cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Probing the Magnetic Field Structure in the W3 Molecular Cloud

This paper presents polarization maps of the central 3' × 5' region of the W3 molecular cloud at far-infrared (60 and 100 μm) and submillimeter (350 μm) wavelengths. We use the multiwavelength polarization measurements to differentiate between the emission in warm and cool dust components. We infer that the submillimeter observations trace a layer of cool dust with high column density, which we attribute to a large scale ridge of material. This ambient ridge has an orderly magnetic field with evidence for "hourglass" field structure; however, the field structure is qualitatively different in size and orientation compared to previous studies. The far-infrared measurements are dominated by warm dust surrounding evolved H II regions or embedded young stars. The warm dust, in contrast to the ridge, has a disrupted magnetic field that varies rapidly in the plane of the sky and along the line of sight, suggesting that the field has been distorted by the expansion of H II regions.
Myocardial ischemia and cell acidosis: Modification by alkali and the effects on ventricular function and cation composition

Abstract Myocardial cell pH was measured with 5,5 dimethyl-2, 4-oxazolidinedione (DMO) in intact anesthetized dogs by a transient indicatordilution technique. Bolus injections of labeled DMO, vascular, extracellular and water indicators were made into the left anterior descending coronary artery, and blood samples were collected from the great cardiac vein. The steady state distribution of DMO between cells and plasma was calculated from the mean transit times of the indicator. Normal myocardial cell pH averaged 6.94 and changed by 58 percent of the concomitant alterations in plasma pH after infusions of acid or alkali. Myocardial ischemia induced by inflation of a balloon tip catheter in the left anterior descending coronary artery resulted in progressive decreases in cell pH to 6.59 by 1 hour. Infusions of sodium carbonate diminished intracellular acidosis. Hemodynamic studies during 4 hours of ischemia with blood pH at 7.55 to 7.60 indicated a significantly reduced left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and increased stroke volume by comparison with findings in animals given infusions of saline solution. Ventriculograms revealed improved wall motion in the ischemic segment after infusion of alkali. Precordial mapping showed a significant reduction in the number of leads with S-T segment elevation as well as in the sum of S-T segment elevations, but R wave amplitudes did not differ from those in control studies. Calculations of extracellular space, tissue water and cation content revealed a reduced gain of cell sodium ion and loss of cell potassium ion during ischemia after alkali treatment. The latter may account for the S-T segment responses, whereas enhanced ventricular performance may be related to reduced competition of hydrogen ion with calcium ion for binding sites on contractile protein.
Simple and rapid preparation of gapped plasmid DNA for incorporation of oligomers containing specific DNA lesions.

The cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity of DNA base lesions are largely determined by the responses of cellular DNA repair proteins, DNA polymerases, and signaling pathways. Elucidation of these processes is thus of high biochemical interest. Such studies increasingly rely on DNA substrates containing specific lesions at defined locations. Although short synthetic DNA oligomers have frequently proved useful, circular plasmid substrates are preferable for much biochemical work, and essential for in vivo studies. However, the complexity of current approaches for preparing such substrates and limitations inherent in the procedures have posed problems. We present here a simple, highly versatile procedure for preparing gapped duplex plasmids, into which oligomers incorporating specific lesions can easily be inserted. Endonuclease N.BstNBI was used to nick twice the same strand of a pUC19-derived plasmid (pUC19HBDa), at two GAGTCNNNN sequences separated by 22 bases. Removal of the 22-nt oligomer and further purification produced a highly pure gapped plasmid. To illustrate application of this procedure, 22-nt oligonucleotides containing a single uracil residue were ligated into the gapped molecules. The pUC19HB(Da) plasmid can be modified to accept almost any DNA-lesion-containing oligomer. Using this new approach to incorporate specific DNA lesions into popular reporter genes will facilitate in vivo study of cellular responses to DNA damage.
Screening GPS telemetry data for locations having unacceptable error

Abstract Technological improvements in battery life and physical dimensions of Global Positioning System (GPS) telemetry have increased the number of locations one can collect, but due to relatively unimproved GPS accuracy this also increases the number of locations with unacceptable measurement error. We propose and show an example of a new method for screening data for locations with unacceptable error. We also propose a new screening metric: estimated elevation error (EEE). EEE identifies unacceptable xy -coordinate error in some cases better than do methods that use horizontal dilution of precision (HDOP) or fix dimension (2-D or 3-D). Our screening method combines test data and a model-averaging information-theoretic framework that uses a priori candidate models of telemetry measurement error. We demonstrate this method using experimental data collected on banded mongooses ( Mungos mungo ). One can adapt this screening method to any GPS data.
OCA-B regulation of B-cell development and function

The transcriptional co-activator OCA-B [for Oct co-activator from B cells, also known as OBF-1 (OCT-binding factor-1) and Bob1] is not required for B-cell genesis but does regulate subsequent B-cell development and function. OCA-B deficient mice show strain-specific, partial blocks at multiple stages of B-cell maturation and a complete disruption of germinal center formation in all strains, causing humoral immune deficiency and susceptibility to infection. OCA-B probably exerts its effects through the regulation of octamer-motif controlled gene expression. The OCA-B gene encodes two proteins of distinct molecular weight, designated p34 and p35. The p34 isoform localizes in the nucleus, whereas the p35 isoform is myristoylated and is bound to the cytoplasmic membrane. p35 can traffic to the nucleus and probably activates octamer-dependent transcription, although this OCA-B isoform might regulate B cells through membrane-related signal transduction.
Aflatoxicosis and Intrinsic Coagulation Function in Broiler Chickens

Aflatoxin was fed (0, .625, 1.25, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 microgram/g) to broiler chickens from day-old to 3 weeks of age when the birds were bled and intrinsic coagulation parameters measured. Clotting times of whole blood were increased by aflatoxin (2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 microgram/g) and decreased in blood samples activated by contact with the surface of crushed glass. There was no interaction of aflatoxin with the contact phenomenon. Partial thromboplastin times were significantly (p less than .05) prolonged by 5.0 and 10.0 microgram/g aflatoxin. Intrinsic activity as judged by whole blood thromboplastin generation was reduced nearly 40% by those two levels of aflatoxin. Activity analogous to human factor VIII was depressed by the two highest doses, but factor IX was significantly (P less than .05) reduced by only the highest dose fed, 10 microgram/g. These data suggest that chickens possess an intrinsic coagulation mechanism that is sensitive to aflatoxin but that the factor or factors responsible for the contact response are refractory to this important mycotoxin.
On the derivation of selection functions from redshift survey data

A previously unrecognized effect is described in the derivation of luminosity functions and selection functions from existing redshift survey data, due to binning of quoted magnitudes and diameters. Corrections are made for this effect in the Center for Astrophysics (CfA) and Southern Sky (SSRS) Redshift Surveys. The correction makes subtle but systematic changes in the derived density fields of the CfA survey, especially within 2000 km/s of the Local Group. The effect on the density field of the SSRS survey is negligible.
Variational calculations of models of nuclear and neutron matter

Abstract We report results of variational calculations of models of nuclear matter in which the nuclear interaction is approximated by a sum of central, spin, isospin and tensor forces. The models are based on realistic potentials such as those of Reid, Bethe-Johnson, Hamada-Johnston, and Gammel-Thaler. The correlation operator in the variational wave function contains central, spin, isospin and tensor terms. We briefly review the Fermi-hypernetted-chain, and single-operator-chain (SOC) methods used to calculate the energy expectation value. The energies obtained for these simple models by various variational and reaction matrix calculations seem to be in reasonable agreement. Results with the SOC approximation for the ν 3 model of neutron matter, in which the interaction has only central and spin components, are also reported. These are in good agreement with the energies obtained by summing multiple operator chains.
A computer simulation method for particle sintering

Abstract A new computer simulation method is developed for treating topological effects during early stage sintering in large-scale particle arrays. The approach is based on a stress-free transformation concept using two-body sintering models where elastic distortions are introduced in order to retain the particle network connectedness. The internal stresses associated with these distortions can drive creep mechanisms. An initial implementation of the simulation method has been made for two-dimensional particle arrays, but it can also be applied in three dimensions. Empirical parameters were used to demonstrate the viability of the method. The results showed that the elastic stiffness parameters of the particle network can affect topological rearrangement as well as the distribution of internal stress. A sintering-creep interaction was found such that, when creep effects are present, the densification rate can be significantly reduced.
Improved acoustic emission locations

A technique for locating acoustic emission in brittle rock specimens is described. An array of eight piezoelectric transducers was used to detect acoustic emission and to receive velocity measurement pulses. Axial and transverse velocities were calculated from the transmission data; the use of the velocity data to locate the acoustic emissions is discussed. Waveforms were recorded for about 140 acoustic emissions during the deformation of the Westerly granite specimen and about 100 acoustic emissions were located. The effect of transducer size and incident angle on apparent arrival times is evaluated using a lead zirconium titinate transducer bonded to a small brass rider with a curved surface matched to the brass specimen. The relation between location accuracy in various regions of the specimen and the geometry of the receiver array is studied. It is observed that for incidence angles away from the normal, the velocity appears to be higher than for normal incidences.
The equilibrium and non-equilibrium elastic behavior of cross-linked polymer networks

The tube model of rubber elasticity (GAYLORD 1979, MARRUCCI 1981, GAYLORD 1982) is developed in detail and is shown to be able to describe both the equilibrium stress-strain, shear modulus and swelling behavior and the non-equilibrium elastic behavior of cross-linked polymer networks.
Managing research laboratories

Research laboratories of the type set up for the purpose of developing knowledge and understanding in the natural sciences generate innovations and are an important element in progressives businesses. Studies made in the electrical manufacturing industry give evidence that research is gaining appreciation as an operation in itself and that evaluation and management of this work is rapidly progressing.
Survival-related DNA repair phenomena in cultured rat-kangaroo cells.

Abstract Cultured cells (line PtK-2) from the marsupial mammal rat-kangaroo, or potoroo (Potorous tridactylis), which photoreactive (PR) both UV-induced dimers and lethality, excise few dimers, and are only slightly sensitized by post-UV exposure to caffeine, were subjected to caffeine and hydroxyurea (HU) treatments during the 30-min PR period. It was found that neither caffeine nor HU inhibited PR of lethality as measured by colony-forming ability. Further, the cells exhibited no photoprotective properties and 3 mM caffeine potentiated the same slight survival decrease in both photoreactivated and unphotoreactivated cells. It is evident that caffeine does not inhibit PR or the survival-related dark repair systems to any great extent, and hence the caffeine-sensitive post-UV dark repair found in this (and possibly other) mammalian cell lines may not be related directly to survival-dependent pyrimidine dimer removal, but instead to lesions or repair processes other than, but not excluding, pyrimidine dimers.
International Education Issues: practicing and teaching international neurology: the Krakow experience.

In the heart of Krakow sits the Klinika Neurologiczna. As part of the School of Medicine of Jagiellonian University in Poland, this building serves as a center for the care of patients with neurologic diseases and as a facility to train medical students. Within the Klinika is Babinski Hall. Named for the renowned Polish neurologist Dr. Joseph Babinski (1857–1932), this lecture hall provides students with a location to learn from their peers, instructors, and patients. Within a short walk of Babinski Hall are several reminders of the city’s rich history. Wawel Castle sits on a hill overlooking the Wisla River, nestled closely against one of Poland’s national cathedrals. Giant bones reported to be those of the city’s ancient dragon lie anchored to the cathedral with metal shackles. Legend claims that as long as these bones exist, so will the cathedral. Jagiellonian University, established in 1634, is the second oldest University in central Europe. Copernicus trained there, as did Pope John Paul II before he became Pope. The historic St. Mary’s Basilica still towers over the famous Rynek Glowny, one of the largest marketplace squares in Europe. On a typical day, the square is packed with tourists, businessmen, and locals. Some saunter across the stone pavement, while others relax over a meal and drink. St. Mary’s Basilica provides a unique musical experience for those nearby. On the hour, every hour, a lone trumpeter plays an unfinished tune (the hejnal) from each of the four corners of the Basilica’s highest tower. The tune …
THE EFFECTS OF OBSERVER PRESENCE ON THE ACTIVITY LEVEL OF FAMILIES1

In the present study, the possibility that the act of observing behavior may result in changes in those behaviors was investigated. An investigation of reactivity is important to the validity of research findings because the result obtained when observers are present may not generalize to situations when observers are absent. The effects of observer presence were assessed with five families, each consisting of a mother and two children, in a laboratory setting designed to resemble a typical family living room, containing a table, couch, chairs, toys, books, and a bathroom and kitchen area. The families were each exposed to a sequence of four 30-minute conditions during which an observer was alternatively physically present or absent from the room. From behind an unobtrusive one-way mirror, family members' locations were recorded every 15 seconds on gridded floor-plan diagrams drawn to the scale of the room. After all data were collected, lines were drawn for each family member connecting the numbers sequentially and a map-reading device was then used to measure the distance covered during each minute of observation. The presence of observers markedly reduced the activity level of all families, with the average reduction approximating 50%. However, more extended observations in natural family settings may reveal that families habituate to observer presence in a relatively short period of time. If so, the solution to the reactivity problem would involve extending the observation sessions. However, if families do not habituate, new forms of data collection might be required to guarantee the validity and generalizability of data collected by obtrusive observers.
Pressure un-assisted reactive powder processing of high-density aluminide composites

Abstract The combustion synthesis of aluminide intermetallic composites has been extensively studied during the past three decades. A major problem in the combustion synthesis of intermetallic composites has been poor density and poor homogeneity of the final product. This has resulted in the need for the application of pressure to densify the product in addition to high temperature heat treatments to homogenize it. This paper discusses a new strategy for elemental green compact design that promotes considerably improved densities of combustion synthesized nickel aluminide–titanium carbide composites (at 20 vol.% TiC loading) without the application of external pressures. The paper covers ball milling studies, compaction behavior and the effect of elemental powder/green compact microstructural design on the porosity, phase content, microstructure and hardness of the combustion synthesized product. Product porosities as low as 1.4% have been produced using this new design compared to 25% using conventional means of powder processing prior to combustion synthesis, this has also contributed to a greater than five times improvement in hardness of the resulting product.
Integration of progressive hedging and dual decomposition in stochastic integer programs

We present a method for integrating the Progressive Hedging (PH) algorithm and the Dual Decomposition (DD) algorithm of Caroe and Schultz for stochastic mixed-integer programs. Based on the correspondence between lower bounds obtained with PH and DD, a method to transform weights from PH to Lagrange multipliers in DD is found. Fast progress in early iterations of PH speeds up convergence of DD to an exact solution. We report computational results on server location and unit commitment instances.
Conversations about emotion in high-risk dyads.

Early emotional understanding is fostered by mother–child conversation in which mothers elaboratively enhance children's understanding. Little is known of the broader relational and risk factors in...
Time Decay Anomalies in S&P 500 Index Options

In this article, the authors examine price patterns of stock index options to observe how time decay affects the time, or extrinsic, portion of the option price. Option pricing theory states that the rate of time decay, known as theta, should increase as the option approaches expiration. The results indicate that the rate of decay in the option price is less than theory predicts for both in- and out-of-the-money options.
Valence intersubband lasers without total population inversion based on the inverted mass

A novel intersubband laser based on the inverted-effective- mass feature of valence light-hole subband is investigated. Such inversion is a result of the interactions between subbands, which is much stronger in valence band of most diamond and zinc-blend semiconductors. Unlike the conventional conduction-band intersubband lasers, the proposed laser does not require elaborate and delicate engineering of quantum wells (QWs). We consider GaAs/AlGaAs QW structures which give rise to several confined subbands including ground state heavy-hole subband (HH1) and light- hole subband (LH1). The inverted-effective-mass feature in subband LH1 emerges only in wide QW structures which produce closely spaced subbands in energy that are strongly coupled. The energy separation between subbands LH1 and HH1 is typically below the optical phonon energy in the THz range. Laser wavelength determined by this energy separation is 62 microns for a well width of 7 nm. The laser structure is designed to facilitate electrical pumping with a quantum cascade scheme consisting of multiple GaAs QWs isolated by AlGaAs barriers. Our calculation shows that with only a small fraction of the carrier population in the upper subband (LH1), it is still possible to achieve population inversion between the two subbands locally in k-space where the light-hole effective mass is inverted. Our result indicates that optical gain in excess of 150/cm can be achieved with a relatively small pumping current density on the order of 100A/cm 2 .
Humanizing Pedagogy: Beliefs and Practices on the Teaching of Latino Children

Recent research in teacher education has placed much attention on teachers' knowledge in subject matter and instructional practices and not enough on their attitudes and perspectives that contribute significantly to the pedagogy to which they adhere. In other words, teachers' prior knowledge and life experiences strongly influence the way they perceive the nature of learning and their students. This article describes an investigational ethnographic study that explored the pedagogical perspectives and teaching practices of four urban elementary school teachers whom Latino parents and students rated as effective in working with Latino students. Special emphasis is placed on a “humanizing” pedagogy (Bartolome, 1994; Freire, 1987; Franquiz & Salazar, 2004; Ladson-Billings, 1995; Nieto & Rolon, 1999) for the theoretical framework. This study found that these 4 teachers put into practice what they knew and believed. In general, they held a certain level of sociocultural knowledge. Based on this knowledge, they ...
Utilization of accelerating rate calorimetry for the characterization of energetic materials at MRC-mound

Abstract The technique of Accelerating Rate Calorimetry (ARC) was used to investigate the thermal stabilities of energetic materials used in production and manufacturing at MRC-Mound. Plots of heat rate versus temperature, along with temperature and pressure versus time plots, were determined for selected secondary explosives and one model compound. Analyses of these data were used to derive zero-order kinetic parameters, time-to-explosion plots, and approximate critical explosion temperatures.
Epicutaneous Antigen Exposure Primes for Experimental Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Mice

Background & Aims: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) is frequently associated with atopic disease, including dermatitis and asthma. Data are emerging that atopic skin may provide an early entry point for antigen sensitization. We aimed to test the hypothesis that epicutaneous exposure to antigen primes for subsequent respiratory antigen-induced EE. Methods: Wild-type and genetically engineered mice were subjected to epicutaneous antigen sensitization and the development of experimental EE, and immune responses were examined. Results: We show that exposure to antigen via the epicutaneous route primes for marked eosinophilic inflammation in the esophagus triggered by a single airway antigen challenge. The development of experimental EE is associated with significant skin eosinophilia, accelerated bone marrow eosinophilopoiesis, blood eosinophilia, and large increases in serum antigen-specific immunoglobulin G1/immunoglobulin E using ovalbumin or Aspergillus fumigatus as the epicutaneous antigen. Mechanistic analysis with gene-targeted mice showed that interleukin-5 was required for esophageal eosinophilia and that interleukin-4, interleukin-13, and STAT6 contributed to a lesser extent. Conclusions: These findings provide the first evidence that epicutaneous exposure to allergens potently primes for EE via a Th2-dependent mechanism.
Agency Discretion and Public Health Service Delivery

States enact laws that set forth the contours of state public health department authority, including what regulations agencies can promulgate. Yet practitioners who work in these public health departments may miss opportunities for strategic policy development because they do not consider nuances of their power. Agency authority refers to the power that a state public health department has to interpret and implement state policy through their actions. Legislation thus provides the context for the operation of the public health system (Wing 2003; Turnock 2004;), but the specific ways in which this legal framework shapes public health practice remain understudied. One public health program, newborn screening, has changed dramatically in the past decade demonstrating how changes in state legislation and agency authority influence the delivery of a public health service. Newborn screening, which entails testing an infant just after birth for certain disorders, is one of the largest public health programs in the United States and each state has newborn screening legislation (Mitka 2000; Therrell et al. 2006;). A newborn screening panel is the list of disorders that a state screens. States differ in the number of conditions they include on their panels. This variation in the structure of newborn screening panels and authorizing legislation across states and over time provides a case study to assess the ways in which legislative context influences the operation of public health programs. Specifically, this project aims to understand how agency authority influences the implementation of panel changes for state newborn screening programs. Results from this study provide a template for understanding how aspects of authority help or hinder other public health programs.
What determines "suitable habitat" for metapopulation studies? An analysis of environmental gradients and species assemblages in xeric forest openings.

Premise of the study For metapopulation and metacommunity studies, "suitable habitat" is an area within an otherwise inhospitable matrix in which a species can potentially or does occur. When examining aquatic habitats, for example, this habitat is much easier to define than in terrestrial regions. We tested the assumption that suitable habitat can be delimited in terrestrial ecosystems. Methods We surveyed vascular plant species found in 38 forest openings (open suitable habitats) within a matrix of dry forest (an inhospitable habitat) at three sites in southern Illinois over two growing seasons. We compared species composition and environmental variables between these two habitats at three sites using non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) and analysis of similarity (ANOSIM). Key results Distinctions such as high canopy openness and high soil temperature were common to all forest openings compared with the forest matrix. Differences in canopy openness and soil temperature were correlated with significantly different vegetation between forest openings and forest matrix at each of the three sites. Among the three sites, 9.3-18.9% were forest opening specialists, consisting of 44 taxa, of which the majority were herbaceous forbs. Conclusions The distinction between suitable and unsuitable habitat for some plant species may depend on a few variables, which may not be consistent between sites. This distinction means that there are potentially more situations than previously thought that metapopulation and metacommunity theory may be capable of explaining, meaning that more systems can be studied using a metapopulation context than previously thought.
Responsiveness of U.S. Exports to Real Exchange Rate: Evidence from Top 10 U.S Trading Partners

This study investigates the impact of changes in the value of the US dollar on U.S exports to major trading partners of the US. The findings indicate that major trading partners are more likely to demand more US products when the value of the US dollar depreci-ates. Furthermore, a ten percent decrease in the US real effective exchange rate will cause an approximate increase of 3% of total US exports. In addition, the fluctuations in national income levels for top trading partners of the US can determine the amount of their demand of US products as well. In other words, an increase in national income for most of the trading partners will lead to an increased demand for U.S goods. The author studies the impact of fluctuations between the value of the US dollar to U.S exports to major trading partners. The conclusion reveals that top trading partners demand more of the U.S goods when the US dollar depreciates. Furthermore, a ten percent decrease in the US real effective exchange rate leads to an increase of almost 3 % of total US exports. Changes in income level for top trading partners can determine the amount of exports as well. Moreover, a rise in income for trading partners leads to an increase demand for U.S goods.
Obstruction to left ventricular inflow secondary to combined mitral annular calcification and idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis

We present an elderly woman with idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (IHSS) and obstruction to left ventricular inflow. The inflow obstruction is thought to be due to massive mitral annular calcification. The association of IHSS and inflow obstruction is rare and may be overlooked unless careful hemodynamic measurements are obtained.
Applying Baumrind's parenting typology to high schools: toward a middle-range theory of authoritative socialization

Abstract I provide support for a middle-range theory of socialization style by applying Baumrind's typology of parenting (authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and indifferent) to high schools as socializing agents. In the family literature, findings show that the authoritative style (both responsive and demanding) produces the best results on child behavioral outcomes, and the indifferent style the worst results. The school climate literature suggests that schools that are both responsive and demanding achieve the best results with students. Using data from the High School Effectiveness Study, I test the effect of school style on student disengagement—truancy and dropout. My results indicate that school styles produce outcomes similar to parenting styles: authoritative schools have the best results and indifferent schools the worst results for disengagement, while authoritarian schools have the worst results for dropout.
Infant Communicative Behaviors and Maternal Responsiveness

This study applies attachment and transactional theories in evaluating the dyadic interactions observed between a mother and her infant. Infant communication and maternal responsivity are highlighted as the medium for positive interaction. The impact of individualized maternal training on mother infant communicative interaction is proposed to be positive. A sample of three mothers and their infants were observed during 10 min free play sessions before and after a training intervention. The focus of the training was the principles of parenting contained in the Right-from-Birth: a Parenting Series (Grace and Lindsey in Right from birth: a parenting series guide for facilitators, Educational Broadcasting and Early Childhood Institute, Mississippi, 2003) training. A multiple baseline design was used to measure maternal responsiveness to infant communication. Positive and negative maternal responses, as well as the rate of infant communication were also measured. Results showed an increase in positive maternal responses, a decrease in negative maternal responses as well as an increase in the rate of infant communication. These findings underscore the importance of training on correct interpretation of and appropriate maternal responses to infant’s communicative cues, in order to encourage positive mother-infant interactions.
An accurate reference-generating circuit for successive approximation current mode A/D converters

As pressures increase on VLSI designers to use a lower supply voltage of 3.3 V rather than the present 5 V, current mode signal-processing techniques will surely become increasingly important and attractive. This paper presents the design of a reference-generating (RG) circuit which employs a current mode divide-by-two circuit. Current dividers are usually implemented by using resistor networks or weighted transistors. the division accuracy of such solutions is limited by resistor or transistor mismatch. In this study the proposed divide-by-two circuit does not rely on well-matched components and high-gain op amps to achieve high accuracy. This paper also addresses the relationship among the operation and accuracy of the division process, the transistor mismatch and the resolution of a converter which employs the RG circuit. the proposed RG circuit can be implemented not only for medium-speed successive approximation current mode A/D converters but also for A/D converter arrays achieving a high conversion rate.
A three and one-half decade nutritional and metabolic iliad.

i t o q a v A n a o p o t 1 t r he intent and purpose of this presentation is to salute and onor an esteemed and cherished friend, Murray F Brenan, MD, for his countless extraordinary contributions to a road spectrum of the discipline of surgery, but especially o the field of surgical nutrition and metabolism; and also o celebrate concomitantly the multiple accomplishments nd influences of his, my, and our, surgical colleagues many of whom are here with us today), whose relentless nd dedicated efforts have contributed collectively to proiding impact, potency, and relevancy to the evolution and linical maturation of total parenteral nutrition (TPN), hich has significantly changed the practice of surgery durng our professional lifetimes. For three and a half decades beginning in the early 970s, Murray Brennan has continually maintained an vid interest in surgical nutrition and metabolism and has onducted a productive series of basic and clinical studies n this vital area, resulting in approximately 300 publicaions of his total of 1,000. His contributions have added ignificantly to the vast body of knowledge required to ttempt to understand and master the nuances and comlexities of surgical nutrition and metabolism, and to maipulate parenteral and/or enteral nutrient substrates in a killful, safe, and practical manner for the benefit of critially ill and complex surgical patients. The concept of feeding patients parenterally by injecting utrient substances or fluids subcutaneously, or even infusng them directly intravenously, is neither a novel nor a ecent idea; it was advocated and attempted long before its uccessful achievement almost four decades ago. The realzation of this seemingly fanciful dream occurred only after ore than three centuries of fundamental inquiry, investiation, and discovery, coupled with countless technologic evelopments and judicious applications of the tediously cquired fundamental knowledge, skill, experience, techiques, and technology. The prerequisites to rational clincal studies in this challenging but vital area included
A NOVEL ENDOSCOPIC APPROACH TOWARDS RESECTION OF THE DISTAL URETER WITH SURROUNDING BLADDER CUFF DURING HAND ASSISTED LAPAROSCOPIC NEPHROURETERECTOMY

The experience and use of hand assisted laparoscopic renal surgery continues to expand among urologists.1‐3 Hand assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy appears to be a safe, effective technique that provides intact specimen removal and appropriate pathological staging.4 However, as with the standard laporoscopic approach to nephroureterectomy, no consensus has been reached regarding the optimal technique for excising the distal intravesical ureter with an adequate bladder cuff. Classic oncological protocol requires resection o fa1c m. bladder cuff around the involved ureteral orifice to excise and remove completely the distal intravesical ureter. In an attempt to adhere to these oncological principles, a variety of endoscopic techniques have been used for complete resection of the distal intravesical ureter during laparoscopic nephroureterectomy. These approaches include transurethral unroofing of the ureteral orifice before laparoscopic nephrectomy, endoscopic extravesical clipping or stapling of the bladder cuff, combination bladder port/transurethral unroofing of the ureteral orifice, transurethral bladder cuff excision alone and the “pluck” technique with or without transurethral resection.1‐ 6 Since the most safe and effective method to complete distal intravesical ureteral resection has not been agreed upon by laparoscopic urologists, all of these techniques continue to be used, each with their own specific advantages and disadvantages. We describe an alternative approach to the removal of the distal ureter with a surrounding bladder cuff during hand assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy. The potential advantages of this approach may facilitate hand assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy. METHODS A 62-year-old man initially presented with gross hematuria. Computerized tomography and retrograde pyelography revealed a 3 3 3 3 5 cm. left renal pelvis mass. Left renal pelvic cytology and ureteroscopy confirmed the diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma. Cystoscopy and cytology of the bladder revealed no evidence of carcinoma, and metastatic evaluation indicated no evidence of distant disease. After informed consent was obtained a general anesthetic was given and the patient was placed in the left lateral position without the use of the kidney rest. Hand assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy was performed through a 6.5 cm. midline, periumbilical incision using a pneumosleeve with 2, 5 to 12 mm. ports, 1 of which was in the midclavicular line
Trends and predictors for vagotomy when performing oversew of acute bleeding duodenal ulcer in the United States

In the era of Helicobacter pylori treatment, the role of vagotomy in bleeding duodenal ulcers is debatable. National outcomes were evaluated to determine the current surgical treatment and use of vagotomy for bleeding duodenal ulcers. Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) were used from years 1999 to 2003. Patients were selected using diagnostic codes for acute duodenal ulcer bleed and procedure codes for simple oversew of a bleeding ulcer and vagotomy. Data were analyzed using multiple linear and logistic regression. Between 1999 and 2003, 100,931 patients with an acute bleeding duodenal ulcer were identified. Over time, there was a decrease in the number of acute bleeding ulcers (p = 0.027) and a decrease in the number of vagotomies (p = 0.027). A high co-morbidity index [odds ratio (OR), 0.60, p = 0.017], operation in the Midwest (OR 0.50, p < 0.001) and operation in the West (OR 0.68, p = 0.034) were predictive of no vagotomy during surgery for a bleeding duodenal ulcer. A vagotomy is not commonly performed during surgical treatment of an acute bleeding duodenal ulcer. This variation in practice was not fully explained by patient characteristics. We must seek new evidence to determine the safety of combined medical and surgical management of this clinical problem.
A Note on the Constitutive Law for Dilatancy

The spatial extent of the dilatant zone and its time, variations associated with preseismic fault creep are very sensitive to the dilatant constitutive law. For a power law of the form \(\gamma = \delta \cdot {\text{I}}_2^{n/2}\) (where γ is dilatant strain, δ is a constant and I 2 is the deviatoric stress invariant) the ratio of dilatant scale to depth of faulting is significantly less than unity for n = 2 (‘microcrack dilatancy’), about unity for n = 1 (‘joint dilatancy’), and much larger than unity for n = 1/2 (’sand pile dilatancy’). Consequently it is necessary to establish the in situ nature of the dilatant process in order to understand the onset, distribution and development of crustal dilatant regions.
An algorithm for the bottleneck generalized assignment problem

Abstract We discuss a bottleneck (or minimax) version of the generalized assignment problem, known as the task bottleneck generalized assignment problem (TBGAP). TBGAP involves the assignment of a number of jobs to a number of agents such that each job is performed by a unique agent, and capacity limitations on the agents are not exceeded. The objective is to minimize the maximum of the costs of the assignments that are made. We present an algorithm for solving TBGAP. The TBGAP algorithm is illustrated by an example and computational experience is reported. The algorithm is seen to be effective in solving TBGAP problems to optimality.
Lysyl oxidase: a lung adenocarcinoma biomarker of invasion and survival.

BACKGROUND: Lung adenocarcinoma invasion and metastasis arises from autocrine and paracrine signaling events between tumor epithelial cells and the stromal microenvironment that is mediated in part by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling. The copper-dependent amine oxidase lysyl oxidase (LOX) plays a role in extracellular matrix structure and is up-regulated in invasive type II TGF-β receptor-deficient cells. The authors hypothesized that LOX expression is associated with extent of invasion and survival in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. METHODS: LOX immunohistochemical staining was examined in 166 surgically resected lung adenocarcinomas and results were correlated with clinicopathological features and survival. RESULTS: High-intensity LOX staining was found to be associated with the linear extent of invasion (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.2; P = .01). There was an association between high LOX staining and decreased 5-year survival observed within the entire cohort (log-rank P < .001) and among the patients with stage I disease (n = 119; P < .001). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis confirmed that LOX was a significant prognostic indicator of increased risk of 5-year mortality for all patients (hazard ratio [HR], 2.55; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.51-4.30 [P < .001]) and for patients with Stage I disease (HR, 3.51; 95% CI, 1.77-6.99 [P < .001]). LOX expression was found to be independently associated with risk of death after adjustment for relevant covariates (HR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.33-3.94 [P = .003]). CONCLUSIONS: Higher expression of LOX is associated with invasion and is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in patients with early stage lung adenocarcinoma. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
A new window of opportunity in echocardiography.

Background Improvements in echocardiographic technology have made technically difficult studies a rare entity. However, physical barriers such as bandages, inability for patients to turn because of intubation, arterial lines, and organ and life support machines make echocardiographic imaging challenging. Methods We performed echocardiographic imaging from left and right posterior thoracic approach using acoustic properties of pleural fluid to assist in obtaining good imaging windows in patients who had pleural effusion (PE). In this study we describe one author's (T. Z. N.) experience with the mid to lower posterior thoracic window in 18 patients who had PE and in whom conventional transthoracic windows either provided suboptimal images or incomplete clinical information. Results The posterior approach allowed excellent differentiation of pericardial effusion versus PE, detection of pericardial disease and pericardial infiltration, and excellent endocardial border definition of left and right ventricle in those with poor anterior transthoracic windows. Native and prosthetic aortic valve gradients could be assessed adequately as a result of perfectly parallel Doppler alignment beam to left ventricular outflow tract and aortic valve. In addition, right posterior thoracic window provided views comparable with subcostal view and allowed visualization of inferior vena cava, right atrium, and liver. Conclusion In patients with PE, imaging from low to midposterior thorax can provide additional diagnostic echocardiographic images and should be used in patients in whom conventional images are technically difficult or require additional information.
Engineering evaluation of multi-beam satellite antenna boresight pointing using land/water crossings

The Microwave Radiometer (MWR) on the Aquarius/SAC-D mission measures microwave radiation from earth and intervening atmosphere in terms of brightness temperature (T b ). It takes measurements in a push-broom fashion at K- (23.8 GHz) and Ka-band (36.5 GHz) frequencies using two separate reflector antenna systems, each producing eight spot beams. Pre-launch measurements of the alignment of these beams with respect to the spacecraft coordinate system is used to geolocate the antenna foot-prints on ground. As a part of MWR's on-orbit engineering check-out, the verification of MWR's pointing accuracy is discussed here. The technique used to assess MWR's pointing involves comparing the radiometer image of land with high-resolution maps. When the beam's instantaneous field of view (IFOV) passes over a land/water boundary, the brightness temperature changes from a radiometrically “hot” land-scene to a “cold” ocean-scene. This “step-function” change in brightness temperature provides a very sensitive way to assess the mispointing error of the calculated MWR earth location (latitude/longitude) of the antenna footprints. This paper describes the algorithm used for the MWR geolocation validation assessment and preliminary results, presented for the MWR 23.8 GHz channel, show that the mispointing errors from the true coastline are close to meeting the specification.
Autogamy and hybridization as evolutionary mechanisms in Panicum subgenus Dicanthelium (Gramineae)

A predominantly autogamous breeding system is described forP. occidentale Scribn.,P. pacificum Hitchc. & Chase, andP. thermale Boland. Five synthetic hybrids and three generations of progeny are also described for crosses among these three species. All parents haven = 9 chromosomes and normal meiosis. Hybrids exhibit various irregularities during meiosis, but nine bivalents are usually formed. One population ofP. occidentale and one ofP. thermale were found to have chromosomes with interchanges larger than those of other populations. The F2 and F3 generations had markedly increased fertility, as determined by pollen stainability. It is proposed that autogamy and hybridization are a common means of maintaining and stabilizing genetic variability in these grasses and that these means account for much of the taxonomic difficulty posed by the subgenus. The possibility of a low rate of introgression between populations is also proposed.
Testing Dynamic Theories of Conflict: Power Cycles, Power Transitions, Foreign Policy Crises and Militarized Interstate Disputes

Explaining the causes of international strife is one of the most important problems in the social sciences. A wide range of theories have been created to account for conflict, crisis, and war that ...
Exploitation of other social amoebae by Dictyostelium caveatum.

Dictyostelium amoebae faced with starvation trigger a developmental program during which many cells aggregate and form fruiting bodies that consist of a ball of spores held aloft by a thin stalk. This developmental strategy is open to several forms of exploitation, including the remarkable case of Dictyostelium caveatum, which, even when it constitutes 1/103 of the cells in an aggregate, can inhibit the development of the host and eventually devour it. We show that it accomplishes this feat by inhibiting a region of cells, called the tip, which organizes the development of the aggregate into a fruiting body. We use live-cell microscopy to define the D. caveatum developmental cycle and to show that D. caveatum amoebae have the capacity to ingest amoebae of other Dictyostelid species, but do not attack each other. The block in development induced by D. caveatum does not affect the expression of specific markers of prespore cell or prestalk cell differentiation, but does stop the coordinated cell movement leading to tip formation. The inhibition mechanism involves the constitutive secretion of a small molecule by D. caveatum and is reversible. Four Dictyostelid species were inhibited in their development, while D. caveatum is not inhibited by its own compound(s). D. caveatum has evolved a predation strategy to exploit other members of its genus, including mechanisms of developmental inhibition and specific phagocytosis.