributions to (i) vacuum polarisation, (ii) light scattering by an external scalar potential, and (iii) light-light scattering.
Diffusion and calibration properties of microdialysis sampling membranes in biological media

The diffusion and calibration properties for three commercially available microdialysis membranes (polycarbonate–polyether (PC), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), and cuprophan (CUP)) were evaluated. The analytes studied had molecular weights between 94 (phenol) and 1355 (vitamin B12). For each analyte–membrane pair, an effective membrane diffusion coefficient was calculated. Effective membrane diffusion coefficients varied considerably between the microdialysis membranes. For Vitamin B12, CUP and PAN membranes gave relative recovery values of greater than 20% at 0.5 µl min−1, while the PC membrane had a 1% recovery. When backpressure was applied, PC and PAN membranes exhibited more ultrafiltration than CUP membranes. Ultrafiltration did not affect analyte relative recovery through either PC or PAN membranes. Effective membrane diffusion coefficients were not significantly altered for some membrane–analyte combinations when exposed to 4% bovine serum albumin or 0.3% fibrinogen. These data suggest that reductions in relative recovery during long-term microdialysis sampling experiments may be due to other physiologically relevant proteins or to tissue reactions near the dialysis membrane.
Adaptation to square-wave gratings: In search of the elusive third harmonic

Abstract Blakemore and Campbell (1969) found that a square-wave adapting grating, unlike a sinewave grating of the same period, elevates threshold contrast for test gratings whose frequency is in the vicinity of the third harmonic in the square-wave. Because of its important bearing on the frequency-specificity of adaptation to gratings, we attempted to replicate this finding. Our attempt was successful with one of two observers when the method of adjustment was used to determine thresholds. With the temporal two alternative, forced-choice method, individual differences in this regard disappeared. For all three observers a 3 c/deg adapting square-wave and a 3 c/deg sinewave were equally ineffective in raising the contrast threshold for a 9 c/deg test grating, whereas a 9 c/deg adapting grating, matched to the 3rd harmonic in the square-wave, raised the test grating's threshold by 0.2 log units. Our failure to find consistent evidence that the third harmonic in a square-wave does any adapting whatever casts doubt on the frequency-specificity of adaptation to gratings.
Technical and management note

In order to define behaviorally the R&D manager's job, extensive interviews and observations were conducted of R&D managers. The result is a categorical description of the R&D manager's job with a start of behavioral definition in each category. A validation of the categorical model was performed.
Particle creation and Dirac's large numbers hypothesis

IN connection with cosmologies based on the large numbers hypothesis1 (LNH), Dirac2 has suggested that continuous creation of matter is required. Two modes of particle creation have been proposed and cosmological models corresponding to each mode have been studied2. We demonstrate here that, within the context of the LNH, the number of particles in the Universe varies as expected (N ∝ t2) so that particle creation is unnecessary. Some unpleasant features of cosmologies based on the LNH are also discussed.
STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS FOR INTRACELLULAR TRANSPORT OF PULMONARY SURFACTANT PROTEIN B (SP-B)

Abstract Human SP-B is synthesized by the alveolar Type II epithelial cell as a 381 amino acid preproprotein. The 79 residue mature SP-B peptide is extremely hydrophobic and flanked by propeptides of 200 and 102 amino acids at its NH 2 - and COOH-termini, respectively. The purpose of this study was to identify peptide domains of the SP-B proprotein necessary for trafficking of the mature peptide in the secretory pathway. To this end several constructs were generated, by subcloning the full length human SP-B (SP-B), COOH-terminally truncated SP-B (SP-B ΔC , in which residues 201–381 were deleted), NH 2 -terminally deleted SP-B (SP-B ΔN , in which residues 28–200 were deleted), NH 2 -terminal propeptide (SP-B N ), mature SP-B (SP-B M ) and COOH-terminal propeptide (SP-B C ), into the mammalian expression vector pcDNA3. The resulting expression constructs were characterized by DNA sequencing and in vitro transcription/translation and subsequently transfected into Chinese hamster ovary cells. 48 h after transfection, cells were labeled with [ 3 5S]-met/cys and analyzed by immunoprecipitation, SDS-PAGE and autoradiography. Proteins encoded by SP-B, SP-B ΔC , SP-B N and SP-B C constructs were secreted into media; in contrast, SP-B constructs lacking the NH 2 -terminal propeptide (SP-B ΔN ) remained in the endoplasmic reticulum (as assessed by endoglycosidase H sensitivity) and were rapidly degraded. We conclude that (1) 27 amino acids at the NH 2 -terminus of SP-B contain a functional signal peptide and (2) the NH 2 -terminal propeptide of the SP-B precursor is necessary and sufficient for intracellular trafficking of the mature peptide.
Coronary Angioplasty for Elderly Patients With “High Risk” Unstable Angina: Short-Term Outcomes and Long-Term Survival

AbstractObjectives. We sought to compare the short- and long-term mortality rates in patients ≥70 years old with unstable angina undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) wit...
Administration of nitrite after chlorine gas exposure prevents lung injury: effect of administration modality.

Abstract Cl2 gas toxicity is complex and occurs during and after exposure, leading to acute lung injury (ALI) and reactive airway syndrome (RAS). Moreover, Cl2 exposure can occur in diverse situations encompassing mass casualty scenarios, highlighting the need for postexposure therapies that are efficacious and amenable to rapid and easy administration. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of a single dose of nitrite (1 mg/kg) to decrease ALI when administered to rats via intraperitoneal (ip) or intramuscular (im) injection 30 min after Cl2 exposure. Exposure of rats to Cl2 gas (400 ppm, 30 min) significantly increased ALI and caused RAS 6–24 h postexposure as indexed by BAL sampling of lung surface protein and polymorphonucleocytes (PMNs) and increased airway resistance and elastance before and after methacholine challenge. Intraperitoneal nitrite decreased Cl2-dependent increases in BAL protein but not PMNs. In contrast im nitrite decreased BAL PMN levels without decreasing BAL protein in a xanthine oxidoreductase-dependent manner. Histological evaluation of airways 6 h postexposure showed significant bronchial epithelium exfoliation and inflammatory injury in Cl2-exposed rats. Both ip and im nitrite improved airway histology compared to Cl2 gas alone, but more coverage of the airway by cuboidal or columnar epithelium was observed with im compared to ip nitrite. Airways were rendered more sensitive to methacholine-induced resistance and elastance after Cl2 gas exposure. Interestingly, im nitrite, but not ip nitrite, significantly decreased airway sensitivity to methacholine challenge. Further evaluation and comparison of im and ip therapy showed a twofold increase in circulating nitrite levels with the former, which was associated with reversal of post-Cl2 exposure-dependent increases in circulating leukocytes. Halving the im nitrite dose resulted in no effect in PMN accumulation but significant reduction of BAL protein levels, indicating a distinct nitrite dose dependence for inhibition of Cl2-dependent lung permeability and inflammation. These data highlight the potential for nitrite as a postexposure therapeutic for Cl2 gas-induced lung injury and also suggest that administration modality is a key consideration in nitrite therapeutics.
Endoluminal Gastric Surgery: the Modern Era of Minimally Invasive Surgery

Laparoendoluminal techniques are the next frontier in modern surgery. They provide a minimally invasive approach to gastric diseases that enables organ preservation while maintaining open surgical principles. Laparoscopic direct access to the stomach provides a magnified, high-resolution image for precise excision using widely available laparoscopic instrumentation. Further improvements in flexible endoscopic equipment, combined with the infusion of robotic instrumentation, will aid in overcoming the technical demands of this procedure and fuel the growth of endo-luminal gastric surgery. Based on the currently available data, inappropriately selected patients, endoluminal gastric surgery affords the patients a definitive surgical procedure with all the advantages of a minimally invasive approach.
San Francisco's Castro district: from gay liberation to tourist destination

In the early 1970s, San Francisco's Castro district transformed from an economically depressed Irish-Catholic neighbourhood into a politicized gay neighbourhood. The history of this transformation overlaps significantly with the production of a gay-spending zone in the same district. A behind-the-scenes organization, the Golden Gate Business Association, played an important role in this transformation. Founded in 1974, this organization sought to create a gay business community that had the power to influence local politics, and it saw gay tourism as central to that goal. An examination of San Francisco's Castro district illustrates the role tourist imaginaries have played as post-industrial urban economies yield to neoliberal forces via the consolidation of cultural capital.
Spatial Thinking Concepts in Early Grade-Level Geography Standards.

ABSTRACT Research in the cognition and learning sciences has demonstrated that the human brain contains basic structures whose functions are to perform a variety of specific spatial reasoning tasks and that children are capable of learning basic spatial concepts at an early age. There has been a call from within geography to recognize research on spatial cognition in a meaningful way in primary school curriculum. This article utilizes the spatial thinking taxonomy proposed by Gersmehl and Gersmehl (2006) to examine to the extent to which spatial thinking concepts are being practiced in U.S. schools. The National Geography Standards and forty-nine state social studies or geography standards are examined. Using standards as a measure of geography content, it is concluded that while some of spatial thinking concepts appear often in curriculum, others are largely absent. Designing geography standards that address the findings of spatial cognition research may serve as a means of improving geography instruction.
An exact solution to the fuel optimal propulsive control of a tutorial structure

Abstract The exact solution to the fuel optimal propulsive control of a tutorial structure is presented in this paper. The exact solution, although not implementable in real time, is shown to possess certain properties that can be used to develop near fuel optimal solutions that are implementable in real time. In particular, these properties are used to refine the impulse damping control method. The refined impulse damping control solution is shown to consume 8% more fuel than the theoretical optimum. In contrast, the unrefined impulse damping control solution of the tutorial structure consumes 53% more fuel than the theoretical optimum, and the linear quadratic regulator solution is shown to consume 64% more fuel than the theoretical optimum.
Race, Gender, and Linked Fate

For African Americans, linked fate is the recognition that individual life chances are inextricably tied to the race as a whole. Using data from the 1996 National Black Election Study, the author e...
IL‐1α and TNFα act synergistically to stimulate production of myeloid colony‐stimulating factors by cultured human bone marrow stromal cells and cloned stromal cell strains

Human bone marrow stromal cells respond to stimulation by the monokines IL-1 and TNF by producing colony-stimulating factors such as GM-CSF and G-CSF. In this study we show that IL-1 alpha and TNF alpha act synergistically to stimulate GM-CSF and G-CSF production by cultured marrow stromal cells. We further show that IL-1 alpha and TNF alpha synergistically stimulate production of GM-CSF and G-CSF by a clonal stroma-derived cell strain. Although IL-1 and TNF share many of the same biological activities, we show that IL-1 alpha and TNF alpha have an unequal ability to induce myeloid-CSF production by both cultures, with IL-1 alpha being the more potent inducer. We found that induction by IL-1 alpha and TNF alpha was independent of cell proliferation. The effect of IL-1 alpha and TNF alpha on production of the two myeloid-CSFs by the clonal cells was significantly greater than the unfractionated passaged stromal cultures, having the greater effect on G-CSF production. The clonally derived stromal cells constitutively produced colony-stimulating activity, in particular GM-CSF, at levels easily detected by ELISA. These findings show that, in addition to the overlapping and additive activities of IL-1 alpha and TNF alpha, they can interact synergistically. Our findings further suggest that a small subpopulation of stroma cells may be the major producer of G-CSF in the marrow microenvironment during immune response.
Hydrophobic Interaction and Its Effect on Cationic Dyeing of Acrylic Fabric

The influence of electrolytes on the mechanism of cationic dyeing of acrylic fabric has been investigated in terms of ionic and hydrophobic interactions. The effect of salt on hydrophobic interaction is reviewed and used to explain the "unusual increase of dye sorption which occurs at salt concentrations up to 0.5 mol/l," described by Alberghina and co-workers. Thermodynamic analysis suggests that the ionic distri bution coefficient of the dye ( KD ) is a function of chemical potential changes due to hydrophobic interactions. Therefore, KD depends on the type and concentration of electrolyte in the dyebath.
Think-Aloud Protocol Analysis: An Investigation of Reading Comprehension Strategies in Fourth-and Fifth-Grade Students

School assessments too often ignore the process of individuals' cognitions. As part of a systematic effort to develop an assessment procedure focused on the tactics used to facilitate reading comprehension, this research investigated Lytle's (1985) approach to think-aloud protocol analysis. Data are presented for fourth- and fifth-graders that show the degree to which they used reasoning, elaboration, signaling understanding, analysis, judging, and monitoring doubts while they were reading three fictional passages. The percentage of each move used by individual subjects was stable across the three stories that were administered. Significant correlations were obtained between comprehension of the passage used to obtain the think-aloud protocols and two of the six categories of moves: Reasoning and Signaling Understanding. These students used Elaboration, Signaling Understanding, and Reasoning most frequently; they used Monitoring Doubts less frequently; and they rarely used Analysis and Judging. Unique con...
A spatial-temporal statistical approach to command and control problems in battle-space digitization

There are considerable difficulties in the integration, visualization, and overall management of battle-space information for the purpose of Command and Control (C2). One problem that we see as being important is the timely combination of digital information from multiple (possibly disparate) sources in a dynamically evolving environment. That is, there is a need to assimilate incoming data rapidly, so as to provide the battle commander with up-to-date knowledge about the battle-space and thereby to facilitate the command-decision process. In this paper, we present a spatial-temporal approach to obtaining accurate estimates of the constantly changing battlefield, based on noisy data from multiple sources. Specifically, we examine the danger posed to a theoretical warfighter in the combat theater. The danger-potential field generated by an enemy's weapons is defined in the spatial domain and is later extended to incorporate the temporal dimension. We propose that maps of fields of this sort are very effective decision tools for the battle commander. Kalman-filtering techniques are proposed to facilitate the rapid estimation of these danger-potential fields. Methods of displaying these predictions and the uncertainty associated with them are discussed. It is the quantification of uncertainty in C2 predictions that distinguishes our statistical approach from deterministic approaches. An application is given to a data set generated by an object-oriented combat-simulation program that we have developed.
Support vector machines for broad-area feature classification in remotely sensed images

Classification of broad area features in satellite imagery is one of the most important applications of remote sensing. It is often difficult and time-consuming to develop classifiers by hand, so many researchers have turned to techniques from the fields of statistics and machine learning to automatically generate classifiers. Common techniques include Maximum Likelihood classifiers, neural networks and genetic algorithms. We present a new system called Afreet, which uses a recently developed machine learning paradigm called Support Vector Machines (SVMs). In contrast to other techniques, SVMs offer a solid mathematical foundation that provides a probabalistic guarantee on how well the classifier will generalize to unseen data. In addition the SVM training algorithm is guaranteed to converge to the globally optimal SVM classifier, can learn highly non-linear discrimination functions, copes extremely well with high-dimensional feature spaces (such as hyperspectral data), and scales well to large problem sizes. Afreet combines an SVM with a sophisticated spatio-spectral feature construction mechanism that allows it to classify spectrally ambiguous pixels. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the system by applying Afreet to several broad area classification problems in remote sensing, and provide a comparison with conventional Maximum Likelihood classification.
Physical Activity and Depression among Older Adults

Abstract The following three articles conclude a two-part feature on physical activity and older adults. In the October issue, after an introduction by feature editor J. Thomas Jable, Mark A. Hirsch and Helmut V. B. Hirsch discussed recent research that shows how activity can benefit brain function in older adults. David E. Corbin then outlined the importance of carefully evaluating intergenerational programs. Finally, Kay Van Norman offered strategies to foster compliance and adherence in exercise programs for older adults.
EFFECT OF A THIN INTERMEDIATE ZINC SELENIDE LAYER ON THE PROPERTIES OF CUINSE2 SOLAR CELLS

Abstract We have demonstrated that a thin insulating layer of ZnSe can be a viable alternative to a thin layer of CdS in a CuInSe2 solar cell, as currently used in the high efficiency ARCO Solar (now Siemens Solar) ZnO/CdS/CuInSe2 cell. We have investigated the effects of ZnSe thickness and deposition temperature on the properties of CuInSe2 solar cells, using a CdS window layer for diagnostic purposes. An investigation of the junction transport mechanisms for these cells indicates that in the dark the transport is controlled by recombination in the depletion region at temperatures above room temperature and that multistep tunneling dominates at temperatures below room temperature. The fact that the open-circuit voltage is smaller under illumination than predicted from the dark junction parameters results primarily from a change in the junction transport mechanism upon illumination, associated with an increase in the density of charged acceptors in the CuInSe2.
Sexual Orientation Topics in Elementary Teacher Preparation Programs in the USA.

This investigation is a descriptive study documenting the inclusion of sexual orientation (gay and lesbian) topics in a sample of 65 public university elementary teacher preparation programs across the USA (representing the preparation of 14,000–19,000 new teachers annually). Findings indicate that only 55.6% of programs address sexual orientation topics within official program curriculum. It was also found that sexual orientation topics are largely isolated within educational foundation courses, receiving very little attention as pre‐service teachers get closer to practica and professional practice. The findings also report on the various challenges to addressing sexual orientation as indicated by program coordinators and the primary reasons given by the 44.4% of programs in the study that don’t address sexual orientation as a form of diversity within official curriculum. Conclusions suggest that elementary teacher programs may work to sustain homophobic and heterosexist school cultures through the omiss...
GaN MMICs for RF power applications in the 50 GHz to 110 GHz frequency range

At 2006 IEDM outstanding potential of GaN MMIC technology for RF power applications at frequencies exceeding 80 GHz was reported for the first time. The first reported W-band GaN power MMIC had over 16 dB of saturated power gain in a frequency range between 78 GHz and 88 GHz and produced almost the same output power at this frequency band as the state of the art InP HEMT MMIC with 10 times larger output device periphery. In this presentation we will describe improvements in GaN MMIC process that led to these breakthrough results and discuss the impact of GaN technology on the development of high frequency millimeter-wave power modules. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The Capture, Assessment and Communication Tool for Uncertainty Simulation (CACTUS) in Complex Systems

The design and development cycle for complex systems is full of uncertainty, commonly recognized as the main source of risk in organizations engaged in design and development. One of the challenges for such organizations is assessing how much risk (cost, schedule, scope) they can take on and still remain competitive. The risk associated with the design of complex systems is fundamentally tied to uncertainty, which may lead to suboptimal performance or failure if unmanaged. By understanding the sources of uncertainty in all stages of complex system design, decision-makers can make more informed choices and identify “hotspots” for reducing risks due to uncertainty by reallocating resources, adding safeguards, etc. There are two major categories of uncertainty (certain uncertainty) classification in the design of complex systems: Knowledge/epistemic uncertainty and Variability/Aleatory uncertainty. The intersection of these two sets is ambiguity uncertainty and the outside is what we don’t know we don’t know (uncertain uncertainty). By setting detailed definitions, we can reduce the ambiguity uncertainty. Furthermore, we can subdivide knowledge uncertainty into model, ambiguity and behavioral uncertainty, and subdivide variability uncertainty into natural randomness, ambiguity and behavioral uncertainty. We can go further and find subcategories for model and behavioral uncertainty. Using this classification for uncertainty, this paper proposes the “Capture, Assessment and Communication Tool for Uncertainty Simulation” (CACTUS) for assessing, capturing, and communicating risks due to uncertainty during complex system design. CACTUS has columns to identify sources, location, severity and importance of uncertainty in stages of design. By applying CACTUS, decision-makers will be able to find answers to the following questions for each type of uncertainty included in the design process: 1 - Where is uncertainty from? (i.e., Sources); 2 - In which stages of design does uncertainty appear? (i.e., Location); 3 - What is its severity?; and, 4 - What is its importance? The hypothesis of this research is that, by using CACTUS, design organizations can capture, assess, and efficiently and effectively communicate uncertainty through their design processes, and as a result, improve their capacity for delivering complex systems that meet cost, schedule, and performance objectives. The fundamental steps of the methodology are illustrated by using a concurrent design case study from NASA’s Project Design Center.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Metabolism of phytane in rats

Abstract Rats absorb 2,6,10,14-tetramethylhexadecane (phytane) from the intestinal tract intact into the lymph. Intestinal microbes appeared to be unable to metabolize phytane in vitro. Rats metabolized phytane to (a) a tertiary alcohol tentatively identified as 2,6,10,14-tetramethylhexadecan-2-ol, and (b) a variety of short-chain acids which were excreted in the urine. These included acetic, isobutyric, and 2-methylbutyric acids. CO2 was a very minor product, even following intravenous injection of phytane. Lipoidal intermediates in the degradation of phytane could not be detected, suggesting that the initial attack on the molecule was rate-limiting. Urinary excretion products were apparent following oral but not intravenous, intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous administration of phytane. However, the tertiary alcohol was produced following both oral and intraperitoneal administration. The syntheses of [U-14C]- and [2,3,-3H2] phytane are described.
APPARENT WALL THICKENING IN FLUID FILLED VERSUS AIR FILLED TYMPANIC BULLA IN COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

A series of CT imaging experiments was performed to test the hypothesis that when the tympanic bulla is filled with fluid there would be a false impression of bulla wall thickening. CT images were obtained before and after introduction of water in the tympanic bulla of a fresh canine cadaver. Images were acquired using different mA settings, slice thicknesses, reconstruction algorithms, and displayed at different window widths. The wall of the fluid filled bulla appeared thicker than that of the air filled bulla. This artifact was also demonstrated on a phantom composed of a thin (0.5 mm) and a thick (5 mm) piece of aluminum imaged in air and water. The effect was more apparent when images were acquired as thick slices (>5 mm), reconstructed with a soft tissue algorithm, or displayed with a narrow window (<250 CT numbers). The radiologist must be aware of this artifact when interpreting CT images of the tympanic bullae.