cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monomial isomorphisms of cyclic codes

For codes, there are multiple notions of isomorphism. For example, we can consider isomorphisms that only permute the coordinates of codewords, or isomorphisms that not only permute the coordinates of codewords but also multiply each coordinate by a scalar (not necessarily the same scalar for each coordinate) as it permutes the coordinates. Isomorphisms of cyclic codes of the first kind have been studied in some circumstances--we will call them permutation isomorphisms--and our purpose is to begin the study of the second kind of isomorphism--which we call monomial isomorphisms--for cyclic codes. We give examples of cyclic codes that are monomially isomorphic but not permutationally isomorphic. We also show that the monomial isomorphism problem for cyclic codes of length $$n$$n over $${\mathbb F}_q$$Fq reduces to the permutation isomorphism problem for cyclic codes of length $$n$$n over $${\mathbb F}_q$$Fq if and only if $$\mathrm{gcd}(n,q-1) = 1$$gcd(n,q-1)=1. Applying known results, this solves the monomial isomorphism problem for cyclic codes satisfying $$\mathrm{gcd}(n,q(q-1)) = 1$$gcd(n,q(q-1))=1. Additionally, we solve the monomial isomorphism problem for cyclic codes of prime length over all finite fields. Finally, our results also hold for some codes that are not cyclic.
Modeling climate change and agriculture: an introduction to the special issue

This issue of Agricultural Economics is a special issue containing articles on model performance in assessing the effects of climate change, bioenergy policy, and socioeconomics on agriculture. The contributions present results from a global economic model intercomparison activity undertaken as part of the AgMIP Project (www.agmip.org). The origins of the comparison activities can be traced to a project that was organized by the OECD in late 2010 to compare results from three models. The current phase of the research includes 10 models and was designed in part to support of the IPCC fifth assessment report (AR5). The special issue includes seven peer-reviewed articles that present thematic results from a range of modeling strategies, with partial and general equilibrium modeling as a high level distinction but a myriad of differences within these two model types. A central common element is harmonization on biophysical effects using crop models and socioeconomic effects using drivers from the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways developed as part of the AR5 process. The special issue provides broad insights into how the modeling communities approached the interactions of climate, socioeconomics, bioenergy policy on agricultural outcomes, including land use, prices, consumption, and production.
NMR spin-spin decoupling studies of some 5,6-disubstituted bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-enes. Assignment of vinylic protons and demonstration of allylic coupling.

Assignment of the NMR signals of the vinylic protons has been accomplished by spin-spin decoupling in endo-5-nitro-exo-6-( p -chlorophenyl)-bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-ene (I), endo-5-amino-exo-6-( p -chlorophenyl)-bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-ene hydrobromide (IV), endo-5-cyano-exo-6-( p -chlorophenyl)-bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-ene (V), endo-5-cyano-endo-6-( p -chlorophenyl)-bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-ene (VII), all of which show significant differences in the chemical shifts of the two vinylic protons. A long-range coupling of 1.5 c.p.s. is demonstrated between H-I and H-3 and between H-4 and H-2 in these systems.
A Comparison of Two Vaccination Procedures for Newcastle Disease

Abstract The question arose as to the immunity response gained by vaccinating day-old chicks in a commercial vaccinating machine using the spray method, as compared to the immunity gained by drinking water vaccination. The vaccinating machine, produced by a commercial concern, is so constructed that the baby chicks are vaccinated after being placed in shipping boxes and ready for transportation. The chicks may be spray vaccinated by liquid vaccine for Newcastle disease, or infectious bronchitis, or both, while in this machine. The vaccine reportedly is used only after it has been tested by the manufacturer of the machine and instructions forwarded to the hatchery on the proper dilution of that particular serial lot of vaccine. Arrangements were made to purchase three boxes of baby chicks, 100 chicks per box. The chickens were hatchmates and from the same supply flock. One box of chicks was vaccinated against Newcastle disease at the hatchery …
The effect of water diffusion on the adhesion of organosilicate glass film stacks

Abstract Organosilicate glass (OSG) is a material that is used as a dielectric in advanced integrated circuits. It has a network structure similar to that of amorphous silica where a fraction of the Si–O bonds have been replaced by organic groups. It is well known from prior work that OSG is sensitive to subcritical crack growth as water molecules in the environment are transported to the crack tip and assist in rupturing Si–O bonds at the crack tip. In this study, we demonstrate that exposure of an OSG containing film stack to water prior to fracture results in degradation of the adhesion of the film stack. This degradation is the result of the diffusion of water into the film stack. We propose a quantitative model to predict adhesion degradation as a function of exposure time by coupling the results of independent subcritical crack growth measurements with diffusion concentration profiles. The model agrees well with experimental data and provides a novel method for measuring the water diffusion coefficient in film stacks that contain OSG. This study has important implications for the reliability of advanced integrated circuits.
Increasing access and providing social services to improve drug abuse treatment for women with children.

Aims. To assess the impact of a substance abuse treatment program for women with children designed to increase access to treatment through transportation, outreach and child-care services. Also, to assess the impact of using access services on the use of other services and on treatment effectiveness. Design. A quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group design was used with path analysis to examine the impact of participation in an enhanced services program that provided transportation, outreach and child-care services on the use of other social services and on the use of alcohol and illicit drugs. Setting. Treatment clients were interviewed in- person at enhanced treatment programs and regular substance abuse programs. Participants. Study participants included a randomly selected sample of women with children who were clients of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Participants were enrolled in enhanced or regular substance abuse treatment programs. Measurements. Study participants completed in-person interviews about their characteristics, services use and past and current substance use. Findings. Participation in the enhanced program was negatively related to substance use. Further, use of access services was related to use of social services which in turn, was negatively related to substance use. Conclusion. The study indicates that services that enhance access to treatment and respond to the range of social service needs of women are important for effective substance abuse treatment for women with children.
Quality and pricing in the hotel industry: the Mobil "star" and hotel pricing behavior.

Abstract Quality is a price determinant in most products. However, establishment of a quality evaluation for the consumer is not an easy proposition. In the hospitality industry, fortunately, room quality evaluation and price information are readily available for consumers from published consumer guides. The Mobil Travel Guide is one of the more popular sources of hotel information available to consumers. The Mobil Travel Guide awards “stars” based on the level of quality their investigators deem appropriate. To investigate the relationship between quality and price in the hospitality industry, this study analyzes hotel managements' pricing behavior before and after a quality rating change by the Mobil Travel Guide. Data is gleaned from the Guide in several provinces and states in Canada and the United States from the relatively stable economic growth period of 1991 through 1999. The results reveal that hotel organizations raised prices before gaining a “star” and lowered prices before losing a “star.” Th...
Integrin expression in malignant melanoma

Invasion of melanoma cells into the underlying interstitial stromal matrix is the initial step for subsequent local and distant metastasis. The invading tumor cell must interact with the extracellular matrix during the early stages of invasion and later during penetration of lymphatic and blood vessels. This interaction with different types of extracellular matrix predicts that the invasive cell must possess surface adhesion receptors with diverse ligand specificities, including the capacity to bind different types of collagens and adhesive glycoproteins. Metastatic melanoma cells do in fact express multiple adhesion receptors, including several of the receptors from the integrin family of heterodimers. The integrin receptors can be either extremely specific for a single ligand or capable of binding multiple ligands. It is likely that the tumor cell's repertoire of adhesion receptors may influence not only its adhesive properties but its metastatic characteristics as well. There is evidence that normal melanocytes have an integrin profile distinct from that of melanoma cells. In particular, melanocytes adhere poorly to laminin while metastatic melanoma cells bind well to this ligand. This difference in adhesion between the two cell types appears to reflect the fact that melanoma cells express a melanoma-specific integrin (% MathType!MTEF!2!1!+-% feaafeart1ev1aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn% hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXafv3ySLgzGmvETj2BSbqefm0B1jxALjhiov2D% aebbfv3ySLgzGueE0jxyaibaiGc9yrFr0xXdbba91rFfpec8Eeeu0x% Xdbba9frFj0-OqFfea0dXdd9vqaq-JfrVkFHe9pgea0dXdar-Jb9hs% 0dXdbPYxe9vr0-vr0-vqpWqaaeaabiGaciaacaqabeaadaqaaqGaaO% qaaiaadggadaWgaaWcbaGaamODaaqabaGccqaHYoGydaWgaaWcbaGa% aG4maaqabaaaaa!40CF!\[a_7 \beta _1 \]) that binds laminin and is not detectable in normal melanocytes. The presence of increased laminin receptors and enhanced laminin binding in melanoma cells may contribute to the malignant phenotype.
Global Identification of Tracklets in Video Using Long Range Identity Sensors

Reliable tracking of people in video and recovering theiridentities are of great importance to video analytics applications.For outdoor applications, long range identity sensorssuch as active RFID can provide good coverage in alarge open space, though they only provide coarse locationinformation. We propose a probabilistic approach usingnoisy inputs from multiple long range identity sensorsto globally associate and identify fragmented tracklets generatedby video tracking algorithms. We extend a networkflow based data association model to recover tracklet identityefficiently. Our approach is evaluated using five minutesof video and active RFID measurements capturing four peoplewearing RFID tags and a couple of passersby. Simulationis then used to evaluate performance for larger numberof targets under different scenarios.identities are of great importance to video analytics applications.For outdoor applications, long range identity sensorssuch as active RFID can provide good coverage in alarge open space, though they only provide coarse locationinformation. We propose a probabilistic approach usingnoisy inputs from multiple long range identity sensorsto globally associate and identify fragmented tracklets generatedby video tracking algorithms. We extend a networkflow based data association model to recover tracklet identityefficiently. Our approach is evaluated using five minutesof video and active RFID measurements capturing four peoplewearing RFID tags and a couple of passersby. Simulationis then used to evaluate performance for larger numberof targets under different scenarios.
Typing letter strings varying in orthographic structure

Abstract Subjects typed six-letter strings varying in orthographic structure. Lexical status, word frequency, position-sensitive log bigram frequency, and regularity of letter sequencing were systematically varied. Cumulative reaction times (RTs) of the keystrokes were adequately described by a linear function of letter position in the test string. Overall, words were typed faster than nonwords, and regular strings faster than irregular strings. Although the effect of log bigram frequency was not significant, this variable interacted with regularity and word frequency. Post hoc analyses of performance on each of the 200 letter strings revealed significant effects of the number of irregularities, log bigram frequency, and log word frequency. Transition times between successive keystrokes were significantly longer for illegal than for legal letter transitions. These results are similar to previous findings on the role of orthographic structure in the perceptual recognition of letter strings and provide a more complete analysis of context effects in typing.
A drift-diffusion model for semiconductors with temperature effects

We establish an existence theorem for a stationary semiconductor model which takes into account the current generated by the gradient of the temperature.
Medicare Payment Reform and Provider Entry and Exit in the Post-Acute Care Market

Objective To understand the impacts of Medicare payment reform on the entry and exit of post-acute providers.
URBANIZATION AND VOTER TURNOUT IN KOREA: An Update

In this paper we develop an econometric model to test whether alienation and/or mobilized voting explain urban-rural turnout in Korea. We find that a person's decision to vote is influenced by the act of mobilization and that it affects rural residents more strongly. But we do not find that the feeling of alienation affects a person's decision to vote. Thus, we find support for the mobilized voting hypothesis, but not for the alienation nonvoting hypothesis.
Nucleophosmin/B23 (NPM) oligomer is a major and stable entity in HeLa cells

HeLa cell extract was separated by 7% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis without SDS and subsequently stained with anti-nucleophosmin/B23 (NPM) antibody in a Western blot analysis. Two immunobands were obtained. The major band with a slower electromobility (RF = 0.23) is the NPM oligomer, while the fast-moving minor band is the monomer (RF = 0.56). The oligomer constitutes about 95% of total NPM. The oligomer sedimented faster (10 s) than the monomer in sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Three oligomer bands were identified. NPM oligomer is not affected by treatments with DNase. RNase, 10 mM EDTA, 1 M NaCl, and lyophilization. However, 3 M urea causes reversible dissociation of NPM oligomer into monomer. The level of NPM oligomer remains unchanged in HeLa cells after treatment with the cytotoxic agents, actinomycin D, toyocamycin and camptothecin. These results indicate that NPM oligomer is the major and stable NPM entity in HeLa cells.
Cross-shelf eddy heat transport in a wind-free coastal ocean undergoing winter time cooling

A steady state cross-shelf density gradient of a wind-free coastal ocean undergoing winter time cooling is found for cooling and geometries which do not vary in the along-shelf direction. The steady state cross-shelf density gradient exists even when the average density of the water continues to increase. The steady state density gradient can be attained in less than a winter for parameters appropriate to the mid-Atlantic Bight. The cross-shelf eddy-driven buoyancy fluxes which cause this steady state gradient are found to depend critically on bottom friction and bottom slope, and the coastal polyna solutions of Chapman and Gawarkiewicz [1997] are significantly modified by this dependence in the limit of polynas with a large alongshore extent. Bottom friction retards the cross-shelf propagation of eddies, so that the buoyancy transport is no longer carried by self-advecting eddy pairs but mixed across the shelf by interacting eddies. The eddy interaction changes the length scale of the eddies until it is the lesser of the Rhines arrest scale or an analogous frictional arrest scale. The estimates of the steady state cross-shelf density gradient are found to compare well with numerical model results.
Recurrence time and range for a generalized random walk

Abstract The notions of recurrence time, range, and the limit of probabilities P k of return to the origin arise in the study of random walks on groups. We examine these notions and develop relationships among them in an ergodic theory setting in which the usual requirement of independence of the increments of the random walk can be relaxed to simply an ergodic requirement. Thus we consider generalized random walks or GRWs. The ergodic theory setting is related to Mackey's virtual group theory in that the GRW determines a virtual group homomorphism (or cocycle). We relate the condition- that the homomorphism is trivial (the cocycle is a coboundary) to the Cesaro limit of P k . The basic ideas of virtual group theory were established by Mackey and further developed by Ramsay. Our virtual group homomorphism result does not require familiarity with the technicalities of virtual group theory.
Inference of the Evolution from Caged Dynamics to Cooperative Relaxation in Glass-Formers from Dielectric Relaxation Data

Isothermal dielectric relaxation measurements were carried out on xylitol and threitol. These, together with existing data on sorbitol and glycerol, enabled us to identify the general features in t...
Synthesis of3H- polyethylene and its use for fate studies on degradable plastics

Determining the fate of xenobiotic materials in the environment can be aided by the use of radioactive isotope technology. Previous research on the degradation of polymers such as polyethylene (PE) was aided by the utilization of radiotracers. In order to study the environmental fate of degradable (PE/starch) plastics, we synthesized3H-labeled PE. Results of soil incubation studies indicate that only minimal degradation of the PE component, as indicated by the production of water-soluble metabolites, occurred during 2 years of incubation in soil. Despite the minimal degradation, the3H label did not allow for detection of the degradation products. In addition, the3H-PE was particularly useful for tracing the fate of degradable plastics after consumption by terrestrial isopods. The detection of aqueous-soluble radioactivity in isopod frass was used to indicate degradation of the plastic film.
The Quantitative Significance of the Transsulfuration Enzymes for H2S Production in Murine Tissues

Abstract The enzymes of the transsulfuration pathway, cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), are important for the endogenous production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gaseous signaling molecule. The relative contributions of CBS and CSE to H2S generation in different tissues are not known. In this study, we report quantification of CBS and CSE in murine liver and kidney and their contribution to H2S generation in these tissues and in brain at saturating substrate concentrations. We show that CBS protein levels are significantly lower than those of CSE; 60-fold and 20-fold in liver and kidney, respectively. Each enzyme is more abundant in liver compared with kidney, twofold and sixfold for CBS and CSE, respectively. At high substrate concentrations (20 mM each cysteine and homocysteine), the capacity for liver H2S production is approximately equal for CBS and CSE, whereas in kidney and brain, CBS constitutes the major source of H2S, accounting for ∼80% and ∼95%, respectively, of the...
Prosthetic reconstruction of a resected mandible

Abstract The primary objective in this procedure was the restoration of normal function. This was accomplished by supporting the two sections of the mandible in a normal maxillomandibular relationship and restoring the missing teeth by means of a removable partial denture. A secondary and incidental accomplishment was the patient's improved facial contour and more normal appearance (Fig. 8). This was reflected in an immediate improvement in the patient's psychologic attitude toward himself and his environment. It was a source of gratification to those involved in treating him to perceive this transformation. The patient's only complaints have been excessive salivation and the inability to chew tough foods.
Activation by bicarbonate, orthophosphate, and sulfate of rat liver microsomal glucose dehydrogenase

1. 1. The effects of the anions bicarbonate, orthophosphate, and sulfate on rat liver microsomal glucose dehydrogenase (β-d-glucose:NAD(P)+ oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.47) have been studied in detail. 2. 2. Significant activations of glucose dehydrogenase activity were produced by all these anions in the range from 2.5 to 50 mM. 30 mM sulfate, orthophosphate, and bicarbonate, respectively, effected increases in activity levels to approximately 550, 400, and 300% of control values. 3. 3. Activations were noted at all of a variety of H+ concentrations between pH 7 and 10. The pH optimum, 9.2 in the absence of effector, was shifted slightly towards neutrality in the presence of increasing concentrations of the various anions. 4. 4. Kinetic studies revealed that Km values for glucose and for nucleotide substrate were independent of second substrate concentrations. The various anions all effected increases in the vmax value and decreases in Km values for both glucose and NAD. 5. 5. Relatively small but significant inhibitions of glucose 6-P dehydrogenase activity also catalyzed by this multifunctional enzyme were produced by the various anions, while ATP was a potent inhibitor. 6. 6. It is suggested on the basis of similarities of the effects noted with the two multifunctional enzymes that the mechanism of anion action previously proposed by Horneet al.3 (Biochemistry, 9 (1970) 610) for yeast glucose-6-P dehydrogenase also obtains, with a slight modification, for the mammalian microsomal glucose dehydrogenase. 7. 7. Although the high Km value for glucose (0.33–1.25 M) may contraindicate a physiological role for glucose dehydrogenase activity, the observation that in the presence of physiological levels of anionic activators glucose dehydrogenase activity with 0.5 M d-glucose may approach or exceed the level of total hepatic cellular glucose-6-P dehydrogenase activity (microsomal plus cytosolic) raises the possibility that, as previously has been suggested by Metzgeret al.38 a specialized, compartmentalized biological role for this hepatic activity is possible.
Artificial diet and rearing methods for Thanasimus dubius (Coleoptera: Cleridae), a predator of bark beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

Abstract Clerid beetles are common natural enemies of bark beetles, and could potentially be used as biological control agents if they could be reared in sufficient numbers. We developed an artificial diet devoid of insect components for rearing Thanasimus dubius (Fabricius), a clerid that attacks several economically important bark beetles in eastern North America. We reared larvae of this predator using the artificial diet, and then used either natural or factitious prey to feed the adults so produced. Two different methods of presenting the diet were also examined. We then compared the performance of T. dubius reared on the artificial diet with newly-emerged wild individuals collected from the field. Our results suggest that adult predators reared on the diet are near in quality to wild ones, and high R 0 values can be obtained. No difference in prey preference was found between wild and diet-reared individuals after five generations in the laboratory. Sufficient numbers of predators could be generated using these techniques to permit limited field trials of augmentative biological control.
Computer simulation of competitive adsorption on ideal surfaces

The factors that influence the surface concentration of hydrogen in the methanation reaction were investigated by a simple computer simulation. In this reaction, one carbon adsorbed on a single site requires four hydrogens adsorbed on dual sites. The calculations were performed for three cases of different species interaction, which assumed that the only requirement for adsorption is geometric site availability; or that local adsorption probability increases with increasing local concentration; or that single-site species can displace dual-site species if a dual-site nearest neighbor exists. The results show quantitatively how the actual species concentration ratios on the surface, which are less than would be expected from ''gas phase'' concentrations, decrease as the stringency of the site requirements increases.
Divalproex sodium vs. placebo in the treatment of repetitive behaviours in autism spectrum disorder

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairment in three core symptom domains: socialization, communication, and repetitive/stereotyped behaviours. Other associated symptom domains are also affected including impulsivity/aggression, self-injury, anxiety, and mood lability. Divalproex has been shown to have efficacy in treating epilepsy, bipolar disorder, mood lability, and impulsive aggression. The present study evaluated the use of divalproex in the treatment of repetitive, compulsive-like symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Thirteen individuals with ASD participated in an 8-wk, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of divalproex sodium vs. placebo. There was a significant group difference on improvement in repetitive behaviours as measured by the Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (C-YBOCS) (p=0.037) and a large effect size (d=1.616). This study provides preliminary support for the use of divalproex in treating repetitive behaviours in ASD. Further research is needed to evaluate the specificity and mechanism of action of these findings.
Study on the Treatment of Nickel-Containing Wastewater by Spouted Bed Particulate Electro-Deposition

In order to achieve the goal of purifying the nickel-containing waste,use the Spouted bed particulate electro-deposition to treat it . Experimental studies show that the best condition is the concentration of nickel influence 1000mg/L, the current is 15A, pH 4.5, and particle size of 1.8mm under the condition of blowing nitrogen. The removal rate of nickel can reach 74.77%. Nitrogen can effectively reduce the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the water and obtain a higher electro-deposition efficiency and current efficiency.
The strain wave approach to modulus enhancement and stability of metallic multilayers

Abstract A strain wave is useful for describing a periodic displacement of atoms through a crystalline lattice. The term has a natural application for strained layered superiattices (SLS). Each atom within the planes of any given layer is displaced to accommodate the lattice misfit created by atoms in adjacent layers. In the simplest case, the atoms within each layer are displaced uniformly. Thus, a strain wave with a square profile results. The strain wave can be used to define the equilibrium positions of atoms in SLS. Energy based calculations of physical properties, such as elastic moduli, can be formulated based on the equilibrium positions and interatomic potentials between atoms. Metallic multilayers, composed of noble and transition elements, are examples of SLS which have shown, experimentally, anomalous elastic moduli effects, namely the supermodulus effect—an enhancement of the elastic moduli by several hundred percent. The strain wave approach will therefore be used as a structural basis to: (1) compute the system energy of the metallic multilayers, hence relative stability; and (2) compute the elastic moduli, both as a function of layer thickness. The shape and amplitude of the strain wave profile will be shown to affect both the elastic moduli and stability of the multilayer.
Linear Models Methods for Some Rank Function Analyses of Ordinal Categorical Data

This paper is concerned with the analysis of ordinal data through linear models for rank function measures.Primary attention is directed at pairwise Mann-Whitney statistics for which dimension reduction is managed by use of a Bradley-Terry log-linear structure.The nature of linear models for such quantities is contrasted with that for mean ranks (or ridits).Aspects of application are illustrated with an example for which results of other methods are also given.
Spatial-Temporal-Frequency Diversity in Radar Sensor Networks

In this paper, the spatial-temporal-frequency diversity to improve the detection performance of Radar Sensor Networks (RSN) in the presence of certain types of interference (clutter, jamming, noise and interference between radar sensors) is studied. In order to reduce the interference between radar sensors and maximize the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), we propose a method using the orthogonality criterion to design waveforms for radar sensors in the network. Besides the interference between radar sensors, performance of the network depends largely on other interference, especially clutter, which is extended in both angle and range, and is spread in Doppler frequency. By using the spatial-temporal diversity, we can suppress effects of these interference. In this paper, we also propose a receiver for diversity combining in RSN. As an application example, we apply the spatial-temporal-frequency diversity scheme to improve the detection performance or reduce the missdetection probability at a low false alarm probability. Simulation results for both non-fluctuating targets and fluctuating targets show that the performance of our proposed scheme is superior to that of the single radar with the spatial-temporal diversity only.
Insertion reactions of a two-coordinate iron diaryl with dioxygen and carbon monoxide

The iron(II) diaryl FeAr′2 (1) (Ar′ = C6H3-2,6-(C6H3-2,6-iPr2)2) reacts cleanly with O2 or CO to afford the monomeric, two-coordinate bis(aryloxide) Fe(OAr′)2 (2) or the η2-acyl–carbonyl complex (η2-Ar′CO)2Fe(CO)2 (3) viaoxygen or CO insertion into the Fe–C bonds; complex 2 has a strictly linear geometry and shows remarkable resistance to O2oxidation.
Ventilators, Acute Medical Care

A ventilator, like most critical care devices, is simply a machine. However, it is not a “simple machine.” Over the past five decades, the means of delivering gases to patients have become more complex. This has led to an evolution of more than 30 critical care ventilators being used in the United States. The numerous modes of ventilation and our unfortunate attempt to reach a consensus on the terminology used when referring to mechanical ventilation presents a challenge to even the most skilled clinician. Mushin’s description of ventilators in his archetypal text is appreciated by many and addresses the classification scheme that can be adopted to the less-sophisticated mechanical ventilator. An innumerable count of authors has used this classification method when writing about mechanical ventilator support. Today’s mechanical ventilators are designed to provide life support using an array of computerized logic systems, software utilities, and even artificial intelligence models to deliver gas to patients. This evolution of ventilators has led to a modernistic classification system to describe todayrsquo;s microprocessor-controlled mechanical ventilator. A classification system that is specific and well defined is intended to enhance communications between clinicians. However, some respected organizations and clinicians have been reluctant to accept this new system for understanding mechanical ventilation despite its acceptance by leading members in the pulmonary and critical care medicine community. Keywords: ventilator; pneumatic; vane; piston; valve; respiration
Mouse chromosome 17A3.3 contains 13 genes that encode functional tryptic-like serine proteases with distinct tissue and cell expression patterns.

Probing of the mouse EST data base at GenBank™ with known tryptase cDNAs resulted in the identification of undiscovered serine protease transcripts whose genes reside at a 1.5-Mb complex on mouse chromosome 17A3.3. Mouse tryptase-5 (mT5), tryptase-6 (mT6), and mast cell protease-11 (mMCP-11) are new members of this serine protease superfamily whose amino acid sequences are 36–54% identical to each other and to their other 10 family members. The 13 functional mouse proteases can be subdivided into two subgroups based on conserved features in their propeptides. Of the three new serine proteases, mT6 is most widely expressed in tissues. mT5 is preferentially expressed in smooth muscle, whereas mMCP-11 is preferentially expressed in the spleen and bone marrow. In contrast to mT5 and mT6, mMCP-11 is also expressed in mast cells. Although mT6 and mMCP-11 are constitutively secreted when expressed in mammalian and insect cells, mT5 remains membrane-associated. The fact that recombinant mT5, mT6, and mMCP-11 possess non-identical expression patterns and substrate specificities suggests that each protease has a unique function in vivo. Of the 13 functional mouse tryptase genes identified at the complex, 12 have orthologs that reside in the syntenic region of human chromosome 16p13.3. The establishment of these ortholog pairs helps clarify the evolutionary relationship of the serine protease locus in the two species. This information provides a useful framework for the functional analysis of each protease using gene targeting and other molecular approaches.
Population Structure of Florida Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina bauri) at the Southernmost Limit of their Range

We studied a population of Florida Box Turtles, Terrapene carolina bauri, from September 2002 to December 2003, in the Florida Keys at the southernmost limit of its range. Population structure was estimated to be 7.5% juvenile, 58.75% female, and 33.75% male, resulting in a female biased sex ratio (1 male:1.74 females). Population size was estimated at 39.9-114.4 turtles/6 ha in a pine rockland forest, with an estimated density of 4.8-10.2 turtles/ha. Males had significantly longer carapace and plastron lengths than did females. Comparison of data with other populations of T. c. bauri revealed similar morphological characteristics among populations although this southern population had higher mean body mass than did populations in the central parts of its range.
The "fever workup" and respiratory culture practice in critically ill trauma patients.

Abstract Purpose Fever and leukocytosis (FAL) in critically ill patients often triggers a “workup” that includes a respiratory secretion culture (RCx). We evaluated our respiratory culture practice associated with FAL. We hypothesized that FAL would be associated with a RCx, but would not be associated with a positive culture or treating a respiratory infection in critically injured patients during their first 14 intensive care unit (ICU) days. Materials and methods An 18-month retrospective analysis was performed on consecutive ICU trauma patients admitted for 2 days or more to a level I trauma center. Data collected included demographics, injuries, RCxs (bronchoalveolar lavage or tracheal aspirate), maximum daily temperature, and a daily leukocyte count during the first 14 ICU days. Results A total of 510 patients with a mean age of 49 and injury severity score of 19 were evaluated for a total of 3839 patient-days. Two hundred eleven patients had 489 RCxs obtained (2.4 RCxs/patient); 94 (19%) were obtained on consecutive days. Obtaining a RCx was associated with fever (relative risk, 4.8; 95% confidence interval, 4.1-5.8) and the combination of FAL (relative risk, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 2.2-3.1), but not leukocytosis alone. Fever, leukocytosis, or FAL did not predict a positive RCx. One hundred twenty-eight patients were treated for a respiratory infection. Treatment of respiratory infections was contrary to the RCx results 24% of the time. The sensitivity and specificity of a positive RCx being associated with respiratory infection were 97% and 46%, respectively. Conclusions Fever and leukocytosis were associated with the decision to obtain RCxs but were not associated with positive RCxs in our ICU practice. Respiratory secretion culture results had a low specificity and did not consistently impact treatment decisions. Factors other than fever and leukocytosis alone should influence the decision to obtain RCxs during the first 14 days in the ICU after trauma.
Analytical Evaluation of the Error in Queue Length Estimation at Traffic Signals From Probe Vehicle Data

Probe vehicle data are increasingly becoming more attractive for real-time system state estimation in transportation networks. This paper presents analytical models for the real-time estimation of queue lengths at traffic signals using the fundamental information (i.e., location and time) that probe vehicles provide. For a single queue with Poisson arrivals, analytical models are developed to evaluate how error changes in queue length estimation as the percentage of probe vehicles in the traffic stream varies. When the overflow queue is ignored, a closed-form solution is obtained for the variance of the estimation error. For the more general case with the overflow queue, a formulation for the error variance is presented, which requires the marginal probability distribution of the overflow queue as the input. In addition, an approximate model is presented for the latter case, which yields results that are comparable with the exact solution. Overall, the formulations presented here can be used to assess the error in queue length estimation from probe data without conducting simulation runs for various scenarios of probe vehicle market-penetration rates and congestion levels.
Host Cell Signaling and Trypanosoma cruzi Invasion: Do All Roads Lead to Lysosomes?

Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan parasite that causes Chagas' disease in humans, is capable of invading and replicating within a wide variety of nucleated mammalian cell types. Host cell invasion by infective T. cruzi trypomastigotes is governed by parasite-triggered activation of host cell signaling pathways. Recent studies highlighting a role for host cell phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3Ks) in the T. cruzi invasion process have revealed surprising new insights into the mechanism of host cell invasion by this pathogen. In this Perspective, we discuss these findings and propose alternative models of T. cruzi invasion that incorporate this new information.
Comparative Study of Computer Usage Patterns and Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms among College Students

Recent studies have shown that computer-use-related musculoskeletal discomfort is prevalent in college students. In this paper two studies of college student computer usage, conducted five years apart (2003 and 2008), are compared. The participants in both studies completed online computer usage surveys. Questions included the duration of computer use, at what times they would most likely be using a computer, and at what locations. Some questions were focused on what safe computing practices the student had possibly adopted, such as taking breaks. Both studies indicated that students often assume awkward postures when computing. Students also reported continuously computing, with no breaks, though breaks are recommended by computer ergonomics programs in other sectors. Reported discomfort associated with computer use indicates that students are already experiencing musculoskeletal symptoms. This study can guide in the development, implementation, and evaluation of changes in the equipment and/or training ...
Comparison of air-displacement plethysmography results using predicted and measured lung volumes over a protracted period of time

Summary Background Air-displacement plethysmography (ADP) systems can either measure or predict lung volume (LV) in their test trials. The repeatability of the predicted and the measured value is an important factor in the accuracy of the final test result. Objective Compare the variability and accuracy of ADP tests using predicted and measured LV over a protracted period of time. Methods Twenty-four adults (18–30 years) participated in the study. Each subject underwent three ADP tests over a period of 3 weeks, with 1 week between tests. At each testing session, subjects were tested using a predicted LV protocol and a measured LV protocol in random order. LV, body volume (BV) and per cent body fat (% BF) were compared between testing modes and between assessment times. Results A two-way ANOVA examined the effect of the mode of LV assessment (measured or predicted) and trial (week) for LV and BV and the effect of the LV mode assessment (measured or predicted) and trial (week) on % BF results. LV and BV did not differ significantly (P>0·05) between the two modes of assessment (measured or predicted). Time (day of assessment) also was not significantly different between trials (P>0·05). Neither mode nor trial was significant (P>0·05), therefore neither had an effect on the % BF results. Conclusion In this investigation, the method used to determine LV during ADP testing did not significantly affect the final % BF result. Also, tests performed over an extended period of time was not affected by LV measurement method.
Homeopathy: progress and promise, a critical perspective

This lecture attempts to analyse the progress made by homeopathy in recent years, by analysing consumer awareness, sales and distribution trends of homeopathic products, and research publications. Sales of homeopathic medicines are growing rapidly, but remain a very small fraction of the total pharmaceutical market. The proportion of combination to single medicines varies widely between countries. The market is concentrated in a relatively small number of the available medicines; many available homeopathic medicines are never used. Regulation of homeopathic practitioners and medicines is problematic, the legal position varies between countries. The volume of research is growing steadily. A series of recommendations is made, including modernisation of the terminology of homeopathy, training of more practitioners, a defined research agenda and integration into the medical system.
A Noninvasive Microwave Sensor and Signal Processing Technique for Continuous Monitoring of Vital Signs

The use of the noninvasive microwave method for measuring changes in lung water content has been previously reported and validated in animal experiments. The approach is based on measuring the transmission coefficient across the thorax and correlating results with changes in lung water content. In this letter, we extend this technique to the monitoring of multiple vital signs including heart rate and breathing as well as the changes of lung water content from a single transmission coefficient measurement. Using a short-time Fourier transform-based digital signal processing method, it is shown that these vital signs can be accurately detected and extracted from a single microwave transmission coefficient measurement. Experimental measurements were made on a thorax phantom model, and the obtained data confirmed the validity and accuracy of the proposed approach. The radiation bio-safety aspects of this approach were evaluated using a DASY4 near-field scanner, often used for certifying cell phones. Obtained results for a 30-mW input power show that the specific absorption rate (SAR) values are about one third of the FCC safety standard at the operating frequency of 915 MHz. The microwave applicator design together with the experimental procedure and the extracted vital signs results are presented, and avenues for future clinical implementation are discussed.
Reflections on the Golden Age of Comparative Politics

In putting together Comparative European Politics: The Story of a Profession, Hans Daalder attempted “to chronicle the intellectual (auto)biography of the study of comparative European politics since the end of World War II” (p. 1). The book succeeds admirably in achieving this modest goal. It is an enormously enlightening and sometimes fascinating series of self-reflections on the birth of an important subfield of political science by those who established it. The volume contains the intellectual autobiographies of twenty-three of the “founding fathers” of modern comparative politics, and biographies (written by important scholars in the field) of four others who are now deceased. The autobiographies include those of Gabriel Almond, Robert Dahl, S.N. Eisenstadt, Giovanni Sartori, Juan Linz, Jean Blondel, Richard Rose, Jack Hayward, Gordon Smith, Vincent Wright, Pierre Birnbaum, Guy Hermet, Gerhard Lembruch, Klaus von Beyme, Peter Gerlich, Hans Daalder, Arend Lijphart, Mogens Pedersen, Erik Allardt, Sidney Verba, Philippe Schmitter, Ted Gurr, and Harold Wilensky. The biographies explore the contributions of Carl Friedrich, S.E. Finer, Stein Rokkan, and Rudolf Wildenmann. Comparative European Politics goes well beyond the modest objective, however. It emerges as a study of the various factors that contributed to the development of what is arguably the golden age of comparative politics. The 1960s and early 1970s witnessed an unprecedented outpouring of great works, including the Princeton series on political development, Dahl’s Political Oppositions, books by Seymour Lipset and Rokkan, and The Civic Culture to name just a few. Little more than a decade earlier, the field of comparative politics in its modern sense did not even exist. Nonetheless, most of these new works were remarkably sophisticated—examples of first-rate social science that combined rich and creative theorizing with a solid grounding in contemporary empirical data and long-term historical analyses. Many of the concepts first articulated in these works (e.g., the freezing of social cleavages, the catch-all party, polarized pluralism, consociational democracy, and authoritarian versus totalitarian regimes) have had remarkable staying power. They still figure prominently in the vocabulary and research agendas of comparativists more than three decades later. The twenty-seven (auto)biographical essays in this volume provide numerous insights into the ingredients necessary to produce such a massive outpouring of influential works. Mershon International Studies Review (1998) 42, 322–324
Prognosis of Neonatal Arterial Ischemic Stroke

Investigators from University Children's Hospitals in Bern, Zurich, Aarau, and multiple other centers in Switzerland evaluated prospectively the epidemiology, manifestations, and treatment of all full-term neonates with neonatal arterial ischemic stroke (NAIS) and born 2000-2010.
Analysis of the helix as an RF applicator for hyperthermia

A coaxially layered bone-muscle-fat-skin model of the human upper arm has been used to analyse the helix as an indicator for RF hyperthermia. Calculated values of wave-length for propagation in the system agree well with experimental results. Optimisation of the applicator is discussed.