cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Three Dimensional Elastic-Plastic Contact of Nominally Flat Rough Surfaces Based on FEA-Based Constitutive Asperity Contact Relations and Including Asperity Shoulder Contact

Three dimensional elastic-plastic contact of two nominally flat rough surfaces is considered. Equations governing the shoulder-shoulder contact of asperities are derived based on the asperity-asperity constitutive relations from a finite element model of their elastic-plastic interaction proposed by Kogut and Etsion [12]. Shoulder-shoulder asperity contact yields a slanted contact force consisting of both tangential (parallel to mean plane) and normal components. An analytical fusion technique is developed to combine the piecewise asperity level constitutive relations. This is shown to yield upon statistical summation the cumulative effect resulting in the contact force between two rough surfaces with two components, one in the normal direction and a half-plane tangential component.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Robust Lyapunov control with perturbation estimation

This paper presents an approach for motion control of nonlinear systems with modeling uncertainties which are called perturbations. These perturbations are estimated online as a compensating mechanism against the unknown terms. The starting point is a Lyapunov function that is dependent only on the joint tracking errors. Then a robust Lyapunov control is found such that the tracking errors are minimized, and ultimately confined to a prescribed manifold. The robustness against uncertain dynamics is treated in length. The convergence is assured outside the manifold in order to form a "reaching phase" from the initial state towards the manifold. An advantage of the method over the conventional sliding mode control is that it is not necessary to have a prior knowledge of modeling uncertainties and disturbance upper bounds. However, it is necessary to determine and assure an upper bound for the estimation errors. Parametric selections for the controller are suggested to obtain the desired tracking performance. Simulation results are presented for a two-link manipulator.
On interference alignment in multi-user OFDM systems

Multi-user Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) have been widely adopted to combat the detrimental effects of wireless channels and enhance system throughput. Recently, interference alignment is proposed to exploit interference to enable concurrent transmissions of multiple signals. In this paper, we investigate how to incorporate interference alignment in multi-user OFDM systems. We first reveal the unique characteristics and challenges brought about by using interference alignment in diagonal channels. We then derive a performance bound for the multi-user OFDM/interference alignment system under practical constraints (i.e., a finite number of subcarriers), and show how to achieve this bound with a decomposition approach. The superior performance of the proposed scheme is validated with simulations.
Selling the Public on Sustainable Watershed Conservation

: The city of Quito, Ecuador, began working in 2000 to protect the ecologically fragile watershed area for its drinking water. In order to protect the Papallacta watershed, the independent Fund for the Conservation of Watersheds (FONAG) was launched to finance and manage economically sound sustainability projects in the area. FONAG is funded in part through start up grants from several organisations and a 1 per cent fee on all Quito water bills, but it has been unable to build an endowment sizeable enough to begin implementing conservation projects. We measure perceptions of the fund among Quito's university–based residents in two settings and evaluate the quality of the fund's proposed communication campaign based on existing communication theory. Further, we propose an adapted environmental education model based on a synthesis of existing theory and the empirical findings from our examination of the FONAG example. The Papallacta case study illuminates the potential strengths and weaknesses of the cultural ecology and political will of this type of collaborative sustainability project for addressing water problems in a developing country in a mountainous setting, centred around the themes of water conservation and sustainable development.
Predictors and Outcomes of Suspected Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients

Background: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a dreaded complication of heparin-related products and correlates with a worse outcome in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients. Objective: To study the risk factors and outcomes of SAH patients suspected of having HIT, confirmed as present or absent by the platelet factor 4 (PF4) antibody test. Methods: All patients with presumed aneurysmal, nontraumatic SAH and having undergone a PF4 test were identified through our research patient database. Charts, laboratory values and images were analyzed retrospectively. Results: We identified 166 patients with SAH who were tested for HIT; 42 patients (25%) had a positive antibody test. There was no difference in platelet profiles or mean platelet nadirs of HIT+ and HIT- patients (147 ± 93 vs. 153 ± 86 ×109/l, respectively). Univariate analysis identified gender, magnesium prophylaxis, Fisher group 3, clipping versus coiling, presence of angiographic vasospasm, number of vasospasm treatments, and day of HIT testing as potential risk factors associated with HIT. A multivariate analysis indicated that female gender (OR 8.2, 95% CI 2.0-33.2), greater number of vasospasm treatments (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-2.0), later day of HIT testing (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.3), and clipping (OR 5.0, 95% CI 1.42-10.0) were independently associated with HIT positivity. HIT+ patients showed more infarcts on CT, longer ICU and hospital stays and worse modified Rankin Scale scores on discharge. Conclusion: The presence of HIT in SAH has adverse consequences and is more likely in female patients who have undergone aneurysm clipping and require multiple endovascular vasospasm treatments.
A Qualitative Study of Student Teachers' Experiences with Collaborative Problem Solving:

Collaborative problem solving is an activity in which special education teachers and other school professionals work together to solve the academic or behavioral problems of their students. The purpose of this study was to understand preservice teachers' perceptions of a collaborative problem solving activity they implemented with other professionals (e.g., general education teachers, school counselors, and speech and language pathologists) during their student teaching semester. These students formed a collaborative relationship with a school professional in an effort to assist the pair in supporting children with learning and/or behavior problems in general education settings. Findings from this study suggest that the problem-solving project expanded student teachers' definitions of collaboration by increasing their awareness of facilitators and obstacles to it. However, collaboration in practice was not an easy task for student teachers, with school context variables playing a role in facilitating succ...
The challenge of sobriety: Natural recovery without treatment and self-help groups

Natural recovery is a phenomenon that is not understood and largely challenged by self-help group members and professionals working in the field of substance abuse. So strong is the supposition of the process of recovering as a life-long condition that requires treatment and/or a self-help group for on-going support and rehabilitation that recovery on one's own is given little credence. Yet there is growing empirical evidence that natural recovery not only exists, but may be more prominent than is currently recognized. This article presents a study of natural recoverers from alcoholism and problem drinking, reporting their subjective motivating factors and strategies of recovery, while examining an issue of which there is still limited data--the perceived changes since abstaining, i.e., how their lives have been altered by pursuing abstinence on their own. It concentrates on rich narrative data to explore the meaning of the change experience that can be applied to various addictions, for the purpose of illuminating novel approaches that have the potential for expanding practice techniques and forums, thereby enhancing its effectiveness.
Airline Schedule Recovery after Airport Closures: Empirical Evidence Since September 11th

Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, repeated airport closures due to potential security breaches have imposed substantial costs on travelers, airlines, and government agencies in terms of flight delays and cancellations. Using data from the year following September 11th, this study examines how airlines recover flight schedules upon reopening of airports that have been closed for security reasons. As such, this is the first study to examine service quality during irregular operations. Our results indicate that while outcomes of flights scheduled during airport closures are difficult to explain, a variety of factors, including potential revenue per flight and logistical variables such as flight distance, seating capacity and shutdown severity, significantly predict outcomes of flights scheduled after airports reopen. Given the likelihood of continued security-related airport closings, understanding the factors that determine schedule recovery is potentially important.
Microstructure of Dental Amalgams Containing High and Low Copper Contents

Microstructure of commercial dental alloys and their amalgams were studied primarily by x-ray diffraction, optical metallography, scanning electron microscopy, and x-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction revealed more phases than normally reported in these materials. Presence of new phases was discussed and their formation mechanism understood. Some phases having interacting 2θ° values with others were properly identified. Both new and conventional dental alloys and their amalgams, namely Tytin, Sybraloy, Dispersalloy, Kerr Spheraloy, Caulk Spherical, Shofu Spherical, and Caulk 20th Century Microcut were used to complete the investigation.
rf interference suppression in ultrawideband radar receivers

Airborne surveillance and ultra wideband radars operating at low frequencies experience co- channel (or in-band) electromagnetic RF interference (RFI) from nonhostile emitter sources (e.g. fixed and mobile communications). Although many of these interference sources will be received in the antenna sidelobe region, approximately 30-35 dB down, a significant number will be encountered in the mainbeam. This paper describes an algorithm that 'notches' out the mainbeam, in-band interference sources, while simultaneously 'equalizing' or compensating for the range-time sidelobes that results from the 'notching' process. Target resolution performance and SAR imaging integrity is maintained with the RFI suppression technique and algorithm developed. The algorithm developed by Grumman, is referred to as the minimization algorithm. This paper describes in detail the derivation of this algorithm and presents performance results of its application against numerous RFI data scenarios.
Lithium ion quantification using mercury amalgams as in situ electrochemical probes in nonaqueous media.

We report on the quantitative, spatially resolved study of ionic processes for energy materials in nonaqueous environments by in situ electrochemical means at the micro- and nanoscale. Mercury-capped platinum ultramicroelectrodes (Hg/Pt UMEs) were tested as probes for alkali ions in propylene carbonate (PC) in an oxygen- and water-free environment. Anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) performed at Hg/Pt UMEs displayed a linear response to Li+ concentration extending from 20 μM to at least 5 mM. The sensitivities of these probes for ionic lithium are 1.93 and −23.2 pA μM–1 by the steady-state amalgamation current and the peak stripping current, respectively. These values showed excellent agreement with simulated results as well as to those obtained experimentally for Cd2+ in H2O. We further explored the interfacial imaging of lithium ion flux at an electrified interface. Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) using Hg/Pt UMEs showed that the steady-state amalgamation of ionic lithium could be used to rel...
Student and school predictors of high-stakes assessment in science

This study examined both student and school predictors of science achievement as measured by a high-stakes state test. The study involved 23,854 fifth-grade students from 198 elementary schools in a large urban school district with a diverse student population. Multilevel modeling was conducted to examine both student and school predictors simultaneously. The study examined three sets of variables: (a) student characteristics, (b) the impact of reading and mathematics achievement on science achievement with English language learners, and (c) school characteristics. The results add new insights to the existing literature while also confirming the known results. The study contributes to the literature by addressing a high-stakes science test (compared to national and international databases), using diverse student groups including English language learners in urban settings, examining elementary school science (compared to middle and high school science), and using a multilevel framework (compared to a single predictor). © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed94:937–962, 2010
Polynomially unbounded product of two polynomially bounded operators

where S is a unilateral forward shift of infinite multiplicity, S∗ is its adjoint, and Yα is a matrix (αi+jCi+j ), with {αk}k∈N a sequence of complex numbers, and {Ck}k∈N a family of operators satisfying the “canonical anticommutation relations”. We exhibit a sequence {αk} such that T is polynomially bounded but T⊗T is not. This shows that the product of two commuting polynomially bounded operators need not be polynomially bounded itself.
The pharmacokinetics of oxycodone.

Oxycodone is among the most commonly used opioid analgesics for the relief of moderate-to-severe pain and is pharmacodynamically comparable to morphine. Oxycodone is available in the United States ...
Increased leakage of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ contributes to abnormal myocyte Ca2+ handling and shortening in sepsis*

Objective: Changes in cardiac function due to sepsis have been widely reported. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In the mammalian heart, myocyte function and intracellular calcium homeostasis are closely coupled. In this study we tested the hypothesis that alterations in cardiac calcium homeostasis due to sepsis underlie the observed myocyte dysfunction. Design: Randomized prospective animal study. Setting: Research laboratory. Subjects: Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250-275 g. Interventions: We induced sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture in the rat, which mimics the type of infection caused by perforation of the intestine in humans. Measurements and Results: Forty-eight hours after cecal ligation and puncture, isolated cardiac ventricular cardiomyocytes demonstrated a 57% decreased peak systolic [Ca 2+ ]. The time constant of the Ca 2+ transient increased 71% and 57% in myocytes obtained 24 hrs and 48 hrs after cecal ligation and puncture, respectively. The average shortening of cardiomyocytes 48 hrs after cecal ligation and puncture was significantly decreased. To investigate the cellular mechanisms of altered Ca 2+ transients and myocyte shortening, we measured Ca 2+ sparks, the spontaneous local Ca 2+ release events in cardiomyocytes at resting states. The Ca 2+ spark frequency progressively increased in myocytes 24 hrs and 48 hrs after cecal ligation and puncture. The total activity of sparks also increased compared with shamoperated animals. The overall leakage of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ in resting states was increased in sepsis and resulted in reduced sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ content. Conclusions: Abnormal Ca 2+ leakage from the sarcoplasmic reticulum contributes significantly to the depressed myocyte shortening in sepsis. In the future, modalities that prevent this Ca 2+ leakage may prove beneficial in the treatment of sepsis-induced myocyte shortening.
Crystal growth and characterization of the superconducting phase in the BiSrCuO system

Crystal growth was investigated in the system BiSrCuO. Layered bismuth cuprates with formulas close to (Bi, Sr)4CuOx or (Bi, Sr)5Cu2Ox and a typical micaceous, lath-like habit were grown by slow cooling from a wide range of compositions partially or totally melted in the temperature range 890–1000°C. Only (Bi, Sr)4CuOx crystals with 0.8<Sr/Bi<0.9 were superconducting, with Tc9–10 K. In Sr-rich melts, platy crystals of orthorhombic SrCuO2 and SrCu1.7Ox were obtained. BiSrCuO melts react with platinum below ca. 1000°C, leading to the formation of Sr4PtO6 crystals.
Implementing semiparametric density estimation

A semiparametric estimate of a density may be formed via the convex combination of a parametric and a nonparametric density estimate. It is shown that the some trimming is often necessary to obtain an appropriate proportion of these estimates.
Traumatic Subarachnoid-Pleural Fistula

Traumatic subarachnoid-pleural fistula, a rare entity in civilian life, was recently diagnosed in a seven-year-old boy after blunt trauma. This case, and the four previously reported in the literature, share certain diagnostic and therapeutic features. The diagnosis is suggested by the association of a pleural effusion and signs of spinal cord injury at the thoracic level and can be confirmed by myelography. Although an initial period of conservative treatment with supine bed rest and daily lumbar punctures in order to promote closure of the fistula is recommended, our case and three of the four previously reported cases required operation for closure of the fistula.
Transcriptional analysis of the titin cap gene

Mutations in titin cap (Tcap), also known as telethonin, cause limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2G (LGMD2G). Tcap is one of the titin interacting Z-disc proteins involved in the regulation and development of normal sarcomeric structure. Given the essential role of Tcap in establishing and maintaining normal skeletal muscle architecture, we were interested in determining the regulatory elements required for expression of this gene in myoblasts. We have defined a highly conserved 421 bp promoter proximal promoter fragment that contains two E boxes and multiple putative Mef2 binding sequences. This promoter can be activated by MyoD and myogenin in NIH3T3 fibroblast cells, and maintains the differentiated cell-specific expression pattern of the endogenous Tcap in C2C12 cells. We find that while both E boxes are required for full activation by MyoD or myogenin in NIH3T3 cells, the promoter proximal E box has a greater contribution to activation of this promoter in C2C12 cells and to activation by MyoD in NIH3T3 cells. Together, the data suggest an important role for MyoD in activating Tcap expression through the promoter proximal E box. We also show that myogenin is required for normal expression in vivo and physically binds to the Tcap promoter during embryogenesis.
Studies of quaternary saline lakes. III. Mineral, chemical, and isotopic evidence of salt solution and crystallization processes in Owens Lake, California, 1969-1971

Abstract As a consequence of the 1969–1970 flooding of normally dry Owens Lake, a 2.4-m-deep lake formed and 20% of the 2-m-thick salt bed dissolved in it. Its desiccation began August 1969, and salts started crystallizing September 1970, ending August 1971. Mineralogic, brine-composition, and stable-isotope data plus field observations showed that while the evolving brine composition established the general crystallization timetable and range of primary and secondary mineral assemblages, it was the daily, monthly, and seasonal temperature changes that controlled the details of timing and mineralogy during this depositional process. Deuterium analyses of lake brine, interstitial brine, and hydrated saline phases helped confirm the sequence of mineral crystallizations and transformations, and they documented the sources and temperatures of waters involved in the reactions. Salts first crystallized as floating rafts on the lake surface. Natron and mirabilite, salts whose solubilities decrease greatly with lowering temperatures, crystallized late at night in winter, when surface-water temperatures reached their minima; trona, nahcolite, burkeite, and halite, salts with solubilities less sensitive to temperature, crystallized during the afternoon in summer, when surface salinities reached their maxima. However, different temperatures were generally associated with crystallization (at the surface) and accumulation (on the lake floor) because short-term temperature changes were transmitted to surface and bottom waters at different rates. Consequently, even when solubilities were exceeded at the surface, salts were preserved or not as a function of bottom-water temperatures. Halite, a nearly temperature-insensitive salt, was always preserved. Monitoring the lake-brine chemistry and mineralogy of the accumulating salts shows: (1) An estimated 0.9 × 10 6 tons of CO 2 was released to the atmosphere or consumed by the lake's biomass prior to most salt crystallization. (2) After deposition, some salts reacted in situ to form other minerals in less than one month, and all salts (except halite) decomposed or recrystallized at least once in response to seasons. (3) Warming in early 1971 caused solution of all the mirabilite and some of the natron deposited a few months earlier, a deepening of the lake (though the lake-surface lowered), and an increase in dissolved solids. (4) Phase and solubility-index data suggest that at the close of desiccation, Na 2 CO 3 ·7H 2 O, never reported as a mineral, could have been the next phase to crystallize.
Catholic Social Teaching and the Economics of Health Care Management

The author considers the issue of what it is for a health care institution to be intentionally Christian. He begins with a review of Catholic social teaching, and considers how this perspective is shaping Catholic thought and action regarding health care management and public policy reform. He then proposes some standards for intentionally Christian institutions.
The role of water exchange between a stream channel and its hyporheic zone in nitrogen cycling at the terrestrial-aquatic interface

The subsurface riparian zone was examined as an ecotone with two interfaces. Inland is a terrestrial boundary, where transport of water and dissolved solutes is toward the channel and controlled by watershed hydrology. Streamside is an aquatic boundary, where exchange of surface water and dissolved solutes is bi-directional and flux is strongly influenced by channel hydraulics. Streamside, bi-directional exchange of water was qualitatively defined using biologically conservative tracers in a third order stream. In several experiments, penetration of surface water extended 18 m inland. Travel time of water from the channel to bankside sediments was highly variable. Subsurface chemical gradients were indirectly related to the travel time. Sites with long travel times tended to be low in nitrate and DO (dissolved oxygen) but high in ammonium and DOC (dissolved organic carbon). Sites with short travel times tended to be high in nitrate and DO but low in ammonium and DOC. Ammonium concentration of interstitial water also was influenced by sorption-desorption processes that involved clay minerals in hyporheic sediments. Denitrification potential in subsurface sediments increased with distance from the channel, and was limited by nitrate at inland sites and by DO in the channel sediments. Conversely, nitrification potential decreased with distance from the channel, and was limited by DO at inland sites and by ammonium at channel locations. Advection of water and dissolved oxygen away from the channel resulted in an oxidized subsurface habitat equivalent to that previously defined as the hyporheic zone. The hyporheic zone is viewed as stream habitat because of its high proportion of surface water and the occurrence of channel organisms. Beyond the channel’s hydrologic exchange zone, interstitial water is often chemically reduced. Interstitial water that has not previously entered the channel, groundwater, is viewed as a terrestrial component of the riparian ecotone. Thus, surface water habitats may extend under riparian vegetation, and terrestrial groundwater habitats may be found beneath the stream channel.
Kinetic Characterization of Interactions between Stabilized Smooth Muscle Myosin Filaments and Actin

Using our previously described EDC-cross-linked smooth muscle myosin (SMM) filaments that are stable to ATP-induced depolymerization, we measured kinetic parameters of the SMM filament interactions with actin comparing the filamentous physiological state with monomeric forms of SMM. We use stopped-flow spectrometry, actin-activated steady state Mg-ATPase, and in vitro motility assays to measure the fundamental kinetic differences between SMM monomers and filaments. Using stopped-flow, we show that the apparent second order rate constant for ATP binding to the complex of pyrene-actin with SMM filaments is 0.21 µM-1s-1, similar to HMM monomers with two heads, at 0.46 µM-1s-1, and single-headed S1 at 0.47 µM-1s-1. Using TIRF microscopy of filaments bound to surface-attached F-actin, we show ATP decreases the number of unphosphorylated SMM filaments bound per µm actin, giving an apparent KATP of 4.8 µM. We show that the ATP concentration that gives half-maximal velocities of actin moving over surface-attached phosphorylated SMM monomers is 21.2 µM (KATP). Using inverted-geometry to measure the velocities of phosphorylated SMM filaments moving over surface-attached actin gave a much lower KATP = 8.5 µM. Actin-activated steady-state Mg-ATPase of phosphorylated filaments gave a KATP = 9.2 µM. The similarities in the two KATPs for filaments suggest that filament velocities and ATPase are limited by the same kinetic step, which best fits an attachment-limited over a detachment-limited model. Using TIRF, we show that phosphorylated SMM filaments move over surface-attached actin filaments until they reach the ends from which they do not detach, even upon dephosphorylation of the SMM. This behavior is specific to SMM filaments since skeletal filaments readily detach from actin filament ends. These observations suggest that phosphorylated SMM filaments that have been dephosphorylated are in a different state than unphosphorylated filaments in the presence of ATP.
Potential risk factors and outcomes of artificial urinary sphincter placement after radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder urinary diversion.

Aims Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a known possibility after radical cystectomy (RC) and orthotopic neobladder (ONB) urinary diversion. We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes and complications of patients who underwent artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement for treatment of SUI and evaluated potential risk factors (PRFs) for AUS failure. Methods Patients who underwent AUS placement after RC/ONB from 1994 to 2009 were identified. Variables evaluated included: demographics, cancer type, AUS characteristics, urinary incontinence (UI), revision procedures data, and PRFs for AUS failure. Results Demographic data was reviewed on 36 patients. Mean age at AUS placement was 72 (58–79) years. Mean time to AUS after RC/ONB was 28 (2–120) months. Mean follow up after AUS was 40 (2–132) months. TCC was the indication for RC in 94% of patients. The most commonly placed AUS cuff and reservoir size was 4.5 cm and 61–70 H2O, respectively. Incontinence data was available in 29 patients. Pre-AUS placement 22, 3, and 4 patients were totally, daytime and nighttime only incontinent, respectively. Post-AUS placement, incontinence persisted in 5, 1, and 2 patients with total, daytime and nighttime incontinence, respectively. Prior to AUS placement 11/36 patients received chemotherapy and 10/36 had radiation. Mean time to the first revision/explantation due to UI/erosion/infection/malfunction was an average of 28 (3–96) months after AUS placement and occurred in 21/35 (60%) patients. There was no significant correlation noted between PRFs and UI pre-/post-AUS or between PRFs and the need for AUS revision. Conclusions AUS is a safe, effective treatment with an acceptable complication rate for patients after RC/ONB with SUI. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 1010–1013, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tissue culture of cat retinal pigment epithelium

To culture retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells from normal cats, the cells were enzymatically dissociated from the eyecup and grown in either Ham's F-10 Nutrient Mixture or Eagle's Minimum Essential Media supplemented with 20% fetal calf serum. Cultures reached confluency between 6 and 10 days and contained monolayers of polygonally shaped cells. Light and electron microscopy demonstrated that most of the normal morphological characteristics of cat RPE cells in vivo were maintained in vitro; these included apical microvilli, apicolateral junctional specializations, basal infoldings and intracellular organelles. Pigment granules appeared to be diluted by cell division. No evidence of a basal membrane formation was seen; however, a fine granular or fibrillar extracellular matrix was observed in some cultures and was located between the culture plate surface and the basal surface of the RPE. Primary cultures were viable for up to 145 days. The activities of two lysosomal hydrolases (arylsulfatase A and arylsulfatase B) involved in the metabolism of sulfatide and dermatan sulfate were measured in confluent cultures. Mean arylsulfatase A activity was 1297 nmol nitrocatechol/mg protein/hr and arylsulfatase B activity was 553 nmol nitrocatechol/mg protein/hr. These activities were approximately 5 to 10-fold higher than present in cat peripheral leukocytes and skin fibroblasts in vitro. This in vitro system will facilitate studies on normal function and in conditions where the RPE has been compromised by inherited diseases (i.e. gyrate atrophy, mucopolysaccharidosis I and VI).
New vascular system in reptiles: anatomy and postural hemodynamics of the vertebral venous plexus in snakes.

Using corrosion casting, we demonstrate and describe a new vascular system—the vertebral venous plexus—in eight snake species representing three families. The plexus consists of a network of spinal veins coursing within and around the vertebral column and was previously documented only in mammals. The spinal veins of snakes originate anteriorly from the posterior cerebral veins and form a lozenge-shaped plexus that extends to the tip of the tail. Numerous anastomoses connect the plexus with the caval and portal veins along the length of the vertebral column. We also reveal a posture-induced differential flow between the plexus and the jugular veins in two snake species with arboreal proclivities. When these snakes are horizontal, the jugulars are observed fluoroscopically to be the primary route for cephalic drainage and the plexus is inactive. However, head-up tilting induces partial jugular collapse and shunting of cephalic efflux into the plexus. This postural discrepancy is caused by structural differences in the two venous systems. The compliant jugular veins are incapable of sustaining the negative intraluminal pressures induced by upright posture. The plexus, however, with the structural support of the surrounding bone, remains patent and provides a lowhyphen;pressure route for venous return. Interactions with the cerebrospinal fluid both allow and enhance the role of the plexus, driving perfusion and compensating for a posture-induced drop in arterial pressure. The vertebral venous plexus is thus an important and overlooked element in the maintenance of cerebral blood supply in climbing snakes and other upright animals. J. Morphol. 250:173–184, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Endocardial fibroelastosis; angiocardiographic studies.

Endocardial fibroelastosis is an important cause of congestive heart failure and death in infancy and early childhood. Four cases of this entity are described, with particular attention to the unique angiocardiographic features. This graphic portrayal of the functional derangement may be of great help in the clinical diagnosis of fibroelastosis.
Infants placed in foster care prior to their first birthday: Differences in kin and nonkin placements

Using data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being, this study examines differences between kinship and foster placements for infants placed in out-of-home care prior to their first birthday. The differences examined include developmental status at time of placement, differences in the home and neighborhood environments, and the duration of time in placement. Participants included 457 infants placed in either kinship or foster care and their caregivers. Findings suggest that infants placed with kin had fewer developmental concerns 2 to 6 months after the initial Child Protective Services investigation and spent significantly less time in placement. The quality of foster and kinship homes and neighborhoods also differed: Foster homes were generally of better quality and located in safer neighborhoods. Overall, for both kin and foster care, the data suggest that even after passage of the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 (ASFA, Public Law 105-89), infants remain in care for a long time: Approximately one third of infants are still in out-of-home care 3 years after the initial investigation.
Dams and downstream aquatic biodiversity: Potential food web consequences of hydrologic and geomorphic change

/ Responses of rivers and river ecosystems to dams are complex and varied, as they depend on local sediment supplies, geomorphic constraints, climate, dam structure and operation, and key attributes of the biota. Therefore, "one-size-fits-all" prescriptions cannot substitute for local knowledge in developing prescriptions for dam structure and operation to protect local biodiversity. One general principle is self-evident: that biodiversity is best protected in rivers where physical regimes are the most natural. A sufficiently natural regime of flow variation is particularly crucial for river biota and food webs. We review our research and that of others to illustrate the ecological importance of alternating periods of low and high flow, of periodic bed scour, and of floodplain inundation and dewatering. These fluctuations regulate both the life cycles of river biota and species interactions in the food webs that sustain them. Even if the focus of biodiversity conservation efforts is on a target species rather than whole ecosystems, a food web perspective is necessary, because populations of any species depend critically on how their resources, prey, and potential predators also respond to environmental change. In regulated rivers, managers must determine how the frequency, magnitude, and timing of hydrologic events interact to constrain or support species and food webs. Simple ecological modeling, tailored to local systems, may provide a framework and some insight into explaining ecosystem response to dams and should give direction to mitigation efforts.KEY WORDS: Dams; Food webs; Hydrologic disturbance; Predator-prey dynamics; Succession
The landscape of comparative effectiveness research in rheumatology.

Comparative effectiveness research (CER) takes the clinical characteristics of patients into account to determine the most beneficial treatments. Here, the methodological approaches and the analytical challenges of CER are described, as well as the considerations needed to ensure high-standards of CER in rheumatology.
The effect of ligation of the hepatic artery on carbohydrate metabolism.

Conclusions(1) Ligation of hepatic artery of dogs causes death in hypoglycemic convulsions.(2) The period of survival after ligation depends upon the amount of glycogen previously stored, and varies between 15 to 60 hours.(3) There is a total depletion of glycogen in the tissues at death.(4) Administration of glucose prevents convulsions and prolongs life for several hours.(5) Severing the plexus of nerves surrounding the hepatic artery does not produce this hypoglycemic syndrome.
A Computational Study of Stabilized, Low-order C 0 Finite Element Approximations of Darcy Equations

We consider finite element methods for the Darcy equations that are designed to work with standard, low order C 0 finite element spaces. Such spaces remain a popular choice in the engineering practice because they offer the convenience of simple and uniform data structures and reasonable accuracy. A consistently stabilized method [20] and a least-squares formulation [18] are compared with two new stabilized methods. The first one is an extension of a recently proposed polynomial pressure projection stabilization of the Stokes equations [5,13]. The second one is a weighted average of a mixed and a Galerkin principles for the Darcy problem, and can be viewed as a consistent version of the classical penalty stabilization for the Stokes equations [8]. Our main conclusion is that polynomial pressure projection stabilization is a viable stabilization choice for low order C 0 approximations of the Darcy problem.
A green supply chain is a requirement for profitability

Many companies are not dramatically changing to more sustainable environmental practices despite pressure from the investment community, the government and consumers. This study explores a simple model that companies can use to understand and improve supply chain sustainability practices. It applies this model in two case studies, Coca-Cola, a leader in global sustainability, and Apple, a company that has only recently started to develop a sustainability strategy. The model was developed through a review of existing research and an application of supply chain principles. The results of this study demonstrate that following this model to eliminate waste throughout the supply chain will make the supply chain more profitable. The outcomes from this study highlight the importance for every company to do so in order to stay competitive. This study is unique in the relative simplicity of its model, combined with the supporting evidence that a sustainable supply chain is the same as a supply chain that is using ...
Silicon nanotube anode for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract This work describes a promising strategy for large-scale fabrication of silicon (Si) nanotubes. The process began with preparation of silica nanotubes using rod-like NiN2H4 as a template and the resulting silica nanotubes were then converted to Si nanotubes by a thermal reduction process assisted with magnesium powder. The electrochemical properties of Si nanotubes were investigated as anode of lithium-ion batteries. It was demonstrated that the as-developed Si nanotubes showed significantly improved rate capability and long-term cycling performance compared with commercial silicon meshes.
Software for the Fermilab Smart Crate Controller

This reports on the software that has been developed to support the Fermilab Smart Crate Controller. This includes a monitor, a readout list support package, a VAX based loader and communication program, IEEE CAMAC subroutine library support, and diagnostic software. The hardware aspects as well as system perspectives of the Smart Crate Controller are presented in separate papers in this confereiice [1,2,3].
Sexual reproduction in Hawaiian Acropora

Sexual reproductive maturity was evaluated in Acropora valida, Acropora cytherea and Acropora humilis at French Frigate Shoals, Northwest Hawaiian Islands during two consecutive summers. Acropora valida gonads matured at different rates in different habitats in both years. Spawning was inferred by the sudden disappearance of gonads of mature size. Histological sections of fertile polyps confirmed the maturity of gonads prior to spawning. An isolated colony of A. humilis spawned in early summer. Strong indications of sexually mature colonics of A. cytherea exist, but clear temporal patterns were not apparent. Lunar period of spawning in reef flat A. valida and A. humilis differed from that reported for these species from other regions. The three species did not overlap in time of spawning. Previous ideas concerning the allochthonous origin of larval recruits, as well as the absence of Acropora from high islands of the Hawaiian chain, are re-evaluated in light of new evidence for sexual reproductive capacity by native populations.
From axiomatics to intrinsic characterization: some open problems in computable analysis

Abstract Five open problems are presented. The framework for these problems is the notion of a “computability structure” on a Banach space, which is discussed below. The study of Banach spaces — in particular, the study of Hilbert space — is an important topic in mathematics and its applications. Problems A and B are concerned with “transfer principles” for obtaining effective versions of classical theorems of mathematics. Problems C and D deal with separability and effective separability. Problem E is concerned with computability for classes of mathematical structures other than Banach spaces.
An evaluation of Woodard's theory of perceptually oriented hypnosis.

This article evaluates Woodard's theory of Perceptually Oriented Hypnosis, a welcome addition to theories of hypnosis that emphasize the centrality of subjective experiences in understanding and studying hypnosis. With a focus on subjective experience. Woodard's account of perceptually oriented hypnosis is based on elements of humanistic, client-centered, and perceptual psychology. However, we contend that improvements in the operational clarity and coverage of the theory are necessary to optimize its utility and heuristic value. We also argue that it is important for Perceptually Oriented Hypnosis to address hypnotic phenomena, e.g., individual differences in suggestibility, involuntary responding to suggestions, stability of responding over time, widely recognized as essential to understanding hypnotic experience and responding. With these refinements, we believe that Woodard's theory would have a greater potential to enrich our understanding of both the unique experiences of individuals who undergo hypnosis and of hypnosis in general.
Randomized algorithms for uncertain complex dynamical systems design

In this paper we consider the problem of optimal design of an uncertain discrete time dynamical system. We consider two types of performance criteria, corresponding to an apriori equilibrium measure and asymptotic output measure, respectively, that result in two different optimal design methods. However, these two measures are difficult to obtain analytically for most uncertain complex dynamical systems. In order to derive the optimal controller numerically, we apply randomized algorithms for average performance synthesis to approximate the optimal solution. Results from statistical learning theory, providing the relationship between the sample complexity and the approximation error, show that the obtained design methodology is an efficient algorithm for uncertain system design.
Multiparametric MRI in Biopsy Guidance for Prostate Cancer: Fusion-Guided

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common solid-organ malignancy among American men and the second most deadly. Current guidelines recommend a 12-core systematic biopsy following the finding of an elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA). However, this strategy fails to detect an unacceptably high percentage of clinically significant cancers, leading researchers to develop new, innovative methods to improve the effectiveness of prostate biopsies. Multiparametric-MRI (MP-MRI) has emerged as a promising instrument in identifying suspicious regions within the prostate that require special attention on subsequent biopsy. Fusion platforms, which incorporate the MP-MRI into the biopsy itself and provide active targets within real-time imaging, have shown encouraging results in improving the detection rate of significant cancer. Broader applications of this technology, including MRI-guided focal therapy for prostate cancer, are in early phase trials.
Pore Characterization of Cellulase Enzyme Treated Cotton Fabric

The pore volume and surface area of cotton fabric are dominant parameters in determining the accessibility of dyes and finishes during wet processing. Cellulase enzyme hydrolysis of cellulose may r...
The use of intraosseous anesthesia in a patient with myositis ossificans progressiva

The case of a pediatric patient with myositis ossificans progressiva in whom it became increasingly difficult to obtain local anesthesia is presented. lntraosseous anesthesia was successful in allowing pain-free dental treatment to be completed. This approach should be considered in other patients who have limited mouth-opening ability due to injury or disease. Summary We have presented a case of a patient with myositis ossificans progressiva in whom it was difficult to obtain local anesthesia using conventional infiltration and block anesthesia. Intraosseous anesthesia was successful in providing pain-free dentistry for this patient and should be considered in other cases where limited opening is present or other local anesthetic methods have failed.
Latch induced hot-carrier effects in fully-depleted and partially-depleted SIO/NMOSFET's

Single-transistor-latch induced hot-carrier stress is found to cause charge trapping and interface-trap generation in both the gate oxide and the buried oxide in SOI/NMOSFET's made on a range of top silicon thicknesses. The resulting degradation of the front-channel transistor characteristics depends strongly on the top silicon thickness. Self-consistent models are proposed to explain the results. >
The Ferghana Valley at the crossroads of world history: the rise of Khoqand, 1709–1822.

The Khanate of Khoqand emerged, flourished and collapsed during the era of Chinese and Russian imperial expansion into Central Asia. While eighteenth-century Central Asia has long been considered to have been an unimportant backwater ‘on the margins of world history’, this essay juxtaposes focused research in local primary sources with a world historical perspective in an effort to illuminate some of the ways in which the region remained interactively engaged with its neighbours and, through them, with historical processes unfolding across the globe. The essay argues that these interactions were substantial, and that they contributed to Khoqand’s emergence as a significant regional power and centre of Islamic cultural activity in pre-colonial Central Asia.
"What's the Story?" Information Needs of Trauma Teams

This paper reports on information needs of trauma teams based on an ethnographic study in an urban teaching hospital. We focus on questions posed by trauma team members during ten trauma events. We identify major categories of questions, as well as information seekers and providers. In addition to categories known from other critical care settings, we found categories unique to trauma settings. Based on these findings, we discuss implications for information technology support for trauma teams.
Surface Modification of Polyimide Composites by RF Plasma and UV/Ozone Treatments:

Graphite-reinforced polyimide composites are being considered for advanced turbine engine applications, which require that the composite be coated with a wear- and oxidation-resistant coating. For this study, the surface properties of PMR-15 and PMR-II-50 composites were examined and modification techniques investigated to improve coating adhesion. RF plasma and UV/ozone treatments were used to modify the surface chemistry of the polyimide composites, and were optimized to increase the surface energy of the polyimide composites, by etching and deposition of SiOx films. Chemical and physical changes of the composite surface were characterized by contact angle analysis and Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR). Both RF plasma and UV/ozone treatments effectively removed surface contaminants and modified surface chemistry as indicated by increased surface energy. PMR-II-50 and PMR-15 composites responded differently to argon plasma etching and UV/ozone etching because...