cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How Probation Officers Leverage “Third Parties” in Offender Supervision

The study analyzes 40 qualitative interviews with probation officers to explore how they leverage “third parties” within probationers' social networks as part of their supervision. Family members are among the most important figures engaged but are also the most challenging to work with. Other figures include friends, employers, and neighbors. Engagement to leverage support and supervision tends to rely on family members or associates close to the probationer. Engagement to leverage surveillance may rely on family members, but also tends to rely on figures with less loyalty to the probationer, or who bear a grudge towards them.
EVIDENCE FOR A BLOOD-THYMUS BARRIER USING ELECTRON-OPAQUE TRACERS

In order to verify the existence of a blood-thymus barrier to circulating macromolecules, the permeability of the vessels of the thymus was analyzed in young adult mice using electron opaque tracers of different molecular dimensions (horseradish peroxidase, cytochrome c, catalase, ferritin, colloidal lanthanum). Results show that although blood-borne macromolecules do penetrate the thymus, their parenchyma] distribution is limited to the medulla of the lobe by several factors: (a) the differential permeability of the various segments of the vascular tree; (b) the spatial segregation of these segments within the lobe; (c) the strategic location of parenchymal macrophages along the vessels. The cortex is exclusively supplied by capillaries, which have impermeable endothelial junctions. Although a small amount of tracer is transported by plasmalemmal vesicles through the capillary endothelium, this tracer is promptly sequestrated by macrophages stretched out in a continuous row along the cortical capillaries and it does not reach the intercellular clefts between cortical lymphocytes and reticular cells. The medulla contains all the leaky vessels, namely postcapillary venules and arterioles. Across the walls of the venules, large quantities of all injected tracers escape through the clefts between migrating lymphocytes and endothelial cells; also the arterioles have a small number of endothelial junctions which are permeable to peroxidase, but do not allow passage of tracers of higher molecular weight. The tracers released by the leaky vessels penetrate the intercellular clefts of the medulla, but they never reach the cortical parenchyma, even at long time intervals after the injection. Therefore, a blood-thymus barrier to circulating macromolecules does exist, but is limited to the cortex. Medullary lymphocytes are freely exposed to blood-borne substances.
Waste reduction through multicomponent mass exchange network synthesis

Abstract We have developed the “mass exchange network (MEN)” synthesis concept to provide solutions for waste-minimization problems. Often, waste reduction problems require the removal of multiple toxic species from plant streams. Aside from the transfer of multiple chemical species multicomponent problems also encompasses simultaneous heat and mass exchange. To address this problem, we employ the recently proposed “State Space Approach.” The State Space Approach decomposes the network synthesis problem into the evaluation of an operator —where the actual unit operations are defined, and the distribution network —which contains all the flows to and from the operator. The entire network is optimized simultaneously. The use of distinct subnetworks for the flows and unit operations gives complete flexibility to choose over all possible configurations. The proposed approach is illustrated through an example from recycle-reuse tasks; the removal of nitrogenous compounds from the waste streams of a fertilizer plant.
Event-specific attributions and daily life events as predictors of depression symptom change

A prospective study was conducted to investigate whether event-specific attributions, either alone or in interaction with daily life events predict depression symptom change, and whether this is affected by systematic variation in intertest intervals. Baseline measures of attributional style, event-specific attributions, life events, and depression were administered to 96 adults enrolled in a cigarette-smoking cessation program who were readministered the event-specific attributions, life events, and depression measures 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks later. Results indicated that (a) the interaction between event-specific attributions and life events was a better predictor of depression symptom change than were event-specific attributions alone; (b) event-specific attributions and life events demonstrated a tendency to predict depression symptom change over 2 and 4 weeks but not over 6 and 8 weeks; (c) the stability and globality of event-specific attributions was associated with the number of reported life events; and (d) baseline attributional style predicted event-specific attributions 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks later.
1677) Proposal to conserve the name Galactites tomentosa against Centaurea elegans (Compositae)

(1677) Galactites tomentosa Moench, Methodus: 558. 4 Mai 1794 {Centaurea galactites L, Sp. PL: 919. 1 Mai 1753) [Dicot.: Comp.], nom. cons. prop. Lectotypus (vide Turland in Taxon 47: 357. 1998): Herb. Burser XXI: 42 (UPS). (=) Centaurea elegans All, Fl. Pedem. 1: 163. Apr-Jul 1785 {Galactites elegans (All.) Nyman ex Soldano), nom. rej. prop. Lectotypus (hie designatus): "Centaurea elegans", France, Alpes Maritimes: "ad Sacellum S. Angeli ... Villafr:[anca] Nie[aeensis]", in Herb. Allioni (TO).
THERMAL EXPANSION OF AG(111)

The contribution of surface vibrations to the thermal expansion of Ag(111) is analyzed at several levels of approximations. In the quasiharmonic scheme, the surface vibrational density of states, which may be represented fairly by modes at the high symmetry points in the surface Brillouin zone, do not lead to anomalously large thermal expansion, in accordance with results from molecular-dynamics simulations that give a good description of other anharmonic properties of Ag(111). We illustrate how an inadequate representation of the density of states can lead to erroneously large surface thermal expansion.
Managing agricultural resources at the urban–rural interface: a case study of the Old Mission Peninsula

Abstract Despite the vast landmass of the United States, resource managers, landscape architects, and planners are becoming increasingly aware of the difficulty in protecting natural resources at the urban–rural interface. Because of the legal framework of the United States, individual states retain the rights to regulate and manage the affairs of land use within their jurisdictions. Each state, in turn, has transferred portions of this right to county and local bodies of government through “enabling legislation”. Because each of these layers of government has different agenda, oftentimes, a coordinated, effective land use planning effort that could protect natural resources, especially at the urban–rural interface, is impossible to develop. This paper examines one local community’s effort to preserve farmland and open space at the urban–rural interface. As a case study, it presents some of the historic land use management tools in Michigan that have been used to protect farmland. It also discusses the political and economic factors that determine the success or failure of these tools. Because of the inadequacies of some of the tools to protect open space and farmland, the township adopted an alternative land use planning strategy. It appears that this strategy has successfully integrated the best of the old planning tools with some of the newer alternatives to curb urban sprawl in a rapidly growing area in Michigan, USA.
Correction of Temporary Postoperative Astigmatism

Clip-on spectacles to correct temporary postoperative astigmatism are a convenient and inexpensive alternative to specially designed spectacles.
Domain analysis for software reuse

Abstract A theory of domain knowledge is proposed that consists of `grounded domains' that model a set of cooperating objects that achieve a purpose. Grounded domains have spatial presence in the real world and contain agents that act on objects within a context of structures. More complex meta-domains use grounded domains as their subject matter and describe education, management, etc. The third component of the theory, generic tasks, describes problem solving activity such as diagnosis, searching, planning and scheduling. Generic tasks describe the behavioural components in both grounded and meta-domains. The reusable library of generic models is applied to the design of interactive systems by reusing the models as templates, and to reuse design knowledge in the form of associated design rationale. A process for recognising generic models is described with recognition heuristics structured in a walkthrough type of analysis for identifying key abstractions in new applications. The design process is illustrated with an information retrieval case study developed as a decision support system for emergency management, reusing information searching services. The discussion reviews the prospects for reusable patterns in interactive systems design, and similar approaches in software and knowledge engineering.
Double-Helix PSF Microscopy with a Phase Mask for Efficient Photon Collection

We present the first implementation of double-helix phase masks for 3D microscopy with high photon collection efficiency. The mask is fabricated using gray-level mask-less lithography. The system demonstrates precise 3D tracking of quantum dots.
Confronting destruction: social context and life story in the diaries of two adolescents in eastern European ghettos during the shoah.

Life-writing, such as in diaries and memoirs, offers a means for managing misfortune and fosters an enhanced sense of self-coherence. The devastation that accompanied the effort by the Third Reich to destroy Europe’s Jewish citizens challenged resilience, sense of personal agency, and the capacity to deal with personal loss and the destruction of community. The capacity for writing a coherent life story first emerges during adolescence. Reporting on the diaries of two adolescents living in Eastern European ghettos, this study considers the coping techniques that these adolescent diarists used even as they confronted their own demise. At the same time, the differing social contexts of the Łodź and Vilna ghettos posed somewhat different challenges to the resilience of these diarists. This study considers both life-writing and coping in the context both of adolescent psychological development and social context using Lazarus’ portrayal of problem-focused and emotion-focused coping as conditions became ever more dire in each ghetto.
Oxidative photoreceptor cell damage in autoimmune uveitis

Uveitis comprises an extensive array of intraocular inflammatory diseases and often results in irreversible visual loss. Experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) is an animal model used to study human uveitis. Both innate and adaptive immune responses are known to mediate retinal damage in EAU. The innate immune response occurs first with activation of toll-like receptors which upregulate inflammatory cytokines, leading to oxidative stress; subsequently, the adaptive immune response results in inflammatory cytokine upregulation and mitochondrial oxidative stress. In early EAU, mitochondrial DNA is damaged before inflammatory cellular infiltration and alters mitochondrial protein levels and the functions of mitochondria in AU. Our recent study confirms the importance of TLR4 in the generation of inflammatory cytokines, initiation of oxidative DNA damage, and induction of mitochondrial oxidative stress. Like EAU, sympathetic ophthalmia also results in photoreceptor mitochondrial oxidative damage. Agents that prevent mitochondrial oxidative stress and photoreceptor apoptosis may help prevent retinal damage and preserve vision in uveitis.
Interferences in a low-flow, low-power inductively coupled plasma

Abstract The effects of radio-frequency (rf) power and argon flow rates on the analytical performance of a low-flow, low-power inductively coupled plasma (ICP) operated at 40.68 MHz were studied. In particular, the instrumental conditions which provided highest signal-to-background ratios (SBR) and minimum sensitivity to interferences were determined. In the present study, the existence and magnitude of interelement and spectral interferences were investigated through use of spatial maps of emitting analyte species. These interferences were examined as a function of applied rf power, argon flow rates, spatial position within the plasma and the concentration of analyte and interferent species. At 450 W and 61 min −1 outer argon flow rate, the interferences are minimized and SBR is high. The sample introduction system was found to have a strong effect on the magnitude and nature of interferences owing to the addition of sodium.
Catalysis with TiO2/Gold Nanocomposites. Effect of Metal Particle Size on the Fermi Level Equilibration

Photoexcited semiconductor nanoparticles undergo charge equilibration when they are in contact with metal nanoparticles. Such a charge distribution has direct influence in dictating the energetics of the composite by shifting the Fermi level to more negative potentials. The transfer of electrons to Au nanoparticles has now been probed by exciting TiO2 nanoparticles under steady-state and laser pulse excitation. Equilibration with the C60/C60- redox couple provides a means to determine the apparent Fermi level of the TiO2−Au composite system. The size-dependent shift in the apparent Fermi level of the TiO2−Au composite (20 mV for 8-nm diameter and 40 mV for 5-nm and 60 mV for 3-nm gold nanoparticles) shows the ability of Au nanoparticles to influence the energetics by improving the photoinduced charge separation. Isolation of individual charge-transfer steps from UV-excited TiO2 → Au → C60 has provided mechanistic and kinetic information on the role of metal in semiconductor-assisted photocatalysis and siz...
Use of Abciximab During Infrainguinal Peripheral Vascular Interventions: Initial Experience

The use of abciximab in conjunction with infrainguinal angioplasty in 16 patients over an 18-month period in 1999 was investigated. Abciximab was given to patients thought to be at high risk for a thrombotic or embolic complication. Ten patients had high-grade stenoses or occlusions in the popliteal artery and superficial femoral artery; six patients had stenoses or occlusions below the popliteal artery. After arterial access was achieved, all patients received a bolus of heparin. A weight-based nomogram, consisting of an initial bolus followed by an overnight infusion, was used to administer the abciximab. A less than 30% residual stenosis after angioplasty was considered a technical success. Patients were monitored for complications following the procedure and platelet counts were monitored for 24 hours. Technical success occurred in 94% (15/16) of the patients. No significant effect on platelet count was noted. Two minor complications occurred. The major complication was a groin hematoma in a patient who was also undergoing chronic antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel. Abciximab has promise as an adjunct during complex infrainguinal arterial interventions but further study is needed.
Initial stability of press-fit acetabular components under rotational forces.

Abstract The primary goal of this study was to determine the initial press-fit stability in acetabular components without screw fixation. Mechanical testing was performed with the implantation of press-fit acetabular components in cadaveric specimens. No significant difference was found in load to failure testing between 1 and 2 mm of under-reaming. However, there was significant variability in bending forces required to create 150 μm of micromotion ranging from 49.3 N to 214.4 N. This study shows that cups implanted in a press-fit fashion, which are felt to be clinically stable, have high degrees of variability in resisting load and may be at risk for loosening. There is a need for more objective intra-operative techniques to test cup stability.
A QDDM magnetic spectrograph system in use for nuclear pion production experiments at IUCF

Abstract The quadrupole-dipole-dipole-multipole (QDDM) magnetic spectrograph and associated experimental methods employed at the Indiana University Cyclotron Facility for studies of the A (p, π ± ) A + 1 reaction are described. The techniques have been used successfully for extensive measurements of the energy-mass- and state-dependence of (p, π + ) differential cross sections in the near threshold region ( T π = 9 to 60 MeV), and for measurement of the polarization asymmetry in the ( p , π − ) reaction. Backg round levels of about 0.1 nb/sr and an energy resolution of 63 keV fwhm have been achieved.
COST-EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS IN THE REAL WORLD: THE CASE OF STATINS

ABSTRACTCost effectiveness analysis, – a method of comparing costs and outcomes, – appears to be a useful method of economic analysis, which is increasingly being applied to healthcare interventions. The basics of the method itself, and some its benefits and shortcomings are presented. Applications of the method to analysis of treatment of hyperlipidemia with statin drugs are discussed.
Specificity of Hpa II and Hae II DNA methylases

Abstract The methylases M·HaeIII and M·HpaII recognize the tetranucleotide sequences [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] respectively, in DNA, and transfer a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine to the 5-position of cytosine on each strand as indicated by the asterisks. Restriction endonuclease R·HaeIII does not cleave the methylated sequence [Formula: see text] but can cleave [Formula: see text] in which methylation is introduced on the unnatural external cytosine positions. Similarly, R·HpaII does not cleave [Formula: see text] but can cleave [Formula: see text].
Calculation of ternary phase diagrams of III?V systems

Abstract A method has been developed for the calculation of III–V ternary phase diagrams. The parameters needed for the calculation are the temperatures and entropies of fusion of the pure III–V compounds and the electronegativities, energies of sublimation and molar volumes of the three constituent elements. The thermodynamic properties of the liquid are treated using the regular solution model and the thermodynamic properties of the solid are calculated from the Van Vechten and Phillips spectroscopic theory of chemical bonding.
Hemodynamic responses to isolated increments in heart rate by atrial pacing after a Fontan procedure

The physiologic role of the right ventricle has long been a subject of interest to physiologists. The Fontan operation provides a human model for studying the circulation in series devoid of a subpulmonic right ventricle. The hemodynamic response to isotonic exercise in this setting has been established, and differs appreciably from normal. However, the physiologic response to an increase in heart rate (atrial pacing) as an isolated variable has not been examined and compared to atrial pacing in hearts with two concordant subarterial ventricles. Accordingly, we compared the supine bicycle exercise response to rate-equivalent right atrial pacing in nine patients after atriopulmonary anastomoses (the Fontan operation) for single ventricle or tricuspid atresia. Cardiac index increased 77% with exercise (rest 2.6 L/min/m2; exercise 4.6 L/min/m2) but decreased 12% with atrial pacing (rest 2.5 L/min/m2; pacing 2.2 L/min/m2). Pulmonary arterial oxygen saturation declined significantly during exercise (rest 68%; exercise 31%) and during atrial pacing (control 72%; pacing 64%). The mean increment in pulmonary arterial pressure was 1.3 times greater with exercise (rest 14 mm Hg; exercise 20 mm Hg) than with pacing (control 12 mm Hg; pacing 16 mm Hg). Peak systemic arterial systolic pressure increased 14% with exercise but was unchanged by pacing. Systemic and pulmonary vascular resistances fell with exercise but changed insignificantly during atrial pacing. Stroke volume rose slightly with exercise but fell significantly with pacing.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
meso-Tetra(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin as an efficient platform for combinatorial synthesis and the selection of new photodynamic therapeutics using a cancer cell line.

The four para fluoro groups on 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenyl)-porphyrin (TPPF20) are known to react with a variety of nucleophiles, but the reaction conditions for this substitution reaction depend on the nature of the nucleophiles, e.g. primary amines versus thiols. Glycosylated derivatives of this core porphyrin have been shown to be effective photodynamic agents in the induction of necrosis or apoptosis in several cancer cell lines. The present report demonstrates that TPPF20 can be used as a core platform to efficiently generate a variety of solution-phase combinatorial libraries. The focused combinatorial libraries have substituents that are chosen from a set of motifs known to bind biopolymers such as DNA, be taken up by cancer cells, or to render the compounds amphipathic. Incubation of a breast cancer cell line with these solution-phase libraries, followed by cell lyses and extraction, affords a selection assay. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectromet...
A highly sensitive long period grating based tunable filter using a unique double-cladding layer structure

In this paper, we present a highly sensitive long period grating (LPG) with a unique double-cladding layer structure including an ultra-thin inner silica cladding layer and a low refractive index liquid crystal outer cladding layer. By using an ultra-thin cladding layer (28 μm in diameter) reduced by chemical etching, the LPG has a single resonant band over a wide range of wavelength and higher sensitivity to the environmental refractive index change. In addition, the high thermal-optic effect of liquid crystal makes it very easy to tune the resonant wavelength by controlling the temperature of the liquid crystal. Thus, a highly sensitive tunable filter can be made. The experimental results show that a tuning efficiency of 2.1 nm/°C is achieved. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest tuning efficiency ever reported.
Binding of biologically active amines to plasma protein fractions.

Abstract Studies have been initiated to provide information on biochemical relationships between biogenic amines and plasma proteins. The binding in vitro of several biogenic amines, i.e. 3,4-dimethoxyphenylethylamine, mescaline, tyramine, and nor-metanephrine, labeled with 14 C or 3 H to human plasma protein fractions have been studied. Considerable binding of 3,4-dimethoxyphenylethylamine to components in Cohn fraction III was found, but there was negligible binding of this compound to other Cohn fractions. When Cohn fraction III was subjected to chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-200, a number of the fractions, especially those having properties of an α-macroglobulin fraction, bound the compound to a greater extent than the other fractions. It is suggested that a specific plasma protein, possibly an α 2 -macroglobulin, may be involved in the transport of some biogenic amines. No appreciable binding to any of the plasma protein fractions was observed with mescaline or normetanephrine.
The Physics of Subgrid Scales in Numerical Simulations of Stellar Convection: Are They Dissipative, Advective, or Diffusive?

All numerical simulations of stellar convection assume that the unresolved subgrid scales (SGSs) are only dissipative. We show that the assumption is incorrect and that the SGSs stir (advection), mix (diffusion), and dissipate. The first two processes were never considered before. We also show that there are two advective velocities: one contributed by the resolved scales and the other, a bolus velocity, by the unresolved scales.
Identification of the Landmark Registration Safe Zones During Total Knee Arthroplasty Using an Imageless Navigation System

Incorrect registration during computer assisted total knee arthroplasty (CA-TKA) leads to malposition of implants. Our aim was to evaluate the tolerable error in anatomic landmark registration. We incorrectly registered the femoral epicondyles, femoral and tibial centers, as well as the malleoli and documented the change in angulation or rotation. We found that the distal femoral epicondyles were the most difficult anatomic landmarks to register. The other bony landmarks were more forgiving. Identification of the distal femoral epicondyles has a high inter-observer and intra-observer variability. Our observation that there is less than 2mm of safe zone in the anterior or posterior direction during registration of the medial and lateral epicondyles may explain the inability of CA-TKA to improve upon the outcomes of conventional TKA.
Using continuations to implement thread management and communication in operating systems

We have improved the performance of the Mach 3.0 operating system by redesigning its internal thread and interprocess communication facilities to use continuations as the basis for control transfer. Compared to previous versions of Mach 3.0, our new system consumes 85% less space per thread. Cross-address space remote procedure calls execute 14% faster. Exception handling runs over 60% faster.In addition to improving system performance, we have used continuations to generalize many control transfer optimizations that are common to operating systems, and have recast those optimizations in terms of a single implementation methodology. This paper describes our experiences with using continuations in the Mach operating system.
3D pose estimation of daily objects using an RGB-D camera

In this paper, we present an object pose estimation algorithm exploiting both depth and color information. While many approaches assume that a target region is cleanly segmented from background, our approach does not rely on that assumption, and thus it can estimate pose of a target object in heavy clutter. Recently, an oriented point pair feature was introduced as a low dimensional description of object surfaces. The feature has been employed in a voting scheme to find a set of possible 3D rigid transformations between object model and test scene features. While several approaches using the pair features require an accurate 3D CAD model as training data, our approach only relies on several scanned views of a target object, and hence it is straightforward to learn new objects. In addition, we argue that exploiting color information significantly enhances the performance of the voting process in terms of both time and accuracy. To exploit the color information, we define a color point pair feature, which is employed in a voting scheme for more effective pose estimation. We show extensive quantitative results of comparative experiments between our approach and a state-of-the-art.
Continuous monitoring of PO2 during apnea of prematurity

We studied the changes in PO 2 during 72 isolated episodes of apnea of prematurity in 20 low-birth-weight infants. A stable PO 2 prior to the onset of apnea was observed in 65% of the episodes. A falling PO 2 was noted in only 18% of the cases. The mean initial PO 2 was 75 mm Hg and no infant was hypoxic (PO 2 less than 40 mm Hg) immediately prior to apnea. The mean PO 2 fell to 60 mm Hg at the end of apnea and continued to fall to a mean low PO 2 of 46 mm Hg. The mean PO 2 at recovery was 79 mm Hg. We concluded that in this group of premature infants, hypoxia is not the initating event in the apnea of prematurity. Furthermore, we noted that arterial oxygen tension continues to fall despite the re-establishment of respiratory efforts, that the rate of recovery from apnea is lower than the rate of fall, and that bradycardia associated with apnea is not initiated by hypoxemia.
Rapid characterization of GC-FTIR spectra by a PCA-based expert system

A capillary gas chromatographic separation with Fourier transform infrared identification (GC/FT-IR) can yield structural information about volatile and semivolatile components of a complex mixture to a minimum identifiable quantity of about 5 ng for polar compounds using a lightpipe detector. Three procedures for analyzing GC/FT-IR data are currently in common use. In order of increasing selectivity they are Gram-Schmidt (GS) reconstructions, wavelength-selective chromatograms, and spectral library searching. This paper describes an approach by which functional and structural information can be extracted rapidly and on-line in a GC analysis with a specificity that is intermediate between that of selective wavelength chromatograms and library searching. In this approach principal components analysis (PCA) is used to build expert system rules to characterize molecular structures in a similar manner to those which we have recently described.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Ethical considerations in design of a study to evaluate a US Food and Drug Administration-approved indication: antivenom versus placebo for copperhead envenomation

Background:In 2000, the US Food and Drug Administration approved CroFab® Crotalidae Polyvalent Immune Fab, ovine (FabAV), which had received orphan drug designation, for use in patients with minimal to moderate North American crotaline envenomations including copperhead snakes. As existing evidence on the effectiveness of FabAV for this indication is limited, wide practice variation in its use exists. In order to provide more definitive clinical evidence as to the role of this treatment, a new randomized, placebo-controlled trial of FabAV specifically for copperhead bites was initiated.Purpose:In light of the existing US Food and Drug Administration approval, ethical considerations of participation in this trial have been raised. We discuss the ethical principles pertinent to this randomized, placebo-controlled trial with placebo arm. We apply an accepted framework for ethical research to this trial. Due to the evidence gap in the literature, wide-ranging treatment recommendations by medical experts, and ...
Platinum silicide: charge sweep sensor for time delay and integrated operation

We have developed a smart CCD image sensor/readout with on chip analog processors. CCD signal processors are used with the PtSi detectors on the FPA to process image data. This smart CCD image sensor/readout has the advantages of CCD technology, i.e. low noise floor, 80 - 100 dB dynamic range as well as image readout through an array of analog (column) processors to perform parallel image processing operations. Each processor can implement firmware programmable functions such as: bi-directional, multiple color and IR, time delay and integrate function (TDI), region of interest windowing, transversal (temporal) and spatial filtering, background subtraction, exposure control and thresholding. The developed sensor is suitable for RECCE, and laser radar applications.
Fighting for their lives: inside the experience of capital defense attorneys

There is a large and interdisciplinary literature focusing on the death penalty. Philosophers and theologians debate its meaning and implications, legal scholars examine procedures and salient issu...
Institution-building for development forestry in Latin America

It is frequently assumed that development forestry suffers from insufficient funding, lack of knowhow and an inability to make innovative or creative choices. International donors and the countries themselves imagine that this is so and attempt rectification through an institution building strategy which builds up planning and administrative knowhow while supplying additional funds. But the traditional premises should be challenged on the grounds that incentives must first exist for demand of the precious ‘knowhow’ resource. In most Latin American countries few incentives exist to invest in development forestry and public bureaucracies responsible for this programme area do not provide support for forestry. Strengthening these bureaucracies or making them independent will make little difference to results until organizations are redesigned to permit directly productive forestry functions to be driven by considerations of profit, while retaining research and extension as support functions for the public sector. Interference with incentive structures is more politically threatening than recommendations for training and co-ordination within the present institutional context. Nevertheless, where decision capacities are low as in most Latin American forestry environments, donor and host governments must either make these prior changes or, given the complex nature of development forestry, spend the funds on other basic needs. The latter option, however, is paradoxical in that the high opportunity costs of ignoring development forestry opportunities will raise the costs of achieving basic needs.
Refluxkrankeit: Konservative Therapie

Gastroesophageal reflux disease--one of the most common gastroenterological disorders--is characterized by reflux symptoms (occasionally respiratory symptoms or laryngeal complaints) and/or mucosal lesions. Improvement of symptoms and thus of the quality of life, prevention of relapse and of complications are the most important aims of short and long term treatment. Proton pump inhibitors are superior to histamine receptor antagonists and are the treatment of choice. Relapses occur in about 75% of patients within one year after stopping of acute treatment. The treatment strategy depends on the severity of symptoms and esophageal lesions. Patients with mild esophagitis or endoscopic negative disease can be treated with proton pump inhibitors on demand. In severe and complicated cases, the uninterrupted long-term use of proton pump inhibitors is indicated. In these cases laparoscopic fundoplication could be a possible--albeit problematic--alternative. New endoscopic interventional therapies should only be used in controlled studies. Their role in the treatment of GERD will only be known in a few years when adequately controlled long term studies will be available.
Electrodermal palmar asymmetry and nostril dominance.

The present work tested the usefulness of combined bilateral palmar skin potential and nostril dominance measures as indices of relative hemispheric activation. These measures are easy to obtain and, when used in tandem, may provide inexpensive and quick indices of relative hemispheric activation for the researcher interested in laterality, but with limited resources. Bilateral electrodermal palmar measurements were made and synchronous nostril dominance was recorded for one experienced subject (the author). A total of 760 individual skin-resistance measures were taken for a period of 26 days from 7 a.m. to midnight. Higher right-hand conductance measures were recorded than the left-hand measures. Electrodermal palmar asymmetry was confirmed during the right-nostril condition, whereas more symmetrical palmar recordings were obtained during the left-nostril condition.
Emerging Economies and International Financial Centers

A number of emerging economies are considering directing public resources to developing an international financial center (IFC). They are doing so because of the perceived advantages of IFCs, including high value added, quick development, and low fixed-cost plant and equipment. But being an IFC also has costs, including high fragility, spillover of problems from the center to the domestic economy, and quick departure of footloose human capital. This paper evaluates the benefits and costs of becoming an IFC, enumerates the characteristics of IFCs, traces the history of IFCs, and describes recent changes in the ranking of major IFCs. It concludes that this may not be an opportune time for emerging economies to devote public resources to developing an IFC.
Restricted cytosolic growth of Francisella tularensis subsp. tularensis by IFN-γ activation of macrophages

The intracellular bacterium Francisella tularensis ensures its survival and proliferation within phagocytes of the infected host through phagosomal escape and cytosolic replication, to cause the disease tularemia. The cytokine interferon-γ (IFN-γ) is important in controlling primary infections in vivo, and in vitro intracellular proliferation of Francisella in macrophages, but its actual effects on the intracellular cycle of the bacterium are ambiguous. Here, we have performed an extensive analysis of the intracellular fate of the virulent F. tularensis subsp. tularensis strain Schu S4 in primary IFN-γ-activated murine and human macrophages to understand how this cytokine controls Francisella proliferation. In both murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (muBMMs) and human blood monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs), IFN-γ controlled bacterial proliferation. Schu S4 growth inhibition was not due to a defect in phagosomal escape, since bacteria disrupted their phagosomes with indistinguishable kinetics in both muBMMs and MDMs, regardless of their activation state. Rather, IFN-γ activation restricted cytosolic replication of Schu S4 in a manner independent of reactive oxygen or nitrogen species. Hence, IFN-γ induces phagocyte NADPH oxidase Phox- and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-independent cytosolic effector mechanisms that restrict growth of virulent Francisella in macrophages.
A Review of Current Approaches to Riser Modeling

The purpose of this paper is to review the progress made during the past two decades towards the structural modeling and the numerical approaches of a more realistic riser analysis. Two or three-dimensional, linear or nonlinear, either static or dynamic riser modelings are reviewed. Suitable numerical solution techniques for different kinds of modelings are discussed and compared.
The rapid activation of tyrosine hydroxylase by the subcutaneous injection of formaldehyde.

Abstract Ten minutes following the subcutaneous injection of formaldehyde, there is a 2-fold activation of adrenal medulla tyrosine hydroxylase. Enzyme activation appears to involve a shift of a fraction of the low affinity form of the enzyme to a higher affinity form. In the nonstessed rat approximately 29% of adrenal TH is in the activated (low Km) form. Following formaldehyde injection, approximately 54% of the enzyme is in the activated (low Km) form. The addition of cyclic AMP, ATP and Mg ++ , in the presence of endogenous cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, to the enzyme obtained from adrenals of either the stressed or nonstressed rats increased the activity of both enzyme preparations to the same level. These data indicate that acute stress activates adrenal tyrosine hydroxylase in the rat and that a cyclic AMP-dependent protein phosphorylating system mediates the activation.
Carbon dioxide embolism: successful resuscitation with cardiopulmonary bypass.

Carbon dioxide embolism is a well-known complication of laparoscopy. We present here a patient who experienced sudden, complete cardiovascular collapse during laparoscopy and hysteroscopy and who was resuscitated with cardiopulmonary bypass. This is the first report in the literature in which an almost certainly fatal CO2 embolism was treated successfully with cardiopulmonary bypass.
Apolipoprotein E regulation of myeloid cell plasticity in atherosclerosis.

Purpose of reviewApolipoprotein (apo) E is a multifunctional protein that has long been recognized for its ability to safeguard against atherosclerosis. Among its pleiotropic roles known to suppress atherosclerosis, mechanisms by which apoE regulates cells of the immune system have remained elusive.
Effect of ultrasound on rabbit mandibular incisor formation and eruption after mandibular osteodistraction

Therapeutic ultrasound is known to enhance bone-fracture healing. The purpose of this article was to study the effect of therapeutic ultrasound on mandibular incisor development and eruption in 15 skeletally mature male New Zealand white rabbits undergoing mandibular osteodistraction. The surgical cuts were made anterior to the molars and consequently transected the mandibular incisors. The animals were divided into 3 groups of 5 rabbits each. Group I received ultrasound on both sides of the mandible every other day. Group II received ultrasound on the left side of the mandible every day. Group III did not receive ultrasound. Ultrasound was given for 20 minutes per application. Mandibular incisor eruption was measured directly on the rabbits and on lateral head radiographs. The animals were killed 4 weeks after surgery, and dissected mandibular specimens that contained the incisor segments were evaluated histologically. The lengths of the tooth segments increased in the ultrasound-treated animals, compared with the controls (group III). However, the rabbits in group II had greater increases in length of the mandibular incisor segments than those in group I. Histologic examination showed that the newly formed tissues at the distraction site and at the cut ends of the incisor segments consisted of osteodentin-like tissue and cementum. Thus, therapeutic ultrasound combined with distraction enhanced mandibular incisor growth and eruption.
Disaster metrics: quantitative benchmarking of hospital surge capacity in trauma-related multiple casualty events.

Objectives: Hospital surge capacity in multiple casualty events (MCE) is the core of hospital medical response, and an integral part of the total medical capacity of the community affected. To date, however, there has been no consensus regarding the definition or quantification of hospital surge capacity. The first objective of this study was to quantitatively benchmark the various components of hospital surge capacity pertaining to the care of critically and moderately injured patients in trauma-related MCE. The second objective was to illustrate the applications of those quantitative parameters in local, regional, national, and international disaster planning; in the distribution of patients to various hospitals by prehospital medical services; and in the decision-making process for ambulance diversion. Methods: A 2-step approach was adopted in the methodology of this study. First, an extensive literature search was performed, followed by mathematical modeling. Quantitative studies on hospital surge capacity for trauma injuries were used as the framework for our model. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization triage categories (T1-T4) were used in the modeling process for simplicity purposes. Results: Hospital Acute Care Surge Capacity (HACSC) was defined as the maximum number of critical (T1) and moderate (T2) casualties a hospital can adequately care for per hour, after recruiting all possible additional medical assets. HACSC was modeled to be equal to the number of emergency department beds (#EDB), divided by the emergency department time (EDT); HACSC = #EDB/EDT. In trauma-related MCE, the EDT was quantitatively benchmarked to be 2.5 (hours). Because most of the critical and moderate casualties arrive at hospitals within a 6-hour period requiring admission (by definition), the hospital bed surge capacity must match the HACSC at 6 hours to ensure coordinated care, and it was mathematically benchmarked to be 18% of the staffed hospital bed capacity. Conclusions: Defining and quantitatively benchmarking the different components of hospital surge capacity is vital to hospital preparedness in MCE. Prospective studies of our mathematical model are needed to verify its applicability, generalizability, and validity. Language: en
Maturation of Startle Modulation

This study of the maturation of prestimulation-induced modulation of startle in 3 to 8 year old children and adults demonstrated significant effects of age on both startle magnitude and onset latency. Startle was evoked by 104dB(SPL) 50-ms bursts of white noise, and the amplitude and onset latency of the blink reflex were measured after integration of the obicularis oculi EMG. Prestimulation with 75dB 1000 Hz tones resulted in severe inhibition of both amplitude and latency in adults when 20-ms tones preceded the startling stimuli by 120 ms or 250 ms. Following sustained prestimulation for 2000 ms, the adults showed modest nonsignificant response facilitation. Eight-year-old children showed mature inhibitory and facilitatory startle amplitude modulation, but significantly less inhibition and more facilitation of onset latency compared to adults. Preschool children showed significantly less amplitude and latency inhibition and more facilitation than 8-year-olds and adults. In response to prestimulation 120 ms before startling stimuli, the preschool children actually showed latency facilitation. Modulation of startle by prestimulation is mediated by brainstem neuronal networks. These findings suggest that brainstem mechanisms which mediate startle response modulation undergo development during early childhood and do not mature until about 8 years of age.
Maintaining the Double Standard: Portrayals of Age and Gender in Popular Films

An analysis of the top 100 domestic grossing films of 2002 found evidence of a lingering double standard for aging female and male characters. Overall, major male characters outnumbered major female characters (73% vs. 27%); the majority of male characters were in their 30s and 40s, and the majority of female characters were in their 20s and 30s. Both women and men in their 60s and older were dramatically underrepresented compared to their representation in the US population. For male characters, leadership and occupational power increased with age. Men in their 40s, 50s, and 60s were more likely to play leadership roles and wield occupational power than were their female counterparts. As female characters aged, they were less likely to have goals.
CB6-02: UMLS as a Resource for VDW Infrastructure

Background/Aims UMLS (Universal Medical Language System) contains metadata for many of the data subject areas that make up the VDW. This metadata describes what codes mean, and their relationship with other codes, along with hierarchical structures that can be applied to the data subject area. Programs which run on the VDW often need to use code sets of disease, procedure, and medication classes. UMLS metadata could provide a uniform starting point for the development and maintenance of these code sets. Primary examples of the source systems included in UMLS are RxNorm (which contains NDCs), ICD-9 and ICD-10 which contain procedure and diagnosis codes, and HCPCS.
The immune response to mycobacterial infection: Development of new vaccines

Abstract Pulmonary tuberculosis continues to fluorish worldwide despite our most vigorous attempts to control it. After nearly a century of study we still know very little about the virulence factors of M. tuberculosis or M. bovis or how they trigger the protective immune response within the infected host. This anti-tuberculosis response is mediated by a population of specifically sensitised T lymphocytes which activate the monocytes entering the developing lesion from the bloodstream. The immunologically activated macrophage induces a persistent bacteriostasis which is usually sufficient to protect the host although it will not eliminate the infection altogether so that reactivation can occur whenever the cellular defences are depleted as a result of aging or immunosuppressive chemotherapy. Protective immunogens released by actively growing tubercle bacilli give rise to a protective cell-mediated, rather than a humoral (non-protective) immunity. The genes responsible for the production of these “protective” antigens are being cloned and transferred to suitable myobacterial vector by means of the newly developed “shuttle phasmid”. Development of such recombinants constitute the first step in preparing more effective anti-tuberculous vaccines for future use against these important human and animal pathogens.