cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A New Long-Headed Dipnoan (Osteichthyes) from the Middle Devonian of Iowa, USA

ABSTRACT The new genus and species Iowadipterus halli is described from the Middle Devonian of Iowa, U.S.A. Iowadipterus is a long-headed but not long-snouted dipnoan with many distinct features: cheek bones 8 and 9 enlarged, bone 8 bordering bones Y1 and Y2 so that only bones Y2 and Z lie dorsal to the operculum; cheek pit line passing from bone 8 directly to bone 9; elongation of B- and C-bones without differentiation of D- or E-bones; narrow submandibular combined with broad gulars; and scales with tubercles with a shallow depression on the overlapped part of scale. Iowadipterus and possibly Holodipterus are long-headed dipnoans with a short lower jaw, in contrast to long-headed forms with a long snout (Griphognathus, Soederberghia, Rhynchodipterus, and Fleurantia with elongated rami, and Rhinodipterus with an elongated symphysis). The broad cheek offers a wide space for the adductor muscles and indicates a powerful bite.
Congestion Control of Store-and-Forward Networks by Input Buffer Limits--An Analysis

The use of input buffer limits for congestion control of store-and-forward networks is investigated. An analytic model is formulated. Based upon the analytic results, strategies are proposed for the design of input buffer limits to achieve the maximum network throughput as well as to provide a safety margin for uncertainties in traffic assumptions. A useful capacity law is discovered. Major conclusions drawn from the analysis are supported by simulation results for a fournode homogeneous network. These results indicate that input buffer limits which satisfy the capacity law are a simple and effective means of network congestion control. Further simulation studies are underway to investigate methods of implementation in a general network.
An object-oriented approach to modeling financial accounting systems

Abstract This paper analyzes the requirements of a financial accounting system and compares an object-oriented data model with the relational data model as a vehicle for meeting these requirements. It is shown that the relational data model, despite its market dominance, is not an effective tool for modeling financial accounting systems. Its deficiency stems from a want of intrinsic capability to model generalizing abstractions and complex structures and a lack of control over accounting procedures. In contrast, an object-oriented model supports generalizing abstractions and complex data structures. Also, the encapsulation of behavior within an object provides a means for modeling accounting procedures. These features promote a design that integrates accounting structures and accounting procedures and help create a system that is friendly, modular, and reliable. This paper also proposes the idea of establishing a library of accounting objects as building blocks to configure new accounting systems. A discussion of some future research directions concludes the paper.
Conserved Residues Serine 225 and Methionine 229 Attenuate the Sodium Transport Responses in the Sodium-Coupled Neutral Amino Acid Transporter, SNAT2

Sodium dependent neutral amino acid transporter (SNAT) 2, a member of the solute carrier (SLC) 38 family, system A, mediates the coupled transport of sodium and small neutral amino acids across a cell's membrane. There has been proposed structural homology between SNAT2 and the sodium/betaine symporter, BetP. We mutated two conserved amino acids that have been shown to be ligands involved in BetP sodium binding: serine-225 and methionine-229. Both residues are found in the predicted TMD 5. The functional consequences of the S225A mutation are a slight reduction in the apparent affinity for alanine, and a dramatic reduction of the apparent sodium affinity. M229A also shows a reduced apparent affinity for alanine. These results demonstrate there is involvement of these residues in the sodium coordination and/or amino acid interaction with SNAT2. It also shows the involvement of TMD 5, which previously had not been thought to be involved with sodium binding in SNAT2.
What is the role for collegiate design competitions in a multi-discipline, diverse world?

Collegiate competitions provide a way for University students to gain a multi-discipline and multi-cultural experience while working on a real-world engineering project. These competitions rely on the natural competitive drive of students to force them to move beyond their comfort bounds to work with individuals from different educational and cultural backgrounds.
Microwave-optical mixing in LiNbO/sub 3/ modulators

An investigation study of microwave-optical mixing in different configurations of LiNbO/sub 3/ Mach-Zehnder interferometric modulators is presented. In each case, models that describe mixer performance are developed and are shown to be in good agreement with measurements. For antenna remoting applications, a technique to down-convert RF signals is demonstrated by cascading in series a pair of Mach-Zehnder interferometric modulators. In general, it is shown that by virtue of their truly broadband characteristics, interferometric modulators can also by employed as microwave mixers at frequencies up to 40 GHz. >
A Programmable System to Perform the Polymerase Chain Reaction

ABSTRACT An automated system is described that performs the cyclic temperature changes required for enzymatic amplification of specific DNA segments in vitro using the polymerase chain reaction (pe...
A high field mössbauer study of a six coordinate iron II dithiocarbamate complex and comparison of the Fe(II)S6, Fe(III)S6 and Fe(IV)S6 chromophores in tris (diethyldithiocarbamate) complexation

Abstract Mossbauer spectroscopy shows that the quadruple interaction in tris (N, N′-diethyldithiocarbamate) iron II is negative, axially symmetric and that the compound is rapidly relaxing at 4.2 K. The results indicate a 5 A ground term arising from trigonal compression of a Fe(II)S 6 chromophore and positive zero field splitting. A correlation is made with data for the Fe(III)S 6 and Fe(IV)S 6 tris-diethyldithiocarbamates.
The effect of dissipation on the vertical propagation of planetary waves in the vicinity of critical levels

Planetary waves are excited at an initial time by the switch-on of vertical motion at the base of a stratified, isothermal atmosphere on a β-plane. Dissipation in the form of linear drag and Newtonian cooling is allowed for. Simple zonal wind profifes are used with linear shear and critical or zero wind levels. Dissipation rapidly dampens out residual time-dependent motion such that a steady state is reached in no more than a few weeks at all heights. Dissipation also permits the absorption of significant amounts of planetary-wave energy such that the basic flow cannot be considered invariant with time. The need for more accurate estimates of dissipation time scales in the upper atmosphere is pointed out. An important step toward this end will be a final solution to the problem of the photochemistry of ozone.
Studies on the mechanism of rubber formation in the guayule. III. Experiments with isotopic carbon.

Abstract 1. 1. In earlier experiments it has been shown that acetate can serve as a substrate for support of increased rubber synthesis in guayule seedlings or excised guayule tissues. It has now been shown by the use of acetate labeled with isotopic carbon that the carbon from exogenous acetate is actually incorporated in the rubber formed by guayule. 2. 2. When acetate is given and taken up by guayule in great excess, the specific radioactivity of the rubber formed approaches that of the acetate given. Under such conditions apparently the exogenous acetate serves as the principal substrate for rubber synthesis. 3. 3. Acetate is metabolized by guayule tissues through a variety of pathways. Synthesis to rubber constitutes a pathway of only minor importance. Synthesis to other isoprenoid compounds, the resins, is a second pathway of quantitative significance. Half or more of the acetate given is however metabolized to amino acids, in particular to the branched-chain amino acids leucine and valine on the one hand and the dicarboxylic amino acids aspartate and glutamate on the other.
Behavioral training of motion control in young children undergoing radiation treatment without sedation.

Preschool-age children undergoing radiation treatment for malignancies often require daily sedation or general anesthesia to assure adequate motion control. A few older children with severe anxiety reactions, a history of behavior problems, or developmental handicaps have similar problems with radiotherapy. The use of sedation or anesthesia adds risk and expense to a procedure that does not require their administration for pain management. This report describes an altemative approach using behavior analysis to teach cooperation and motion control to preschoolers and older children with special needs. Outcome data are presented for 10 children between the ages of 3 and 7. Eight of the 10 appeared to benefit from the behavioral program. These eight cooperated with radiation treatments without the need for repeated sedation or anesthesia. The benefits and limitations of this approach are discussed along with the need for additional research.
Chicken thymocyte-specific antigen identified by monoclonal antibodies: ontogeny, tissue distribution and biochemical characterization

Two monoclonal antibodies, CT-1 (IgG1, kappa) and CT-1a (IgG3, kappa) were prepared against chicken thymocytes. The antigen identified by these antibodies was found to be a glycoprotein with a major polypeptide component having an apparent molecular weight of 63 000 and a minor polypeptide component of approximately 103 000. Immunoprecipitation and blocking experiments revealed that the two antibodies react with different antigenic determinants of the molecule. Ontogenic studies employing immunofluorescence failed to reveal the antigenic determinants on cells from the embryo or embryonic yolk sac on days 3 and 6 of incubation. The number of embryonic thymocytes bearing the molecules detected by these antibodies increased from 6% on day 12 to 54% on day 13; the frequency of thymocytes expressing this glycoprotein reached adult levels (greater than 90%) by the 15th day of embryonic age. In contrast, the CT-1 and CT-1a antibodies reacted with only 2-5% of blood and splenic cells and less than 0.05% of cells from bursa or bone marrow of young adult chickens. In the quail CT-1 reacted with cortical, but not medullary, thymocytes, while the CT-1a antibody was unreactive with quail thymocytes. The surface glycoproteins detected by these discriminating monoclonal antibodies may provide an important discriminating marker for thymic lymphocytes in the chicken and the quail.
Preliminary three‐dimensional analysis of the heliospheric response to the 28 October 2003 CME using SMEI white‐light observations

[1] The Solar Mass Ejection Imager (SMEI) has recorded the inner heliospheric response in white-light Thomson scattering to the 28 October 2003 coronal mass ejection (CME). This preliminary report shows the evolution of this particular event in SMEI observations, as we track it from a first measurement at approximately 20° elongation (angular distance) from the solar disk until it fades in the antisolar hemisphere in the SMEI 180° field of view. The large angle and spectrometric coronagraph (LASCO) images show a CME and an underlying bright ejection of coronal material that is associated with an erupting prominence. Both of these are seen by SMEI in the interplanetary medium. We employ a three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction technique that derives its perspective views from outward flowing solar wind to reveal the shape and extent of the CME. This is accomplished by iteratively fitting the parameters of a kinematic solar wind density model to both SMEI white-light observations and Solar-Terrestrial Environment Laboratory (STELab), interplanetary scintillation (IPS) velocity data. This modeling technique separates the true heliospheric signal in SMEI observations from background noise and reconstructs the 3-D heliospheric structure as a function of time. These reconstructions allow separation of the 28 October CME from other nearby heliospheric structure and a determination of its mass. The present results are the first utilizing this type of 3-D reconstruction with the SMEI data. We determine an excess-over-ambient mass for the southward moving ejecta associated with the prominence material of 7.1 × 1016 g and a total mass of 8.9 × 1016 g. Preliminary SMEI white-light calibration indicates that the total mass of this CME including possible associated nearby structures may have been as much as ∼2.0 × 1017 g spread over much of the earthward facing hemisphere.
Effects of copper and nickel on the growth of nitrosomonas europaea

The toxic effects of copper(II) and nickel(II) species on the growth of Nitrosomonas europuea were investigated. The initial conditions of media were defined in terms of chemical speciation using a chemical equilibrium model. The investigation measured the response of N. europaea (the oxidation of ammonium to nitrite) cultured in a simple medium containing five cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+, K+, Na+ ) and five inorganic ligands (CO2−3, SO2−4, Cl−, PO3−4, OH−), to changing concentrations of heavy metals (Cu2+, Ni2+) and total ammonia (NH3 plus NH+4). Experimental conditions were controlled as to allow interpretation of the results in terms of chemical species and their toxic effects on the organisms. Decrease of the specific growth rate of N. europaea was linearly correlated (r≥ 0.90) with the logarithmic activities of Cu(II)-ammine species (i.e., CuNH2+3, Cu(NH3)2+2, Cu(NH3)2+3, Cu(NH3)2+4,), regardless of the total copper(II) activity in the medium. Nickel(II) was far less toxic than copper(II) on the basis of specific growth rate, but nickel induced a lag or synchronized growth on the culture. The duration of lag increased with increasing total nickel concentration, while it decreased significantly as total ammonia concentration increased. The lag time was highly correlated (r>0.85) with total nickel and Ni2+ activities on log-log scale at high ammonia concentrations, but no particular nickel species was implicated as the toxic agent. The toxicity of copper and nickel were markedly influenced by the substrate concentration.
On Reaching First Base With a “Science” of Moral Development In Sport: Problems With Scientific Objectivity and Reductivism

(1995). On Reaching First Base With a “Science” of Moral Development In Sport: Problems With Scientific Objectivity and Reductivism. Journal of the Philosophy of Sport: Vol. 22, No. 1, pp. 11-25.
Cytomorphology of familial hemophagocytic syndrome

Familial hemophagocytic syndrome (FHS) is a rare, fatal disorder of childhood demonstrating failure to thrive, fever, hepatosplenomegaly (HSM), recurrent infections, pancytopenia, and histologically, the infiltration of reticuloendothelial organs by benign-appearing histiocytes demonstrating hemophagocytosis. We report two fatal cases of FHS including a 3 year-old female who underwent fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of the liver in the initial workup of the disease (case 1) and an 8 month-old boy with ascites and HSM having peritoneal fluid cytology submitted as the first specimen for morphologic examination (case 2). In case 1, the FNA cytologic findings included benign hepatocytes and scattered mature and reactive lymphocytes and histiocytes. The histiocytes demonstrated fine to coarse cytoplasmic vacuoles and erythrophagocytosis. The diagnosis was confirmed at autopsy which revealed extensive lymphohistiocytic infiltrates in various organs including the central nervous system. In case 2, the peritoneal fluid cytology specimen contained numerous atypical and degenerating mononuclear lymphoreticular cells which were dispersed as a single cell suspension admixed with infrequent mesothelial elements; hemophagocytosis was not appreciated. Subsequent liver biopsy revealed portal tracts and sinusoids infiltrated by benign but atypical histiocytes with hemophagocytosis. Bone marrow examination and then autopsy confirmed the diagnosis of FHS. A panel of immunocytochemical studies was performed in the first case which was an aid in confirming the diagnosis of FHS and ultrastructural examination of the second case revealed well-developed erythrophagocytosis. Both patients had siblings who died of FHS. Although not diagnostic, cytomorphology may suggest FHS.
Graphically based interval estimation for the change-point

Abstract Confidence intervals for the change-point in a sequence of independent observations are constructed by using the asymptotic distribution of the appropriate likelihood ratio statistic. The confidence limits are determined numerically (graphically) on the basis of the observed maximum of the likelihood ratio process. The method described, can be applied for parametric models which are members of the Exponential family, Location family, or the Scale family. Some Monte Carlo simulations are used to study rate of convergence of the coverage probabilities. Two well known change-point examples (the Nile data and the Coal mines data) are used to illustrate this interval estimation procedure.
Robust modal filtering for control of flexible aircraft

A robust control law design methodology is presented to stabilize the X-56A model and command its wing shape. The X-56A was purposely designed to experience flutter modes in its flight envelope. The methodology introduces three phases: the controller design phase, the modal filter design phase, and the reference signal design phase. A mu-optimal controller is designed and made robust to speed and parameter variations. A conversion technique is presented for generating sensor strain modes from sensor deformation mode shapes. The sensor modes are utilized for modal filtering and simulating fiber optic sensors for feedback to the controller. To generate appropriate virtual deformation reference signals, rigid-body corrections are introduced to the deformation mode shapes. After successful completion of the phases, virtual deformation control is demonstrated. The wing is deformed and it is shown that angle-of-attack changes occur which could potentially be used to an advantage. The X-56A program must demonstrate active flutter suppression. It is shown that the virtual deformation controller can achieve active flutter suppression on the X-56A simulation model.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FAILED ANTIREFLUX OPERATION

A further operation is required in a small proportion of patients who have had prior antireflux surgery. This has a surprisingly good chance for success in appropriately evaluated patients. The surgeon must make very specific decisions regarding the surgical approach. The use of laparoscopy for redo surgery is being defined.
In situ high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction studies and first principles modeling of α-MnO2 electrodes in Li–O2 and Li-ion coin cells

Despite their technological challenges, non-aqueous rechargeable lithium–oxygen cells offer extremely high theoretical energy densities and are therefore attracting much attention in a rapidly emerging area of electrochemical research. Early results have suggested that, among the transition metal oxides, alpha manganese dioxide (α-MnO2) appears to offer electrocatalytic properties that can enhance the electrochemical properties of Li–O2 cells, particularly during the early cycles. In this study, we have investigated the hybrid Li-ion/Li–O2 character of α-MnO2 electrodes in Li–O2 coin cells by in situ high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction, and compared the results with conventional Li/α-MnO2 coin cells assembled under argon. Complementary first principles density functional theory calculations have been used to shed light on competing lithium insertion and lithium and oxygen insertion reactions within the α-MnO2 tunnel structure during discharge, relative to lithium peroxide or lithium oxide formation.
CLEO - recent results and future prospects

We report the recent results from the CLEO collaboration on measurements of the photon energy spectrum for b → sγ and hadronic recoil mass in B → Xclν. Using HQET we extract |Vcb| from semileptonic decay rates and |Vub| from the lepton endpoint spectrum of B → Xulν with reduced theoretical uncertainties compared to previous measurements. We give an outlook on plans of the CLEO collaboration to transform CESR and CLEO into a charm factory. The physics potential in this regime is discussed.
CHARGE syndrome. Part I. External ear anomalies

Ear anomalies and hearing loss are major components of CHARGE Syndrome. This paper describes the external ear anomalies found in this syndrome: short wide pinnae, often cupped and asymmetrical; distinctive triangular concha; discontinuity between the antihelix and antitragus; and 'snipped-off' portions of the helical folds. The patterns of anomalies are so distinctive that a preliminary diagnosis of CHARGE Syndrome can often be made on the basis of ear shape alone. Part II of this communication describes hearing loss in this syndrome.
Primary endovascular repair of juxtarenal aneurysms with fenestrated endovascular grafting.

Purpose. To evaluate outcomes of an endovascular graft incorporating the visceral aortic segment with graft material in the setting of juxtarenal aneurysms. Materials and methods. A prospective analysis of patients undergoing implantation of an endovascular device with graft material proximal to the renal arteries was conducted. All patients were deemed unacceptable candidates for open surgical repair and had proximal neck length=<10 mm, or =<15 mm with a compromising morphology (funnel or thrombus). Fenestrations were customized to accommodate aortic branch anatomy based upon CT and intravascular ultrasound data. Selective visceral ostia were treated with balloon expandable stents following endograft deployment. All patients were evaluated with CT, duplex ultrasound, and abdominal radiograph at discharge, 1, 6, 12 and 24 months. Results. A total of 32 patients were enrolled in the trial. Short proximal necks (3–10 mm) were present in 22, and 10 had necks 10–15 mm in length with concomitant angulation or thrombus compromising neck quality. Endograft design included bifurcated (30) and aortic tube (2) systems. A total of 83 visceral vessels were incorporated (mean of 2.6 per patient). These most commonly included both renal arteries and the SMA. All prostheses were implanted successfully without the acute loss of any visceral arteries. The mean follow-up was 9.2 months (range 0–24 months). One patient died within 30 days of device implantation and hypogastric bypass following the development of aspiration pneumonia. Three early ( 30% from baseline), with one requiring hemodialysis. Of the 83 vessels incorporated, three late stenoses (all successfully treated with an endovascular approach) and two renal occlusions were detected during follow-up. Three patients died of unrelated causes during the follow-up period. Conclusions. The placement of endovascular prostheses with graft material incorporating the visceral arteries is technically feasible. The incidence of endoleaks is exceptionally low. It remains critical to follow the status of stented visceral vessels, and establish the long-term efficacy of this type of repair.
Altered endothelial Ca2+ regulation after ischemia/reperfusion produces potentiated endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated dilations.

Background and Purpose— Endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)–mediated dilations are potentiated after several pathologies, including ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). However, no study to date has addressed the mechanism by which this potentiation occurs. This study tested the hypothesis that potentiated EDHF-mediated dilations are due to altered endothelial Ca2+ handling after I/R. Methods— Rat middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) were isolated after 2 hours of MCA occlusion and 24 hours of reperfusion (or sham surgery). This model has been previously demonstrated to produce potentiated EDHF-mediated dilations. MCAs were studied in a pressurized/perfused vessel chamber equipped for the simultaneous measurement of endothelial Ca2+ (with fura 2) and artery diameter. Measures were made after luminal administration of UTP (P2Y2 purinoceptor agonist), 2 MeS-ATP (P2Y1 purinoceptor agonist), and Br-A23187 (receptor-independent Ca2+ ionophore) for sham and I/R MCAs. Results— I/R resulted in significantly potentiated UTP-mediated dilations (through a P2Y2 purinoceptor) and endothelial Ca2+ responses in the presence of N G-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and indomethacin. Endothelial Ca2+ and diameter responses were also significantly potentiated with 2 MeS-ATP (through a P2Y1 purinoceptor) when L-NAME and indomethacin were absent. Br-A23187, a receptor-independent Ca2+ ionophore, produced significantly potentiated endothelial Ca2+ responses after I/R in the presence of L-NAME/indomethacin. Evaluation of artery diameter as a function of endothelial Ca2+ demonstrated no differences between sham and I/R groups. Conclusions— These findings demonstrate that I/R results in augmented endothelial Ca2+ responses that appear to be downstream of the receptor level. Moreover, these data suggest that this augmented Ca2+ response contributes to the potentiated EDHF-mediated dilations after I/R.
Study of Electrical Stress Effect on SiGe HBT Low-Noise Amplifier Performance by Simulation

This paper investigates the hot-carrier-induced performance degradation in a cascode low-noise amplifier using SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistors. Changes in device characteristics due to accelerated hot-carrier stress are examined experimentally. The vertical bipolar inter-company (VBIC) model parameters extracted from measured device data before and after stress are used in Cadence SpectreRF simulation to evaluate the circuit performance degradation
Cluster-Randomized Trial to Improve Antibiotic Use for Adults With Acute Respiratory Infections Treated in Emergency Departments

Study objective We evaluate the effectiveness of an educational program in hospital emergency departments (EDs) targeting reduction in antibiotic overuse for acute respiratory tract infections. Methods Sixteen hospitals participated in the cluster randomized trial, selecting a Veterans Administration (VA) and non-VA hospital within each of 8 metropolitan regions. Intervention sites received performance feedback, clinician education, and patient educational materials, including an interactive computer kiosk located in the waiting room. Medical records were reviewed at each site during the baseline year 1 and intervention year 2. The primary measure of effect was the percentage of visits for upper respiratory tract infections and acute bronchitis that were treated with antibiotics. Secondary outcomes, including return visits and visit satisfaction, were assessed by follow-up telephone interviews of patients. Alternating logistic regression models were used to adjust for baseline treatment rates, case mix differences, and provider characteristics. Results The adjusted antibiotic prescription level for upper respiratory tract infection/acute bronchitis visits was 47% for control sites and 52% for intervention sites in year 1. Antibiotic prescriptions at control sites increased by 0.5% between year 1 and year 2 (95% confidence interval −3% to 5%) and at intervention sites decreased by 10% (95% confidence interval −18% to −2%). There were no significant differences between control and intervention sites in the proportions of upper respiratory tract infection/bronchitis patients with return ED visits or in overall visit satisfaction. Conclusion Multidimensional educational interventions can reduce antibiotic overuse in the treatment of patients with upper respiratory tract infections and acute bronchitis in EDs. However, substantial antibiotic overuse persists despite this educational intervention.
Henry Kissinger's philosophy of international relations

(1991). Henry Kissinger's philosophy of international relations. Diplomacy & Statecraft: Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 103-129.
Membrane structure at synaptic junctions in area CA1 of the rat hippocampus.

Abstract In tissue from area CA1 of the rat hippocampus prepared for electron microscopic study by thin-sectioning, asymmetric synaptic junctions were found on dendritic spines, spiny dendritic shafts, and non-spiny dendritic shafts. In freeze-fractured preparations, aggregates of large particles were found on the extracellular half of the postsynaptic membrane at each of these synaptic junctions. Particle aggregate areas were measured and particle packing densities were computed at dendritic spine synapses and dendritic shaft synapses in area CA1, and compared to similar measures of particle aggregates on dendritic spines of cerebellar Purkinje cells. All of these CA1 and cerebellar synapses are excitatory and are thought to use glutamate as a neurotransmitter. There was a tendency for the dispersion of particles within individual aggregates to be less uniform in larger aggregates in both area CA1 and cerebellar cortex. Distinct particle-free zones could be distinguished in the center of particle aggregates on large “mushroom-shaped” spines in area CA1. There was no statistically significant difference between the particle densities at CA1 dendritic spines (2848 ± 863particles/μm 2 ) and CA1 dendritic shafts (2707 ± 718particles/μm 2 ). However, the average density of particles at cerebellar dendritic spine synapses (3614 ± 1081particles/μm 2 ) was significantly greater than at dendritic spine or shaft synapses found in area CA1. Symmetric synaptic junctions were observed on the CA1 pyramidal cell somas and dendritic shafts in thin-sectioned preparations. These synapses typically exert an inhibitory action mediated by gammaaminobutyric acid. In freeze-fracture preparations, large varicosities were found apposed to the pyramidal somal and dendric membranes, but there were no specializations of particle distribution on either the extracellular or the cytoplasmic half of the fractured postsynaptic membranes. This finding parallels observations from freeze-fracture preparations of other GABAergic synapses in the central nervous system.
Sleep and Sleep Disorders in the Hospital

Sleep abnormalities are common and underrecognized in hospitalized patients. Sleep restriction is common and can have undesirable behavioral and physiologic effects. The general pattern of polysomnographic abnormalities observed in hospitalized patients is reduction in total sleep time, stages R (rapid eye movement), and N3 (slow wave) and increase in stage N1 percentage. Sleep is also fragmented with more arousals and awakenings. Multiple factors are responsible for sleep disruption in hospitalized patients and include environmental noise. Abnormalities in melatonin secretion leading to circadian rhythm abnormalities have also been noted. Hospitalized patients may also present with symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Protocols for sleep enhancement and management of obstructive sleep apnea are being implemented at various hospitals. Outcome data are awaited from these measures.
Public Understanding and Appreciation of the Biosphere Reserve Concept

The Biosphere Reserve concept potentially appears to be an extremely important basis for enhancing global land protection—particularly, although not exclusively, in developing countries. Far more clarification and education will be required, however, to produce the level of public appreciation that will be necessary to make this concept an effective force for conservation. It may be argued that a clear delineation of the Biosphere Reserve concept is less important than an adequate public understanding of the values to be derived from this land protection strategy. While this distinction may be useful, it would seem that the potential benefits of the Biosphere Reserve would be considerably enhanced by far more precise public appreciation of the meaning and intent of this land designation category.
P6C-2 Image Texture Clustering for Prostate Ultrasound Diagnosis

To double the accuracy of ultrasound diagnosis and biopsy guidance, an efficient, integrated platform for image textural analysis and clustering of transrectal prostate ultrasound images into clusters potentially representing cancerous or normal tissue areas is presented. Preliminary image texture analysis has shown the potential for doubling diagnosis accuracy from 38-42% for prostate cancer with current clinical methods, to 88-92%. In addition, image texture analysis makes prostate cancer tumor locating possible for more precise, less invasive biopsy/treatment, instead of 6-way random biopsy. Due to the tedious derivation of co-occurrence matrix and scanning a sub-image tile (square image window) sequentially, pixel by pixel across and down the entire image, the initial image texture analysis on a NASA JSC's miniVAX could take 8 days CPU time per image, i.e., more than 5 months analysis for 20 cross-sections per patient, making clinical point-ofcare diagnosis impossible. An efficient Image Texture Analysis tool platform on Window PC is constructed via innovative sparse co-occurrence matrix techniques with linked lists to speedup the processing from 8 days to about 5 seconds per image on a PC. The approach is based on Haralick 's textural features [1] and the Mean Squared Error (MSE) clustering algorithm. This significant reduction in run time potentially allows more accurate, objective diagnoses to be performed within clinical settings, as well as enables the general investigation of image textural and clustering parameters. Ultrasound diagnosis is proven to be less invasive, even portable, at lower screening cost than most other medical imaging. However, being less visual than most, ultrasound image diagnosis is difficult even for trained professionals, and thus can benefit greatly from computer enhancement. Image texture analysis and clustering is improved from 8 days per image down to 5 seconds on a PC to enable point-of-care computer enhanced diagnosis as well as more accurate tumor locating capabilities for treatment and biopsy guidance. Using this integrated approach, specific results for several sample patient image cases are tested and general conclusions are drawn, yet more images need to be tested. For future study, the color- coded cluster tissue sample images can potentially represent from normal to various degrees of seriousness of the abnormality in sample images similar to Gleason score for prostate cancer. Beside the current 5 Haralick's textural features, wavelet and other faster image texture features are also under consideration for inclusion. The parameter settings of this efficient image texture analysis tool can also be tuned to cluster pixel groups in wide varieties of challenging micro/macro image applications.
Calculation of Entropy Generation Rates via DSMC with Application to Continuum/Equilibrium Onset

This paper expands upon the concept of entropy generation as a means of examining the breakdown of the continuum fluid equations in regions of nonequilibrium. A brief analysis based on statistical mechanics and kinetic theory is presented which leads to expressions for the entropy contribution of the translational energy mode, as well as the rotational and vibrational modes for diatomic gases. A numerical method for calculating such values using energy distribution functions available from DSMC is also presented. Translational nonequilibrium was examined in terms of entropy generation in normal shock waves in argon in a previous work by the authors. 1 The additional contributions of the rotational and vibrational modes are examined for shock waves in diatomic nitrogen here. These results are compared to those obtained by numerically integrating the NavierStokes equations. It is shown that significant nonequilibrium may exist upstream of any indication of such phenomena in the Navier-Stokes data in the case of the normal shock. This likely indicates that any breakdown parameter based on continuum data will fail to capture the initial onset of the shock front.
Gap Junctions with Varied Permeability Properties Establish Cell-Type Specific Communication Pathways in the Rat Seminiferous Epithelium

Dye coupling experiments were performed to determine whether the gap junctions connecting Sertoli cells with other Sertoli cells and different germ cell stages in rats showed functional variations. Chop loading of adult rat seminiferous tubules was conducted using fluorescent dextran controls and a variety of low-molecular-weight tracers (lucifer yellow, biotin-X-cadaverine, biotin cadaverine, and neurobiotin) to evaluate dye coupling in situ, and scrape loading was used to study dye coupling in Sertoli-germ cell cocultures established using prepuberal rats. Sertoli-Sertoli coupling is relatively short range and nonselective in situ, whereas coupling between Sertoli cells and chains of spermatogonia is strongly selective for the positively charged biotin tracers relative to negatively charged lucifer yellow. Coupling between Sertoli cells and spermatogonia was also asymmetric; lucifer yellow in germ cells never diffused into Sertoli cells, and biotinylated tracers only weakly diffused from spermatogonia to Sertoli cells. Asymmetric coupling would facilitate the concentration in germ cells of molecules diffusing through junctions from Sertoli cells. Dye coupling between Sertoli cells and adluminal germ cells was too weak to detect by fluorescence microscopy, suggesting that the junctional communication between these cells may be functionally different from that between Sertoli and basal germ cells. The results show that there are multiple routes of gap junction communication in rat seminiferous tubules that differ in permeability properties and show alternative gating states. Functional diversity of gap junctions may permit regulated communication among the many interacting Sertoli cells and germ cell stages in the seminiferous epithelium.
A polynomial algorithm for testing diagnosability of discrete-event systems

Failure diagnosis in large and complex systems is a critical task. In the realm of discrete-event systems, Sampath et al. (1995) proposed a language based failure diagnosis approach. They introduced the diagnosability for discrete-event systems and gave a method for testing the diagnosability by first constructing a diagnoser for the system. The complexity of this method of testing diagnosability is exponential in the number of states of the system and doubly exponential in the number of failure types. We give an algorithm for testing diagnosability that does not construct a diagnoser for the system, and its complexity is of fourth order in the number of states of the system and linear in the number of the failure types.
Improvement in colon cancer screening through use of a multilevel intervention: A QI initiative

AbstractBackground and purpose:Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States but is highly treatable when diagnosed early. The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) initiative was to develop, implement, and evaluate a multilevel intervention to raise colon
The effect of food deprivation on enzyme activity in developing brain.

— Brain and body weights, contents of DNA and protein and activities of 1,6-diphosphofructoaldolase (aldolase, EC 4.1.2.13), creatine phosphokinase (CPK, EC 2.7.3.2), and isocitric dehydrogenase (ICD, EC 1.1.1.42) in brain (minus cerebellum and brain stem) were studied in control and food-deprived rats at 7, 14 and 21 days of postnatal age. Activities of all three enzymes per brain were less in the food-deprived animals. In both groups of rats the ratios of aldolase/DNA and CPK/DNA increased with maturation, indicating that increasing activity per brain during maturation was the result of both increased activity per cell and increased numbers of cells. The ratio of ICD/DNA decreased with maturation but was essentially the same in both the food-deprived and control groups. Increase of ICD activity per brain with maturation was attributable to increased numbers of cells. Food deprivation in immature animals resulted in lowered activities per brain for aldolase, CPK and ICD because of diminished cell multiplication.
Resource sharing in Latin America

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate the developments in resource sharing in Latin America. Design/methodology/approach – The approach is based on research carried out in a number of countries in Latin America financed and supported by a number of organizations, including the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), The International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publication (INASP) and The International Coalition of Library Consortia (ICOLC). Findings – Dominance of English language databases, publications and indexing has notably created a barrier for access and entry of Spanish language publications in Latin America. The consortia project encountered barriers of language and infrastructure, conflicts with trade barriers, the value of forming consortia and the values of literacy. Prospects of positive change were noted with engagement in electronic resources. Originality/value – One of the very few studies of developments in resource sharing...
Pricing Security: Vulnerabilities as Externalities

We argue that provision of computer security in a networked environment is an externality and subject to market failures. However, regulatory regimes or a pricing schemes can causes parties to internalize the externalities and provide more security. The current mechanisms for dealing with security are security analysis firms; publications of vulnerabilities; the provision of emergency assistance through incident response teams; and the option of seeking civil redress through the courts. The overall effectiveness of these mechanisms is questionable. The foundation of environmental economics supports building a market as a solution to the problem of widespread vulnerabilities. In this work we propose a market for vulnerability credits. This paper is a first step to developing a pricing scheme for vulnerabilities to increase infrastructure security. We begin by arguing that security is an externality and one which could be priced. We examine security taxonomies in terms of their usefulness for pricing security vulnerabilities. We discuss the parallel with pricing pollution. We address the issue of jump-starting the market. Regulatory mechanisms for collection are not extensively addressed, although pricing without payment is meaningless, the problem must be parsed to be solvable.
Gender Roles, Motherhood, and Politics: Conservative Women’s Organizations Frame Sarah Palin and Michele Bachmann

ABSTRACTGiven the conflict between conservative views about gender roles and motherhood with economic and political realities, this article analyzes how conservative women’s organizations framed Sarah Palin’s and Michele Bachmann’s bids for national office. How did these advocates negotiate ideological beliefs about gender roles and motherhood with their interest in electing Republicans and promoting women in politics? Findings reveal that through frame transformation activists navigate through seemingly incompatible values. Far from shying away from discussing conservative women’s roles as mothers, conservative women’s groups highlight Palin and Bachmann’s maternal statuses and argue that their willingness to showcase their families make them different, and more appealing kinds of leaders. In so doing, they also challenge feminist conceptualizations of women’s interests and exemplify the importance of having conservative women participate in politics.
Measurement Error Correction Formula for Cluster-Level Group Differences in Cluster Randomized and Observational Studies

Multilevel modeling (MLM) is frequently used to detect cluster-level group differences in cluster randomized trial and observational studies. Group differences on the outcomes (posttest scores) are detected by controlling for the covariate (pretest scores) as a proxy variable for unobserved factors that predict future attributes. The pretest and posttest scores that are most often used in MLM are total scores. In prior research, there have been concerns regarding measurement error in the use of total scores in using MLM. In this article, using ordinary least squares and an attenuation formula, we derive the measurement error correction formula for cluster-level group difference estimates from MLM in the presence of measurement error in the outcome, the covariate, or both. Examples are provided to illustrate the correction formula in cluster randomized and observational studies using between-cluster reliability coefficients recently developed.
Kinetics and product branching fractions of reactions between a cation and a radical: Ar(+) + CH3 and O2(+) + CH3.

A novel technique is described for the measurement of rate constants and product branching fractions of thermal reactions between cation and radical species. The technique is a variant of the variable electron and neutral density attachment mass spectrometry (VENDAMS) method, employing a flowing afterglow–Langmuir probe apparatus. A radical species is produced in situ via dissociative electron attachment to a neutral precursor; this allows for a quantitative derivation of the radical concentration and, as a result, a quantitative determination of rate constants. The technique is applied to the reactions of Ar+ and O2+ with CH3 at 300 K. The Ar+ + CH3 reaction proceeds near the collisional rate constant of 1.1 × 10–9 cm3 s–1 and has three product channels: → CH3+ + Ar (k = 5 ± 2 × 10–10 cm3 s–1), → CH2+ + H + Ar (k = 7 ± 2 × 10–10 cm3 s–1), → CH+ + H2 + Ar (k = 5 ± 3 × 10–11 cm3 s–1). The O2+ + CH3 reaction is also efficient, with direct charge transfer yielding CH3+ as the primary product channel. Several...
Clinical use of the gaze stabilization test for screening falling risk in community-dwelling older adults.

Objective This study examined the clinical use of the computerized gaze stabilization test (GST) as a screener for falls. Design Cross-sectional, descriptive. Setting Tertiary medical center. Subjects Fifteen older community-dwelling adults with a history of falls and 15 controls without a history of falls were recruited for participation in the study. Main outcome measures Participants performed GST with yaw plane head movements. The GST velocity was measured and compared with the dynamic gait index (DGI). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the ROC curve (AUC) identified GST velocity cut points for identification of fallers based on history of falls and as compared with DGI score. Results Our results suggested that GST can discriminate between individuals at risk for falls versus those not at risk. ROC analysis identified an AUC of 0.92 (≤ 100.5 degrees per second criterion value) for GST based on history of falls and an AUC of 0.85 (≤ 100.5 degrees per second criterion value) based on DGI for classifying falling risk. When GST and DGI scores were combined, the protocol identified an AUC of 1.0 (100% sensitivity, 100% specificity) for identifying falling risk. Conclusion There were significant head movement velocity differences from participants classified by history of falls and the DGI. Therefore, GST may serve as a potential falling risk assessment measure for older individuals with a history of falls. It is recommended that GST be used in a combined protocol with DGI to accurately identify individuals with falling risk rather than used in isolation.
Nonlinear optical signal processing

We describe recent work on using time-lens techniques to magnify, compress, and cloak optical signals with bandwidths exceeding a terahertz. Article not available.