cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kelo: Is It Much To Do About Nothing?

Cities spend billions of dollars to build or expand convention centers (Sanders, 2005). To cities with ailing downtowns, the lure of the convention business has long been something coveted by local politicians as a means to rejuvenate these markets. Now local governments wishing to expand their convention business by rejuvinating an ailing downtown market, and thus making their citiy more attractive to convention planners, may have another weapon in their arsenal in the form of “public use” under government's eminent domain power.
File design of small real-time computer system

Abstract Data loss is always a basic concern in designing a file system. Usually in large computer systems, many preventive and recovery procedures are prepared. Sometimes they may require the intervention of a trained operator. But in small computer systems where casual operators are most likely users, nothing can be expected from them in recovery. Here a file system, which assumes “Assurance of user data integrity and automatic recovery against any unexpected power failure” as a design point, which comes from the characteristics of the working environment of small computer systems, has been designed. The concepts of “System log”, “Deferred update”, and “Checkpoint” were introduced into this file system. The methods to realize the design concepts are also presented.
Breakthrough of Cytomegalovirus Infection Despite 9-(1,3-Dihydroxy-2-propoxymethyl)guanine Therapy

Excerpt To the editor: Two patients whose cases were described in our article in the September issue (1) have developed breakthrough cytomegalovirus infection. Patient 1 began to develop weight los...
Compression of one-dimensional ECG signals using two-dimensional representations

A new method for compression of one-dimensional signals using two-dimensional representations is investigated. In particular, this work focuses on compression of electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. Electrocardiograms measure the electrical activity of the heart. The pulse beat of the heart is reflected in the ECG by various waveforms. The morphology of the waveforms is useful in diagnosing heart abnormalities, therefore, it is important that the compression algorithm preserves these characteristics. Electrocardiograms exhibit periodic characteristics when observed in the time domain. A two-dimensional representation can be used to distinguish and exploit this periodicity which is not readily apparent in typical one-dimensional representations. By utilizing inter-period correlations of electrocardiogram signals, improved compression rates may be achieved. In this study, ECG compression is accomplished by creating a two-dimensional representation of the ECG. The approach involves dividing the ECG signal into short segments, each representing one pulse beat. The pulse beats are then stacked to form a two-dimensional matrix. The matrix is compressed with an Embedded Zerotree Wavelet (EZW) image encoder. Reconstructed signal quality has been evaluated in two ways: by the Percent Root-Mean-Squared Difference percentage (PRD) and by comparison with results produced by a one-dimensional wavelet encoder. Results indicate that the two-dimensional technique produces high quality results, particularly for very low bit-rates.
Nanoparticle Properties and Synthesis Effects on Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Enhancement Factor: An Introduction

Raman spectroscopy has enabled researchers to map the specific chemical makeup of surfaces, solutions, and even cells. However, the inherent insensitivity of the technique makes it difficult to use and statistically complicated. When Raman active molecules are near gold or silver nanoparticles, the Raman intensity is significantly amplified. This phenomenon is referred to as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The extent of SERS enhancement is due to a variety of factors such as nanoparticle size, shape, material, and configuration. The choice of Raman reporters and protective coatings will also influence SERS enhancement. This review provides an introduction to how these factors influence signal enhancement and how to optimize them during synthesis of SERS nanoparticles.
Introduction: quality process improvement and the neurosurgeon.

In exploring systems quality and surgical checklists, Neurosurgical Focus continues a proud tradition of neurosurgical exceptionalism. Tremendous advancements in the surgical treatment of neurological disease reflect lifetimes devoted to a sustained attention to detail and refinement of the craft of neurosurgery. This commitment affords our patients the favorable risk-benefit profile associated with once audacious procedures. The expansion and maturation of modern health systems, however, has brought new lessons and challenges. Practicing neurosurgeons now function in a larger, more complex health care delivery environment. Recognition of this evolving landscape prompted us to examine the best literature and lessons of systems-based quality improvement and to empower our readership as the foremost patient advocates. The following issue represents the product of that effort. The presented papers divide into 4 major sections. The first section splits the care of the neurosurgical patient into preoperative, operative, and postoperative process improvement efforts. This section introduces tools ranging from surgical checklists to operative videos and formalized debriefing efforts. The second section expands on the literature supporting these process improvement efforts and provides data from institutions that validated these tools in the neurosurgical setting. The third section explores clinical issues and environments of particular interest to the broad practice of neurosurgery. And the final section provides subspecialty-specific considerations of process quality. Taken together, these papers both empower our neurosurgical readership to apply the best lessons of management science and data with the same rigor and attention to detail devoted to their clinical practices, and firmly position neurosurgeons in their rightful position as the foremost patient advocates in their local institutions and in the national dialogue. (http://thejns.org/doi/abs/10.3171/2012.9.FOCUS12317)
Diffuse magnetic anomalies in marginal basins: Their possible tectonic and petrologic significance

Abstract Marginal basins, areas of oceanic lithosphere peripheral to large ocean basins, may be formed by several processes, but the young active marginal basins have the geophysical and geochemical characteristics of young normal oceanic lithosphere. We recognize two distinct tectonic settings in which new oceanic lithosphere may be formed in areas which would be termed marginal basins: 1. (1) Upwelling of fractional melts of mantle material from the region above subducted lithospheric slabs leads to the generation of new oceanic lithosphere behind island arcs. The general case for this tectonic setting involves random location of magma leaks and does not produce correlatable magnetic anomalies. In special cases, an orthogonal ridge—transform system may duplicate the magnetic patterns found on ocean-basin crust. 2. (2) The second tectonic setting develops on very long “leaky” transform faults separating spreading ridges. In areas where the transform has dislocated a block of continental crust, or an island arc, the map view of the resulting marginal basin may resemble the setting of a basin behind an active island arc. However, the “leaky” transform setting is unrelated to active plate convergence or to Benioff zones. At “normal” ridge-crests, and possibly in some marginal basins, basalt is erupted on long linear magma leaks and rapid cooling forms thick lithosphere with correlatable linear magnetic anomalies. Some marginal basins have high thermal flux, spread slowly and may have thick sediment cover. Slow cooling, numerous point-source magma leaks and extensive hydrothermal alteration diminish magnetic intensities and cause diffuse magnetic patterns. The correlation problems caused by diffuse magnetic anomalies make interpretations of spreading rates and directions in young marginal basins a difficult, if not futile, task. It is likely that fragments of marginal-basin lithosphere form some of the ophiolite complexes; their recognition is critical to paleo-tectonic interpretations. The geochemical characteristics of marginal-basin basalts do not appear to be useful criteria for distinguishing them from ocean-ridge basalts. However, the abundance of short ridges and seamounts in many young marginal basins suggests that an abundance of seamount material, as well as differentiated volcanic and plutonic rocks, in ophiolites may be an indication of derivation from marginal-basin lithosphere.
Mutations induced in the HPRT gene by X-irradiation during G1 or S: analysis of base pair alterations, small deletions, and splice errors

Abstract Reverse transcriptase PCR was performed with mRNA obtained from HPRT mutants that had base pair alterations, or small deletions or insertions 1 or S (3–4-fold higher for 6 than 3 Gy). However, the frequencies of mutants that did not yield RT-PCR products were ∼10-fold higher in the cells irradiated in G 1 than in those irradiated in S. Sequence analysis of RT-PCR products and genomic DNA showed that 40% of the RT-PCR products had splice errors (one or more exons not spliced into mRNA), with 64% of them due to 1–17 bp deletions. Also, the distributions of molecular alterations in exons, acceptor sites, and donor sites for mutants having splice errors (observed in this study and reported by others) were similar to those reported for mutants not yielding RT-PCR products (isolated from Russian cosmonauts). In addition, we have found previously that large deletions which eliminated 1–9 exons were preferentially induced in G 1 . Therefore, we postulate that the preferential induction of mutants not yielding mRNA is due primarily to splice errors that result from deletions preferentially induced during G 1 . These splice errors would then result either in no message or a message that is rapidly degraded.
Survey of precursors to P'P': Fine structure of mantle discontinuities

[1] The jumps in seismic velocity and density near 410- and 660-km depths have been postulated to mark phase changes in a locally, chemically homogeneous mantle. Seismic estimates of upper mantle discontinuity thickness and lateral variability have varied, posing difficulties for assessing models with chemical and phase transition layering. Observations of underside high-frequency (∼1 Hz) P wave reflections from the 410- and 660-km discontinuity that precede the P′P′ phase provide unique constraints on the physical properties of these dynamically critical features. We have collected high-quality recordings of P′P′ and its precursors from three sources: the California Seismic Network, the Large Aperture Seismic Array in Montana, and the Global Seismic Network. The array and regional network data have great sensitivity to weak P′P′ precursors, whereas the global network recordings have good geographical distribution of bounce points. The only consistently observed reflections originate from depths near 410 km and 660 km. The reflector observed near 520-km depth with longer period waves, which has been interpreted as the olivine β–γ phase transition, is too small in impedance contrast or too thick to reflect 1-Hz P waves. Data from all three networks indicate that the 1-Hz P waves from the “660” are bigger than those from the “410.” Although large variability in P′P′ and its precursors' amplitudes prevents strong conclusions, we show that the P′P′ precursor amplitudes, travel time dispersion, and frequency content are consistent with a sharp (≤2 km) 660 and a more diffuse 410, consistent with mineral physics predictions.
Phenotypic persistence and external shielding ultraviolet radiation inactivation kinetic model

Aim: To develop an inactivation kinetic model to describe ultraviolet (UV) dose-response behaviour for micro-organisms that exhibit tailing using two commonly referenced causes for tailing: physical shielding of micro-organisms and phenotypic persistence. Methods and Results: Dose-response data for Escherichia coli, Mycobacterium terrae and Bacillus subtilis spores exposed to UV radiation were fit to the phenotypic persistence and external shielding (PPES) model. The fraction of persistent micro-organisms in the original population (Npersistent ⁄Ntotal) that exhibited reduced sensitivity to UV radiation was estimated by the PPES model as approx. 10 )7 ,1 0 )5 and 10 )4 for E. coli, B. subtilis spores and Myco. terrae, respectively. Particle shielding effects were evaluated for Myco. terrae and resulted in additional reduction in UV sensitivity. Conclusions: Tailing occurred in laboratory experiments even when clumping and shielding were eliminated as major factors in UV resistance, suggesting that phenotypic persistence in addition to shielding may be important to consider when evaluating dose-response curves for disinfection applications. Significance and Impact of the Study: The PPES model provides a mechanistically plausible tool for estimating the dose–response behaviour for microorganisms that exhibit tailing in dispersed and aggregated settings. Accurate dose-response behaviour (including the tailing region) is critical to the analysis and validation of all UV disinfection systems.
Peer and teacher ratings of socially neglected and rejected fourth- and fifth-grade boys☆

Abstract Positive and negative sociometric nomination measures were administered to 86 fourth- and fifth-grade boys. Using a combination of these measures, popular (high positive; low negative), neglected (low positive, low negative), and rejected (low positive, high negative) children were identified and peer and teacher ratings of these children were obtained. Rejected children were seen by both peers and teachers as exhibiting more undesirable behaviors than either neglected or popular children. These findings coupled with those from several longitudinal investigations demonstrating that rejected children are at risk for the development of psychopathology during adolescence and adulthood, clearly points toward the importance of developing effective interventions for these children.
Studies on the biological activity of triiodothyronine sulfate.

Hepatic microsomes and isolated hepatocytes in short term culture desulfate T3 sulfate (T3SO4). We, therefore, wished to determine whether T3SO4 could mimic the action of thyroid hormone in vitro. T3SO4 had no thyromimetic effect on the activity of Ca(2+)-ATPase in human erythrocyte membranes at doses up to 10,000 times the maximally effective dose of T3 (10(-10) mol/L). In GH4C1 pituitary cells, T3SO4 failed to displace [125I]T3 from nuclear receptors in intact cells or soluble preparations. Thus, T3SO4 was not directly thyromimetic in either an isolated human membrane system or a pituitary cell system in which nuclear receptor occupancy correlates with GH synthesis. Thyroid hormones inhibit [3H]glycosaminoglycan synthesis by cultured human dermal fibroblasts, and T3SO4 displayed about 0.5% the activity of T3 at 72 h. Human fibroblasts contained roughly the same level of microsomal p-nitrophenyl sulfatase activity as that previously observed in hepatic microsomes. Propylthiouracil (50 mumol/L) did not af...
New approaches to progressive housing in Latin America: A key to habitat programs and policy

Abstract In advanced industrialized countries, ‘housing’ has become a product delivered complete to families by a sophisticated network of lenders, developers, title companies, and other organizations. In developing countries, 70% of housing investment occurs progressively—that is, households acquire land through purchase or invasion, and gradually improve the structure and legal tenure, and lobby for basic services. A useful approach for housing in this context: (a) offers a wider range of low-cost solutions, rather than just complete new units; (b) joins small loans at market rates (rather than long-term traditional mortgages), with family savings, and—sometimes—a small subsidy; and (c) has Government set the rules of the game and the private-sector directly produce and finance housing. The paper compares the “product” approach of industrialized countries with the progressive housing of developing countries, and profiles three types of program interventions that form an emerging housing practice in Latin America relevant to other developing regions: (a) housing microfinance; (b) low/moderate-income land development; and (c) direct demand subsidies.
Bandwidth reconfigurable radio-frequency photonic filters based on directly generated Gaussian-shaped comb

We demonstrate bandwidth reconfigurable radio-frequency photonic filters based on optical frequency combs. By changing the comb bandwidth with a manually tunable RF attenuator, the filter bandwidth can be increased by the maximum of 112%.
Are age and ethics related

Ethical values of 171 college students at California State University, Chico, were measured, using a subset of the Rokeach (1968, 1971) Value Survey. Nonparametric statistical analysis, four value measures, and four different consistent tests of significance and probability showed, surprisingly, that the younger students were more ethical than the older students. College students under 21 scored significantly higher ethically on three out of the four measures. Younger college students valued equality, freedom, and honesty more than their older classmates did. Surprisingly also, the younger students were significantly more concerned with being helpful and intellectual and were less involved in pursuing an exciting life and in social recognition than were the older students.
Regulation of presynaptic strength by controlling Ca2+ channel mobility: effects of cholesterol depletion on release at the cone ribbon synapse

Synaptic communication requires proper coupling between voltage-gated Ca2+ (CaV) channels and synaptic vesicles. In photoreceptors, L-type CaV channels are clustered close to synaptic ribbon releas...
Microtubule Dynamics Are Necessary for Src Family Kinase-Dependent Growth Cone Steering

Dynamic microtubules explore the peripheral (P) growth cone domain using F actin bundles as polymerization guides. Microtubule dynamics are necessary for growth cone guidance; however, mechanisms of microtubule reorganization during growth cone turning are not well understood. Here, we address these issues by analyzing growth cone steering events in vitro, evoked by beads derivatized with the Ig superfamily cell adhesion protein apCAM. Pharmacological inhibition of microtubule assembly with low doses of taxol or vinblastine resulted in rapid clearance of microtubules from the P domain with little effect on central (C) axonal microtubules or actin-based motility. Early during target interactions, we detected F actin assembly and activated Src, but few microtubules, at apCAM bead binding sites. The majority of microtubules extended toward bead targets after F actin flow attenuation occurred. Microtubule extension during growth cone steering responses was strongly suppressed by dampening microtubule dynamics with low doses of taxol or vinblastine. These treatments also inhibited growth cone turning responses, as well as focal actin assembly and accumulation of active Src at bead binding sites. These results suggest that dynamic microtubules carry signals involved in regulating Src-dependent apCAM adhesion complexes involved in growth cone steering.
Transposable Elements and DNA Methylation Create in Embryonic Stem Cells Human-Specific Regulatory Sequences Associated with Distal Enhancers and Noncoding RNAs

Despite significant progress in the structural and functional characterization of the human genome, understanding of the mechanisms underlying the genetic basis of human phenotypic uniqueness remains limited. Here, I report that transposable element-derived sequences, most notably LTR7/HERV-H, LTR5_Hs, and L1HS, harbor 99.8% of the candidate human-specific regulatory loci (HSRL) with putative transcription factor-binding sites in the genome of human embryonic stem cells (hESC). A total of 4,094 candidate HSRL display selective and site-specific binding of critical regulators (NANOG [Nanog homeobox], POU5F1 [POU class 5 homeobox 1], CCCTC-binding factor [CTCF], Lamin B1), and are preferentially located within the matrix of transcriptionally active DNA segments that are hypermethylated in hESC. hESC-specific NANOG-binding sites are enriched near the protein-coding genes regulating brain size, pluripotency long noncoding RNAs, hESC enhancers, and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine-harboring regions immediately adjacent to binding sites. Sequences of only 4.3% of hESC-specific NANOG-binding sites are present in Neanderthals’ genome, suggesting that a majority of these regulatory elements emerged in Modern Humans. Comparisons of estimated creation rates of novel TF-binding sites revealed that there was 49.7-fold acceleration of creation rates of NANOG-binding sites in genomes of Chimpanzees compared with the mouse genomes and further 5.7-fold acceleration in genomes of Modern Humans compared with the Chimpanzees genomes. Preliminary estimates suggest that emergence of one novel NANOG-binding site detectable in hESC required 466 years of evolution. Pathway analysis of coding genes that have hESC-specific NANOG-binding sites within gene bodies or near gene boundaries revealed their association with physiological development and functions of nervous and cardiovascular systems, embryonic development, behavior, as well as development of a diverse spectrum of pathological conditions such as cancer, diseases of cardiovascular and reproductive systems, metabolic diseases, multiple neurological and psychological disorders. A proximity placement model is proposed explaining how a 33–47% excess of NANOG, CTCF, and POU5F1 proteins immobilized on a DNA scaffold may play a functional role at distal regulatory elements.
Increased repetition blindness in schizophrenia patients and first-degree relatives of schizophrenia patients

This study investigated the phenomenon of repetition blindness in schizophrenia patients and first-degree relatives of schizophrenia patients. Twelve schizophrenia patients, 13 siblings of schizophrenia patients and 26 normal controls were tested on their ability to detect the repetitions within rapidly presentated visual word lists. Schizophrenics and their relatives showed increased repetition blindness compared with normal controls. This suggests a deficit in rapid information processing in schizophrenia.
Global Versus Regional Systematic Risk and International Asset Allocations in Asia

This study decomposes total risk of a MSCI Asian country index returns into three components: world systematic risk, Asian regional systematic risk and country-specific risk. The study finds an Asian country index returns mostly respond to shocks originated within the country. China, Korea and Taiwan index returns are increasingly sensitive to global common shocks notably after the Asian financial crisis, while Japan and India indices are more responsive to regional shocks. These findings have important implications in optimally allocating funds within a global versus a regional portfolio. c 2006 Peking University Press
De bandidos a trabajadores: el proyecto económico liberal en El Zarco de Ignacio Manuel Altamirano

Lectura de la novela de Altamirano a la luz de los proyectos sociales del pensamiento liberal. Herr examina el modelo de consolidacion nacional basado en una politica economica liberal y toma en cuenta estudios historiograficos sobre el campo morelense y el bandolerismo social durante el siglo diecinueve. Este ensayo complementa la critica literaria en torno a El Zarco , novela romantica que incluye sutilmente propuestas de union racial y politica de la nacion. El autor analiza, ademas, los arquetipos masculinos de los protagonistas desarrollados, como alegorias de las ideologias conservadora y liberal.
Rocuronium and malignant hyperthermia

We thank Drs. Schuster and Johannsen for their interest in these complex cases and concur that there were several possible etiologies for the described reactions. We addressed these in the discussion portion of our report. Although the use of genetic or caffeine–halothane contracture testing
Viscoelastic measurements in soft tissue

Summary form only given. A study was made of viscoelastic changes in the limb in the presence of the compartment syndrome, which can occur when muscle tissues swell following trauma. Measurements were made of the applied pressure-volume displacement curves with a 1.4-cm/sup 2/ indenter placed on the limb surface above the compartment. The noninvasively measured viscoelastic departure from purely elastic behavior at mid-pressure-cycle (60 mm Hg) dropped from 156 to 32 mm/sup 3/ as compartment pressure increased from 6 to 63 mm Hg. Measurements were also taken in a study of ten normal human subjects. The use of matched sites was found to provide compensation for differences in fat content and muscle tone among subjects. In continuing studies of patents with the compartment syndrome, matched differences in A2 have been observed to correlate well with differences in compartment pressure. The noninvasive test provides an easy-to-use approach for diagnosing the compartment syndrome and for evaluating the time course of pressure changes in the limb. >
Distribution and Effects of DDT in the Pregnant Rabbit

1. After administration of p, p'-DDT to pregnant rabbits DDT and its metabolites are found in high concn. in both the foetus and the organs of the maternal rabbit which regulate the foetal environment.2. p.p''-DDT does not rapidly leave the foetal tissue, as whole body levels at day 26 (17 days after DDT dosing) are higher than those in foetal plasma; foetal whole body levels are also higher than those found in placenta or maternal plasma, and half of those of maternal liver.3. p.p'-DDT treatment of pregnant rabbits at doses of 10 and 50 mg/kg caused an increased incidence of prematurity, an increase in the number of foetal resorptions and a decrease in foetal weight.4. These doses of DDT did not increase the incidence of chromosomal aberrations in the maternal or foetal tissue and exposure in vitro to levels as high as 100 μg/ml caused no abnormalities.
Drug Release from Wax Matrices II: Application of a Mixture Theory to the Sulfanilamide–Wax System

Using the T. Higuchi relationship for the release of a drug from a solid matrix, a hydrogenated castor oil–propylene glycol monostearate–sulfanilamide system has been investigated. Plots of the amount of drug released per unit of tablet surface area exposed as a function of the square root of time enabled comparison of the release for various concentrations of drug, and the calculation of the apparent tortuosity values. A model based on the Bruggeman mixture relationship for a two-phase system has been used and equations were derived for the prediction of theoretical tortuosity values as a function of porosity due to drug. These theoretical values for tortuosity appear to follow a skewed convex parabolic function. The experimental results obtained compared well with the theoretical predictions.
RECOVERY LIMITS OF HEAT-INJURED LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES FROM ENRICHMENT BROTH AND ENRICHED CULTURES OF INOCULATED FOODS

Recovery of heat-injured Listeria monocytogenes strain LM82 was evaluated quantitatively in Listeria enrichment broth (LEB) and in enriched cultures of cooked shrimp and Brie cheese. LM82 cells [108 colony forming units (CFU)/ml] were heated for 60 min at 52C in phosphate-buffered saline. After 24 and 48 h enrichment, injured LM82 (6 replicates at each of 5 inoculation levels) were isolated on 3 selective media: lithium chloride-phenylethanol-moxalactam agar (LPMA), modified McBride agar (MMA) and Oxford agar (OXA). The recovery limit was expressed as a 50% end point value (RL50), which is the calculated inoculation value necessary to recover LM82 on half of the replicates of each type of isolation agar plate after streaking from the enrichment of measured inoculum. The RL50 values for injured cells were comparable to those of uninjured cells after 48 h enrichment in LEB without food. The type of isolation agar did not affect the RL50 value, although with food, MMA gave consistently but not significantly higher values, i.e., recovery inferior to that of LPMA and OXA. RL50 values were higher in Brie and cooked shrimp, presumably because of the competitive microflora in those foods. Addition of lactose or pyruvate to LEB improved recovery but had little or no effect when foods were present.
Direct plane tracking in stereo images for mobile navigation

We present a novel plane tracking algorithm based on the direct update of surface parameters from two stereo images. The plane tracking algorithm is posed as an optimization problem, and maintains an iteratively re-weighted least squares approximation of the plane's orientation using direct pixel measurements. To facilitate autonomous operation, we include an algorithm for robust detection of significant planes in the environment. The algorithms have been implemented in a robot navigation system.
Compact Millimeter-Wave Sensor for Remote Monitoring of Vital Signs

A compact millimeter-wave (MMW) sensor has been developed for remote monitoring of human vital signs (heart and respiration rate). The low-power homodyne transceiver operating at 94 GHz was assembled by using solid-state active and passive block-type components and can be battery operated. A description of the MMW system front end and the back-end acquisition hardware and software is presented. Representative test case results on the application of various signal processing and data analysis algorithms developed to extract faint physiological signals of interest in presence of strong background interference are provided. Although the laboratory experiments so far have been limited to standoff distances of up to 15 m, the upper limit of the detection range is expected to be higher. In comparison with its microwave counterparts, the MMW system described here provides higher directivity, increased sensitivity, and longer detection range for measuring subtle mechanical displacements associated with heart and respiration functions. The system may be adapted for use in a wide range of standoff sensing applications including for patient health care, structural health monitoring, nondestructive testing, biometric sensing, and remote vibrometry in general.
Pesquisa Qualitativa Crítica: conceitos básicos

Este artigo revisa conceitos basicos associados a pesquisa qualitativa critica. E explicada e ilustrada uma teoria do sentido embasada em pragmatica comunicativa para orientar o pesquisador qualitativo critico na reconstrucao dos dominios e estruturas implicitos da acao significativa, incluindo a conversa dos participantes durante entrevistas. E apresentada uma teoria da identidade humana, diferenciando entre os componentes de identidade ( eu , nos , mim e autonarrativa) e relacionando a declaracao de identidade a teoria do sentido. O conceito de sistemas sociais tambem e explicado, porque muitas vezes a analise de sistemas e um aspecto importante da pesquisa qualitativa critica, utilizada para captar e trazer a luz coisas como reproducao cultural, reproducao social, resistencia e diferentes formas de mudanca de sistema. Esses conceitos estao todos conectados em uma teoria social critica integrada e devem ser usados de forma flexivel e criativa pelo pesquisador qualitativo critico quando delinear e conduzir a pesquisa.
Proton irradiation study of GFR candidate ceramics

Abstract This work investigated the microstructural response of SiC, ZrC and ZrN irradiated with 2.6 MeV protons at 800 °C to a fluence of 2.75 × 1019 protons/cm2, corresponding to 0.71–1.8 displacement per atom (dpa), depending on the material. The change of lattice constant evaluated using HOLZ patterns is not observed. In comparison to Kr ion irradiation at 800 °C to 10 dpa from the previous studies, the proton irradiated ZrC and ZrN at 1.8 dpa show less irradiation damage to the lattice structure. The proton irradiated ZrC exhibits faulted loops which are not observed in the Kr ion irradiated sample. ZrN shows the least microstructural change from proton irradiation. The microstructure of 6H-SiC irradiated to 0.71 dpa consists of black dot defects at high density.
HIV Status is An Independent Risk Factor for Reporting Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

Purpose: HIV/AIDS is a worldwide epidemic. Limited evidence suggests that men infected with HIV/AIDS are at increased risk for lower urinary tract symptoms. We determined whether HIV/AIDS status is an independent risk factor for self-reported bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms in a large contemporary cohort.Materials and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional, Internet based survey of urinary quality of life outcomes in adult HIV infected and HIV uninfected men who have sex with men. The main outcome measure was International Prostate Symptom Score.Results: Of respondents with complete data 1,507 were HIV uninfected (median age 42 years, mean 43) and 323 HIV infected (median age 45 years, mean 45.1). Of the HIV infected respondents 148 were nonAIDS defining HIV infected and 175 were AIDS defining HIV infected. After adjusting for age and other comorbid conditions, nonAIDS defining HIV infected and AIDS defining HIV infected status increased the odds of severe lower urinary tract symptoms by 2.07 (95...
Disembedded Capitals in Western Asian Perspective

Disembedded capitals are urban sites founded de novo and designed to supplant existing patterns of authority and administration. While a controversial topic in New World archaeology, there is ample evidence from ancient Western Asia and Egypt to demonstrate that disembedded capitals were a well-understood and frequently used option in developed state systems. Ethnohistoric examples from Egypt and Mesopotamia are presented to show the common organizational, ideological, and ecological features of disembedded capitals, and their varying historical and imperial contexts. Disembedded capitals were typically founded by new elites, either usurpers or reformers, as part of innovations designed to simultaneously undercut competing factions and create new pattterns of allegiance and authority. But while intended to break away from existing power relationships, in order to function disembedded capitals were necessarily reembedded back into those structures, In an evolutionary sense disembedded capitals were short-lived phenomena which tended to create long-term societal problems.
Publications: A Journal Marking a Changing Time

Publishing, and by extension publication, is in a state of rapid flux. This has become evident in recent years, and some have now even characterized the domain as unstable, with the traditional forms of publication no longer being sustainable.[...]
Microfluidic cell sorter (μFCS) for on-chip capture and analysis of single cells.

Many cancers shed malignant cells into the circulation. Albeit their rare frequency, these cancer cells serve both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. However, their purification, quantification and characterization remain challenging. Here, we present a low-cost, rapid microfluidic cell sorter (μFCS) device for the detection and molecular analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). The μFCS employs a weir-shaped microfluidic structure to separate and capture CTCs from unprocessed whole blood cells based on their size difference. The system further allows on-chip culture and molecular profiling of captured cancer cells, and provides easy cell retrieval for subsequent proteomic and genetic analyses. Using a mouse model of cancer metastasis, we show that the μFCS can enrich CTCs from whole blood to unmask their cancer genetic signature. With its rapid processing speed and versatility for downstream analyses, this platform could have a wide range of potential applications in clinical cancer diagnosis.
Studies in teleostean reproduction. I. Embryonic hermaphroditism in Lebistes reticulatus

A study has been made of 155 Lebistes embryos, extending from fertilization until birth of the young. A period of embryonic hermaphroditism begins soon after the formation of the genital ridges (3.0 mm.) and continues until birth (6.5 to 7.0 mm.). Development is first ovarian; evidence is the universal occurrence, in all gonads, of many germ cells in typical ovarian synapsis. The gonads of one-half of the embryos soon become testicular while those of the other half continue to develop as ovaries. In testicular gonads, all synaptic germ cells undergo pycnotic dissolution as the gonad hilus organizes into a prospective medulla. In ovaries, germ cells in synapsis continue to enlarge as definitive ovocytes. This embryonic hermaphroditism supports Witschi's explanation of sex determination in Lebistes, based on his own work on frogs and on Winge's discovery of unusual XX males in Lebistes. The embryology of gonads in Lebistes also suggests that in teleosts, as in amphibians, birds, and mammals, gonads develop from two distinct portions, a male medulla and a female cortex.
Informationally Decentralized System Resource Management for Multiple Multimedia Tasks

An increasing number of networked and battery-powered devices require the simultaneous processing of multiple high-complexity dynamic multimedia tasks. Existing resource allocation solutions include both centralized approaches and distributed approaches. Centralized approaches typically have two fundamental limitations. First, multimedia algorithms typically have a large number of operating points and thus requires high implementation complexity to optimally allocate resources across multiple applications, making centralized solutions unsuitable for dynamic environments. Second, autonomous multimedia applications may not be willing to reveal information about their private utility functions, since such information can be exploited by other selfish applications to gain an unfair performance advantage by strategically misusing the system resources. On the other hand, existing decentralized solutions typically solve only resource-constrained utility maximization problems, without regard to other system platform-dependent costs and objectives, and without considering application dynamics. To address these limitations, we present in this paper a decentralized low-complexity resource management solution that can optimize a variety of system performance objectives without requiring applications to provide their utilities. We demonstrate analytically and experimentally that our algorithms converge quickly to their respective optimal solutions and are thus practical in dynamic environments.
Acute Coffee Ingestion Does Not Affect LDL Cholesterol Level

BACKGROUNDAlthough patients are instructed to abstain from food before having blood drawn for lipid analysis, many still drink coffee in the morning. It is unknown whether coffee consumed prior to drawing blood samples will impact fasting serum lipids.OBJECTIVETo determine whether a single 6-oz cup of coffee with or without the addition of nondairy creamer and sugar will significantly affect fasting plasma lipid profiles.METHODSThis was a prospective, open-label, randomized crossover study. At the first of 2 visits, blood was drawn to measure initial fasting lipid panels, and participants were randomized to drink 6 oz of black coffee or coffee with nondairy creamer and sugar. Within 30–60 minutes of coffee consumption, blood was drawn for follow-up lipid panels. The procedure was repeated at the second visit, except the participants were crossed over to receive the alternate coffee preparation.RESULTSForty participants (26 men; age [mean ± SD] 45 ± 15 y) were enrolled. Total cholesterol (TC) increased fro...
Membrane depolarization, elevated Ca2+ entry, and gene expression in cerebral arteries of hypertensive rats

Elevated intracellular Ca2+([Ca2+]i) has been implicated in contractile and phenotypic changes in arterial smooth muscle during hypertension. This study examined the role of membrane potential and ...
A Practitioners Perspective On The Role Of A Third-Party Logistics Provider

Most studies of logistics look at needs from the perspective of the hiring firm. This paper does that, but further examines the role of a third-party logistics provider by looking at services from the practitioner’s perspective.
Invisibility of the Translator in Mist

Translation involves the faithful rendering of the source language text into the target language text. It is attending closely to the language and the meaning of the source language. A faithful translator creates a proper condition of significant exchange. Thus, translation is very much a creative activity. The present paper focuses on the fact that the success of translation lies in the translator’s invisibility. A piece of translation becomes authentic only when the reader is able to recognize the author and the meaning of the original text in the translation. However, not all translations are unsuccessful. Premila’s translation of the Malayalam novella Manhu by the legend Vasudevan Nair, is indeed a success in the field of translation. The triumph of Mist lies in the ‘invisibility’ of the translator. The authenticity of Manhu is re-created in Mist through literal translation, moving from the source to create deeper meaning, semantic re-creation of the source text, re-creation of music, transliterations and finally by presenting the different cultures presented in the original before the foreign readers. Set in the chilling atmosphere of Nainital, Manhu revolves around the 31-year old Vimala Devi longing for her lover to return who deserted her nine years ago. The stillness that one finds in the cold atmosphere outside becomes symbolic of the stillness in Vimala’s life. Like in other novels of Vasudevan Nair here too greater importance is given to the character’s thought and emotions. The novella examines the secret desires and longings of Vimala.
Local Potential at Atomically Abrupt Oxide Interfaces by Scanning Probe Microscopy

Electrostatic force microscopy and scanning surface potential microscopy are combined to quantify nanometer scale field variations in the vicinity of grain boundaries in donor doped σ15 SrTiO3 bicrystals. An analytical electrostatic model is used to develop a procedure for determining interface potential from measurements made above the surface. Grain boundary potentials and depletion widths determined by both techniques are in excellent agreement despite the fundamental difference in imaging mechanisms. The comparison confirms the analytical approach and illustrates use of scanning probes to image interface properties.
A highly potent agonist to protease-activated receptor-2 reveals apical activation of the airway epithelium resulting in Ca2+-regulated ion conductance.

The airway epithelium provides a barrier that separates inhaled air and its various particulates from the underlying tissues. It provides key physiological functions in both sensing the environment and initiating appropriate innate immune defenses to protect the lung. Protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR2) is expressed both apically and basolaterally throughout the airway epithelium. One consequence of basolateral PAR2 activation is the rapid, Ca2+-dependent ion flux that favors secretion in the normally absorptive airway epithelium. However, roles for apically expressed PAR2 activation have not been demonstrated, in part due to the lack of specific, high-potency PAR2 ligands. In the present study, we used the newly developed PAR2 ligand 2at-LIGRLO(PEG3-Pam)-NH2 in combination with well-differentiated, primary cultured airway epithelial cells from wild-type and PAR2−/− mice to examine the physiological role of PAR2 in the conducting airway after apical activation. Using digital imaging microscopy of intrace...
Rejoinder: "Dumb Farmers": Or, They Can't Possibly Know What They're Talking About — We're the Experts

First paragraphs: Over the past decade, we, as a research team, have explicitly investigated the intersection between small family farms, economics, development, and culture in northwest Ohio (Gatrell, Reid, & Ross, 2011; Gatrell, Reid, Steiger, Smith, & Carroll, 2009; Gatrell, Thakur, Reid, & Smith, 2010; LaFary, Gatrell, Reid, & Lindquist, 2006; Reid, Gatrell, & Ross, 2012; Reid, Smith, Gatrell, & Carroll, 2009; Reid, Smith, Haase, Ross, Mirozoyants, & Gatrell, 2009). As such, our primary interest has been in describing and understanding the socio-spatial and cultural context of small family farms and their production practices, as well as business practices as observed in the study area with the assistance of congressionally directed spending. To that end, Cultivating Narratives: Cultivating Successors (Steiger, Eckert, Reid, & Ross, 2012) focused on the practices and decision making of farms (to be read as firms) and the empirically observed realities of northwest Ohio farmers, and articulated the overall positionality of the research relative to the cultural and political significance of the family farm....
“Anything above marijuana takes priority”: Obstetric providers’ attitudes and counseling strategies regarding perinatal marijuana use

Abstract Objective To describe obstetric provider attitudes, beliefs, approaches, concerns, and needs about addressing perinatal marijuana use with their pregnant patients. Methods We conducted individual semi-structured interviews with obstetric providers and asked them to describe their thoughts and experiences about addressing perinatal marijuana use. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded and reviewed to identify themes. Results Fifty-one providers participated in semi-structured interviews. Providers admitted they were not familiar with identified risks of marijuana use during pregnancy, they perceived marijuana was not as dangerous as other illicit drugs, and they believed patients did not view marijuana as a drug. Most provider counseling strategies focused on marijuana’s status as an illegal drug and the risk of child protective services being contacted if patients tested positive at time of delivery. Conclusions When counseling about perinatal marijuana use, obstetric providers focus more on legal issues than on health risks. They describe needing more information regarding medical consequences of marijuana use during pregnancy. Practice implications Provider training should include information about potential consequences of perinatal marijuana use and address ways to improve obstetric providers’ counseling. Future studies should assess changes in providers’ attitudes as more states consider the legalization of marijuana.
Potential of green infrastructure to restore predevelopment water budget of a semi-arid urban catchment

Abstract This paper presents a study of the potential for green infrastructure (GI) to restore the predevelopment hydrologic cycle in a semi-arid urban catchment. Simulations of stormwater runoff from a 0.11-km 2 urban catchment in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA for predeveloped (Natural Hydrology, NH), developed (Baseline, BL), and developed with GI (Green Infrastructure, GI) conditions were executed for a one-year period. The study was repeated for a relatively dry year, wet year, and an average year based on precipitation amounts in the year. Bioretention and green roofs were chosen for the GI plan. Results showed that the water budget of the catchment with the GI plan implemented more closely matches the NH water budget compared to the BL scenario, for all three years (dry, wet, average). The BL and GI scenarios showed more significant modifications to the water budget than what has been found by studies in humid climates. Compared to the BL condition, GI annually reduces surface runoff by 35%, 45%, and 43% and restores evapotranspiration by 18%, 19%, and 25% for the dry, average, wet years, respectively. Based on the introduced water budget restoration coefficient (WBRC), the water budget of the study catchment was restored by the GI plan to 90%, 90%, and 82% of the predevelopment state in the dry, average, and wet years, respectively. By comparing the WBRC estimated for other studies, it is further inferred that the water budget is more significantly affected by development and GI restoration in semi-arid than humid climates, but the differences lessen as the precipitation amount increases.