cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using chaos control and tracking to suppress a pathological nonchaotic rhythm in a cardiac model.

Atrioventricular (AV) nodal alternans is a pathological cardiac condition characterized by a beat-to-beat alternation (period-2 rhythm) in AV nodal conduction time. Here we implement an AV nodal conduction model which undergoes a period-doubling bifurcation into alternans. We show that additive noise can be used to locate the unstable period-1 fixed point which underlies the alternans rhythm. We then use chaos control to suppress alternans by stabilizing the model about its unstable period-1 fixed point. We also show that the period-doubling bifurcation into alternans can be prevented by tracking the period-1 rhythm into its unstable regime. We demonstrate that these techniques are robust to imprecise measurements and experimental noise. Importantly, these methods require no knowledge of the underlying system equations. These findings suggest that chaos control and tracking may be useful for suppressing alternans in a clinical environment. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
A mechanistic computer simulation of human work in heat that accounts for physical and physiological effects of clothing, aerobic fitness, and progressive dehydration

Abstract 1. 1. This paper describes a computer model (SCENARIO) specifically designed to simulate the time course of heat strain observed during athletic, industrial, and military settings. 2. 2. The simulations generated by the model dependably reproduce the time course of body temperature shifts, thermoeffector responses, central and peripheral circulatory changes in persons exercising in warm and hot environments. 3. 3. The model takes into consideration different clothing ensembles, varied levels of aerobic fitness in a population, and effects of progressive dehydration and deconditioning (extended bed rest).
In vitro model of full‐thickness cartilage defect healing

Integration of the host-graft interface is implicated as one of the significant reasons for lack of complete healing in osteochondral grafting procedures for the treatment of cartilage lesions. We developed an in vitro model of cartilage healing in an osteochondral setting to study the effect of developmental age and collagenase treatment. Circular full-thickness vertical surgical incisions were made in the cartilaginous portion of cylindrical bovine osteochondral specimens. Two age groups were selected: Young (1-2 months old) and Older (6-8 months old). Cartilage integration across the surgical incisions was assessed by histologic analysis and by mechanical push-out testing at 2 and 4 weeks in culture. Histologic integration as well as peak push-out shear stress was significantly higher in older calf cartilage than in the young calf. Collagenase pretreatment in the older calf samples increased push-out strength at 4 weeks. Histologic integration correlated well with the mechanical push-out strength. Developmental age and time after injury affected the response to collagenase pretreatment. This osteochondral cartilage integration model can be useful to study factors that modulate healing of surgical replacement procedures in vitro, which may aid the development of newer approaches to promote the healing of cartilage defects.
Rubella virus identification in primary and continuous monkey kidney cell cultures by immunoperoxidase technique.

Immunoperoxidase technique was applied to identification of rubella virus isolated from clinical specimens in monkey kidney cell cultures. Findings were confirmed by neutralization tests and by the indirect fluorescent antibody technique.
Porosity influence on the shear strength of granular material–clay mixtures

Materials forming part of rock fill dams, glacial tills, mudflows, debris flows, solifluction sheets, residual and colluvial soil deposits have a distinct structure, consisting of a mixture of large particles (gravel or hard clay fragments) and a soft matrix of clay. In order to analyze the stability of slopes made of granular material–clay mixtures, a measure of their shear strength is needed. Laboratory tests on these types of mixtures have indicated that their shear strength will depend upon the relative concentrations of the large particles and the clay. If the percentage by weight of the granular material in the granular material–clay mixture was >75%, the shear strength of the mixture was basically that of the granular material alone. When the concentration by weight of the granular material in the mixtures was <40%, the shear strength of the mixtures was basically that of the clay that surrounded the granular material. For the case in which the percentage of the granular materials in the solids mixture was between 40 and 75%, the shear strength of the mixtures was partially controlled by the granular phase. To date, no explanation has been put forward to account for why these limits of granular material in the mixtures exist at which it either controls, partially controls or has no control at all on the shear strength of the mixtures. This study presents an explanation for the existence of these limits. This explanation is based upon the resulting porosity of the mixtures.
Insights gained to guide future research

The chapter reviews the findings from this volume and how they can inform institutional research practitioners in conducting diversity studies that address the conceptual and methodological challenges besetting this area of inquiry.
An Idealized Model of Weddell Gyre Export Variability

Recent observations suggest that the export of Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) from the Weddell Sea has a seasonal cycle in its temperature and salinity that is correlated with annual wind stress variations. This variability has been attributed to annual vertical excursions of the isopycnals in the Weddell Gyre, modifying the water properties at the depth of the Orkney Passage. Recent studies attribute these variations to locally wind-driven barotropic dynamics in the northern Weddell Sea boundary current. This paper explores an alternative mechanism in which the isopycnals respond directly to surface Ekman pumping, which is coupled to rapidly responding mesoscale eddy buoyancy fluxes near the gyre boundary. A conceptual model of the interface that separates Weddell Sea Deep Water from Circumpolar Deep Water is described in which the bounding isopycnal responds to a seasonal oscillation in the surface wind stress. Different parameterizations of the mesoscale eddy diffusivity are tested. The model accurately predicts the observed phases of the temperature and salinity variability in relationship to the surface wind stress. The model, despite its heavy idealization, also accounts for more than 50% of the observed oscillation amplitude, which depends on the strength of the seasonal wind variability and the parameterized eddy diffusivity. These results highlight theimportanceofmesoscaleeddiesinmodulatingtheexportofAABWinnarrowboundarylayersaroundthe Antarctic margins.
Optimal Use of Platelet Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Receptor Antagonists in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Interventions

Discovery of the central role of platelets in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and ischaemic complications of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) has led to the widespread use of oral and parenteral platelet inhibitors to treat these conditions. Glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa (also known as αIIbβ3) receptors on the surface of platelets play an essential role in platelet aggregation and serve as a key mediator in the formation of arterial thrombus. When activated, GP IIb/IIIa receptors bind to fibrinogen, which serves as the ‘final common pathway’ in platelet aggregation. Of the numerous agents developed for modulating platelet activity, intravenous platelet GP IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists are the most potent.
The Problem of Pfaff

Having now discussed at length the nature and development of linear algebra at Berlin during Frobenius’ years there, we next turn to Frobenius’ first major paper in which Berlin linear algebra and its concomitant disciplinary ideals played a role. This was also his first paper from Zurich that reflects a break with his work while in Berlin, where it was focused on the theory of ordinary differential equations. The new direction involved what was called the problem of Pfaff. The problem was at the interface of analysis (total differential equations) and algebra and, as perceived by Frobenius, was analogous to the problem of the transformation of quadratic and bilinear forms as treated by Weierstrass and Kronecker. As we shall see, Pfaff’s problem had been around for many years, but work by Clebsch and Natani in the 1860s had revived interest in it. Frobenius’ work was clearly motivated by Clebsch’s treatment of the problem and the issues it suggested vis a vis the disciplinary ideals of the Berlin school. Frobenius’ paper on the problem of Pfaff, which was submitted to Crelle’s Journal in September 1876, marked him as a mathematician of far-ranging ability. His analytic classification theorem (Theorem 6.7) and integrability theorem (Theorem 6.11) have become basic results, and his overall approach by means of the bilinear covariant was to have a great influence on Elie Cartan (Section 6.6), especially as regards his exterior calculus of differential forms and its applications.
Damping ring for generation of positroniums and investigation of Fermi degeneration in moving beams

Kayak-paddle look-like damping ring developed as injector for a laser driven linear accelerator with microstructures, allows beam emittance, which is defined by quantum effects in electron-positron gas of particles in the bunch. Utilization of co-directionally moving congruent electron and positron bunches allowing production of positronium beam with /spl sim/1010 parapositroniums per second. This arrangement might be a step toward investigation of the nature of Fermi-degeneration in moving beams.
Expert systems for on line security assessment-A preliminary design

It is argued that automatic security assessment schemes cannot generate information of high quality until their architectures, which are now wholly algorithmic, are changed to hybrids combining algorithms with expert systems. In particular numerical algorithms should continue to be used for simulating the effects of contingencies, but expert systems should be developed for selecting the contingencies and interpreting the simulation results. It is claimed that these changes will make automatic schemes more closely resemble the manual schemes that are used offline to generate assessment information of high quality. The problems of integrating hybrid software into existing energy management systems (EMSs) are viewed as far from trivial. These problems are discussed, and a solution is suggested, namely, the use of a network of workstations tied to existing EMS computers. >
Revision of a microcontroller course for a mixed student body

A microcontroller course has been offered at Southeast Missouri State University for a long time. Students enrolled in this course are mainly juniors and seniors from engineering physics and computer science majors. Both student groups have diverse background knowledge coming into this course. This paper describes the revision of the microcontroller course that we started in 2006. We set three objectives for the revised course. First, we want our students to be able to program in both assembly and C languages and understand the impact of computer hardware on software programming. Second, we aim to teach the course in a realistic, real-world-oriented fashion so that the students have a basic understanding of various constraints in embedded systems. Our third objective is to use the microcontrollers as a means to integrate the curriculum so that our students gain a comprehensive view of various topics they have learned in their previous years. The new course blends the lectures and the labs together, and emphasizes hands-on, active learning with labs and projects. The revised course has been successful with good student evaluations and increased class enrollment.
Difficult Diagnostic Problems in Pancreatobiliary Neoplasia

Context.— Many common diagnostic dilemmas are encountered in pancreatobiliary pathology, frequently resulting in uncertainty on behalf of the pathologist and referral for a second opinion. Objectives.— To review 4 common diagnostic dilemmas encountered in the practice of pancreatobiliary pathology: (1) pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma versus chronic pancreatitis; (2) pancreatic ductal carcinoma versus adenocarcinomas arising in the ampulla and intrapancreatic common bile duct; (3) the distinction of uncommon intraductal neoplasms—intraductal oncocytic papillary neoplasm, intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm, and intraductal acinar cell carcinoma; and (4) intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma versus metastatic carcinoma. Data Sources.— A review of pertinent literature, along with the authors' personal experience, based on institutional and consultation materials. Conclusions.— Important diagnostic features for a few challenging problems in pancreatobiliary pathology are reviewed. Careful study of the microscopic...
Performance of probability transformations using simulated human opinions

Probability transformations provide a method of relating Dempster-Shafer sources of evidence to subjective probability assignments. These transforms are constructed to facilitate decision making over a set of mutually exclusive hypotheses. The probability information content (PIC) metric has been recently proposed for characterizing the performance of different probability transforms. To investigate the applicability of the PIC metric, we compare five probability transformations (i.e., BetP, PrPl, PrNPl, PrHyb, and DSmP) using a simulator of human responses from cognitive psychology known as two-stage dynamic signal detection. Responses were simulated over two tasks: a line length discrimination task and a city population size discrimination task. Human decision-makers were modeled for these two tasks by Pleskac and Busemeyer (2010). Subject decisions and confidence assessments were simulated and combined for both tasks using Yager's rule and mapped into subjective probabilities using the five probability transforms. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, normalized areas under the ROC curves (AUCs), along with average PIC values were obtained for each probability transform. Our results indicate that higher PIC values do not necessarily equate to higher discriminability (i.e., higher normalized AUCs) between probability transforms. In fact, all five probability transforms exhibited nearly the same normalized AUC values. At lower, fixed false alarm rates, the BetP, PrPl, PrNPl, and PrHyb transforms yielded higher detection rates over the DSmP transform. For higher, fixed false alarm rates, the DSmP transform yielded higher detection rates over the other four transforms. These trends were observed over both tasks, which suggests that the PIC may not be sufficient for evaluating the performance of probability tr
Strategies to Process Voluminous Data in Support of Counter-Terrorism

In this paper we present a survey of techniques and strategies that can be utilized to process high-volumes of data in support of counter-terrorism. Data reduction is a critical problem for counter-terrorism; there are large collections of documents that must be analyzed and processed, raising issues related to performance, lossless reduction, polysemy (i.e., the meaning of individual words being influenced by their surrounding words), and synonymy (i.e., the possibility of the same term being described in different ways). Our main objective in this paper is to provide a survey of data reduction strategies, ranging from data clustering to learning to latent semantic indexing
Expression of LINE-1 p40 protein in pediatric malignant germ cell tumors and its association with clinicopathological parameters: A report from the Children’s Oncology Group

The long interspersed nucleotide element-1 (LINE-1) p40 protein was expressed in all 162 cases of childhood malignant germ cell tumor (MGCT) cells with weak, moderate, and strong immunoactivity in 43.8%, 37.7%, and 18.5%, respectively. Normal testicular tissue adjacent to tumors showed negative or weaker p40 expression than tumor cells. Multivariate analyses showed that strong expression of p40 was associated with poor differentiation, extragonadal site, and the histotype of yolk sac tumor. This study suggests that the active LINE-1 retrotransposon is a common event in pediatric MGCTs and abundant expression of p40 might play a role during the malignant transformation.
Incentive-sensitization and addiction

The question of addiction concerns the process by which drug-taking behavior, in certain individuals, evolves into compulsive patterns of drug-seeking and drug-taking behavior that take place at the expense of most other activities, and the inability to cease drug-taking, that is, the problem of relapse. In this paper we summarize one view of this process, the “incentive-sensitization” view, which we e rst proposed in 1993. Four major tenets of the incentive-sensitization view are discussed. These are: (1) potentially addictive drugs share the ability to alter brain organization; (2) the brain systems that are altered include those normally involved in the process of incentive motivation and reward; (3) the critical neuroadaptations for addiction render these brain reward systems hypersensitive (“sensitized”) to drugs and drug-associated stimuli; and (4) the brain systems that are sensitized do not mediate the pleasurable or euphoric effects of drugs (drug “liking”), but instead they mediate a subcomponent of reward we have termed incentive salience (drug “wanting”).
Bullying: Considerations for defining and intervening in school settings

Bullying has been described as one of the most common and potentially serious forms of school violence. It is a pervasive problem affecting many students with serious adverse consequences for some. Given the prevalence of and consequences associated with bullying, we investigated the concept of bullying as applied to school settings. In this article, we discuss the need for an expanded definition of bullying, including particular considerations for differential behaviors between genders. Best practices for primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of bullying behaviors in schools, and implications for school psychologists are also discussed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 41: 887–897, 2004.
Measurement of the Critical Distance Parameter Against Icing Conditions on a NACA 0012 Swept Wing Tip

technique (TSIT) was used to obtain real time close-up imaging data during the first two minutes of the ice accretion formation. The time sequence photographic data was used to measure the critical distance at each icing condition and to study how it develops in real time. The effect on the critical distance of liquid water content, drop size, total temperature and velocity was studied. The results were interpreted using a simple energy balance on a roughness element.
ADRENAL CORTICAL INSUFFICIENCY IN THE RHESUS MONKEY1

THE state of total adrenal cortical insufficiency, which inevitably has a fatal termination in the absence of therapeutic measures, has been well characterized in respect to changes in chemical composition of the body fluids and tissues and in attendant decline in body weight and muscular strength. Obviously; morbid processes are at work but their specific nature has not been determined. It would be of great interest to know, for instance, whether there is a stepwise disruption of physiological mechanisms and to which of these can death be attributed. An understanding of any part of the adrenal deficiency picture would in some degree contribute to the larger problem of the peripheral effect of the adrenal cortical hormones and perhaps provide implications as to means of correcting the deficiency. The continued cataloguing of facts relating to the adrenal deficiency state will contribute to its eventual elucidation but there is particular need at this time for intensive study of single species
Sleep disturbances among methadone maintained patients

We examined the relationship of sleep disturbance and demographic, mental health, drug use and other factors among 225 methadone-maintained individuals. The cohort was 78% Caucasian and 54% male with a mean age of 41 years. Sleep disturbance was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) with a score >5 indicating poor global sleep quality. Eighty-four percent of subjects had PSQI scores of six or higher. In multivariate analysis, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, greater nicotine dependence, bodily pain, and unemployment were associated with poorer global sleep quality (p <.01). Targeting modifiable psychological and medical risk factors that are most strongly associated with sleep disturbance may improve quality of life in drug treatment.
A feedback based modification of the NDVI to minimize canopy background and atmospheric noise

The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) equation has a simple, open loop structure (no feedback), which renders it susceptible to large sources of error and uncertainty over variable atmospheric and canopy background conditions. In this study, a systems analysis approach is used to examine noise sources in existing vegetation indices (VI'S) and to develop a stable, modified NDVI (MNDVI) equation. The MNDVI, a closedloop version of the NDVI, was constructed by adding 1) a soil and atmospheric noise feedback loop, and 2) an atmospheric noise compensation forward loop. The coefficients developed for the MNDVI are physically-based and are empirically related to the expected range of atmospheric and background “boundary” conditions. The MNDVI can be used with data uncorrected for atmosphere, as well as with Rayleigh corrected and atmospherically corrected data. In the field observational and simulated data sets tested here, the MNDVI was found to considerably reduce noise for any complex soil and atmospheric situation. The resulting uncertainty, expressed as vegetation equivalent noise, was +0.11 leaf area index (LAI) units, which was 7 times less than encountered with the NDVI (+0.8 LAI). These results indicate that the MNDVI may be satisfactory in meeting the need for accurate, long term vegetation measurements for the Earth Observing System (EOS) program.
The effects of representation on idea generation and design fixation: A study comparing sketches and function trees

Representations in engineering design can be hand sketches, photographs, CAD, functional models, physical models, or text. Using representations allows engineers to gain a clearer picture of how a design works. We present an experiment that compares the influence of representations on fixation and creativity. This experiment presents designers with an example solution represented as a function tree and a sketch, we compare how these different external representations influence design fixation as they complete a design task. Results show that function trees do not cause fixation to ideas compared to a control group, and that function trees reduce fixation when compared to sketches. Results from this experiment show that function tree representations offer advantages for reducing fixation during idea generation.
Mucoid Dissociation in the Colontyphoid-Salmonella Group

Dissociation of the colon group of organisms with appearance of the mucoid variant has been noted by several investigators. A survey of the limited work done indicated that the mucoid type became evident only if the cultures were stored at temperatures varying between 18 and 25 C. and that the alteration took place more frequently on Endo or on eosin-methylene blue agar than upon medium not containing lactose. Thus it was determined to examine more intensively the possibilities of producing the mucoid form. The role of temperature in mucoid dissociation.-Revis' noted that mucoid forms of Escherischia coli obtained by storage in soil would remain viscous in consistency if incubated at 20 C. Smith2 in his work with mucoid E. coli from bovine sources stated that his strain retained its mucoid consistency if stored at 4.5 C. and if it did not dry out. Parr3 incubated strains of E. coli and of Aerobacter aerogenes on Endo medium for 24 hours and then held them at room temperature. Mucoid growth appeared. With organisms related to E. coli, similar results have obtained. Elkeles,4 White,5 Knorr6 and Nelson' have examined paratyphoids. Webster and Burns tested cultures of Salmonella enteritidis reisolated from mice and found that incubation at 37 C. yielded smooth colonies. When these cultures remained at 23 C. for a minimum period of 12 hours, a ring of mucoid growth appeared surrounding certain colonies of smooth organisms. Edwards' described a mucoid strain of Shigella equirulis but it was not stabilized if the temperature of incubation exceeded 30 C. In order to determine the relationship of the temperature to the appearance of the mucoid type, transfers were made from nutrient agar slant cultures of E. coli to 1l/o glucose nutrient agar in petri dishes. There were 3 strains of the organism available and their preliminary incubation had extended over a 24-hour period at 37 C. Following this preparatory technic, subculture in petri dishes then were incubated at various low temperatures for 5 days and records made of the type of growth which appeared. These
The Cellular Defense System of Drosophila melanogaster

Although insects lack adaptive immune systems endowed with memory elements and finely tuned discriminatory powers such as those found in the vertebrates, they do possess internal defense mechanisms for combating foreign materials (Salt, 1970). Among these are the cellular responses of phagocytosis and encapsulation used to resist parasitic and microbial infections. These processes do not involve opsonization of foreign materials (Scott, 1971; Anderson et al., 1973), so it appears that the insect hemocyte surfaces themselves must play the crucial role in discriminating nonself from self. This being the case, analysis of insect defense reactions requires study of hemocyte surface receptor sites on which extracellular cues operate as well as investigation of the body’s own tissue surfaces to which the hemocytes remain neutral.
No Magic Formula: A New Approach for Calculating the Ten Year Time Period for Admission of Prior Conviction Evidence

Federal Rule of Evidence (FRE) 609 governs admission of prior conviction evidence. Under this rule, it is easier to admit evidence of a prior conviction that is less than ten years old than to admit evidence of older convictions. The ten year period is measured from the later of either the date of conviction or the date of release from confinement.Calculating the ten year period is fairly straightforward in most cases but becomes confusing when the witness has been confined for violating the terms of probation, parole, or some other period of conditional release. Does the confinement for violation of conditional release (VOCR) constitute confinement for the original crime? Should the nature of the violation affect whether the VOCR confinement constitutes confinement for the original crime? Should the ten year clock start over upon release from VOCR confinement? FRE 609 does not answer these questions.This article proposes treating the ten year time period as a statute of limitations which should be tolled for any periods of VOCR confinement. Part I traces the history of FRE 609. Part II evaluates different approaches that have been used to calculate the time period. Part III proposes the statute of limitations approach, illustrating how it avoids the harsh results and inconsistencies that occur with the other approaches. This article concludes that the statute of limitations approach will be easier for courts to apply and is more consistent with the policies underlying the rule than other approaches.
Industry Characteristics Affecting Liability Rules

In order to develop optimal liability rules for telecommunications carriers, it is necessary to apply the economic framework outlined in the previous chapter. This requires the definition of a social welfare function to be maximized, where policymakers identify the key goals that are to be achieved through the liability rules, as well as the constraints, if any, which exist by virtue of other policy goals. The significance of the definition of the social welfare function on determining optimal liability rules is discussed in the next chapter. The present chapter examines key characteristics of the telecommunications industry, both of providers and customers, that need to be incorporated in applying the economic framework for analyzing the likely effect of liability rules.
A 39-year-old female immigrant with chronic diarrhea.

1Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center; 2Amarillo Pathology Group; 3Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas, USA Correspondence: Dr Faisal A Khasawneh, Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1400 South Coulter Street, Amarillo, Texas 79106, USA. Telephone 806-354-5480, fax 806-354-5765, e-mail faisal.khasawneh@ttuhsc.edu A 39-year-old female immigrant from Yemen presented with several months’ history of diarrhea. The stool was loose in consistency and brown in colour. There was no blood or mucus noted. She reported a dull periumbilical abdominal pain, poor appetite and weight loss but had not experienced any fever, nausea or vomiting. The patient immigrated to the United States after she was married, 18 years previously. She reported a negative tuberculin skin test at the time of intake. On physical examination, she was cachectic but afebrile, with a normal heart rate and blood pressure. Chest auscultation revealed clear lung fields and regular heart sounds. The abdomen was soft, not tender and without organomegaly. She had no skin rash and no lymphadenopathy. Laboratory test results revealed a hemoglobin level of 85 g/L and a white blood cell count of 9.4×109 cells/L without eosinophilia. Her blood chemistry, including kidney and liver function tests, were within normal limits. Stool microscopy for ova and parasites and stool culture were unrevealing. An abdominal computed tomography scan showed segmental thickening in the right colon (Figure 1A). Colonoscopy was performed and tissue biopsies were obtained. Hematoxylin and eosinstained slides are shown in Figures 1B and 1C. What is your diagnosis?
The Genesis of Moral Judgment

In the last two decades of his life, Edmund Husserl turned his concern, with greater concentration than ever before, to the issue of the temporality and historicity of subjectivity. This theme is most often approached through the discussion of genesis and genetic constitution, the analysis of which offers an insight into the complexity of human experience — a type of complexity often overlooked in much philosophizing. Rather than reduce experience to some kind of simplistic or mechanistic model incorporating only the more obvious features of human experiencing, Husserl, through genetic analysis, proposes to strip away the multiple and interwoven layers of meaning which accrue in the actual experiencing of any object or objectivity, even those as complex or abstracted as the theoretic formations which constitute the conceptual basis for philosophical activity. Thus, while genetic analysis might be applied to the “lowest” level of human experiencing — sensation and perception — it can also and should also investigate complexities of meaning such as logical categories like rational justification and metaphysical categories like the being of beings. My interest in this paper is to reflect on the distinctively concrete abstractions proper to ethical categories, specifically the categories of moral Tightness and wrongness applied to actions.
A Re-Examination Of The Property Tax Burden

The property tax is the major source of own revenues for most city and county governments, yet economists have had very little definitive information to share with policymakers about the burden that it imposes on local citizens. This is because most previous studies of property taxes have used a Suits index analysis which does not allow for any independent variables other than income. We estimate a regression model using current income and various socio-demographic variables in order to take a more fine grained approach. We use data obtained from the Florida Department of Revenue from 326,976 single family homeowners in four northeast Florida counties geo-coded with the 2010 block group census data. We find that the property tax is regressive with respect to current income. With respect to demographic variables, we find that homeowners over the age of 65 pay a higher average tax rate based on their current incomes. African Americans pay a lower tax rate than other races based on their current income. When we combine income and demographic variables to predict the tax rate paid by a hypothetical low socio-economic status household versus a high socio-economic status household, we find that the high SES household pays a higher average tax rate. Thus, the demographic variables temper the regressivity of the property tax based on current income alone .
The Organization of Thought in Lushootseed (Puget Salish) Literature: Martha Lamonf's “Mink and Changer”

Many people, especially non-Indians, who are acquainted with the old stories notice that classical American Indian narrative operates within a set of poetic and stylistic conventions different from those that govern modern European narrative; yet it is difficult to put a name to the features by which the felt differences are carried. One hears a lot, however, about two things: laconism and repetitiousness. What is interesting about the pair is that one might think these qualities mutually exclusive: how can we have too few words at the same time that we have too many? Or is what is being noticed, rather, this: that we seem to have too little information, while words that might give us more are instead "wasted" in going over what we already have? The term "laconism," I suspect, is often used to refer to the circumstance that the narrator has not provided within the story enough explanation-whether it be the decoding of literary allusion or the adducing of pertinent ethnographic data-to comfort an audience from outside the culture. At any rate, whatever is meant by it, "laconism" is respected as a legitimate trait of narrative: the audience from outside the culture accepts a challenge to supply (by means of research, discussion with Native colleagues) what it feels to be missing, without at all alleging that the narrative tradition itself is somehow at fault.
Electron energy response of NaI:Tl and SrI2:Eu calculated from carrier mobilities and measured first- and third-order quenching

Intrinsic energy resolution in γ-radiation detectors is limited by nonlinear quenching that varies as the second or third power of local excitation density. Using a numerical model for local light yield depending on measured quenching rates, kinetic order, and carrier mobilities, we employ Monte Carlo simulations of energy deposited at each local excitation density to calculate electron energy response that can be directly compared with Compton coincidence and K-dip experiments. Agreement is found for NaI:Tl and SrI2:Eu using thermalized carrier diffusion and linear quenched fraction deduced from total light yield. This lays the groundwork for testing refinements with recent hot-electron extensions of the model.
Feeding Value of Brewers’ Condensed Solubles for Broilers and Laying Hens

Abstract Brewers’ condensed solubles (BCS) is a by-product of the brewing industry. It contains about 50% solids, consisting mainly of residual sugars recovered from the mashing vessels after wort production. Several experiments were conducted to determine its value as a feed ingredient for chickens. The BCS was incorporated into both broiler and layer diets at levels of 0, 1, 2.5, and 5%, isocalorically, based on a predetermined true metabolizable energy (TME) value. Four replicate groups of 10 chicks received each of the experimental rations to 4 weeks of age. No significant differences in growth rate or feed efficiency were observed on any of the treatments. In the laying hen trial three replicate groups of 10 hens each received each of the experimental rations for four 28-day periods. No significant differences among treatments occurred in egg production, egg weights, Haugh units, or feed efficiency. Two samples of BCS were assayed for TME on a corn carrier and found to contain 4.25 ± .12 and 4.58 ± .14 kcal/g DM, respectively. The second sample was also found to contain 4.32 ± .16 kcal/g DM apparent metabolizable energy (AME). These results indicate that BCS can serve as a satisfactory feed ingredient in broiler and layer rations at least up to 5%.
Fast, momentum-aided optimization of transmitter amplifier load impedance and input power for cognitive radio using the power smith tube

A fast search including momentum is used to quickly and simultaneously optimize power-amplifier load impedance and input power for the highest power-added efficiency while maintaining adjacent-channel power ratio within compliance limits. This search makes use of the recently developed Power Smith Tube, and is expected to be useful in real-time reconfigurable communications and radar transmitters, as well as for fast computer and measurement aided design of power amplifiers. Simulation and measurement results are shown to demonstrate the improved accuracy provided by adding momentum to the search.
Estimation of Near-surface Quality Factors By Inversion of Rayleigh-wave Attenuation Coefficients

Quality factors of near-surface materials are as important as velocities of the materials in many applications. High-frequency (≥ 2 Hz) surface-wave data are generally inverted to determine near-surface shear (S)-wave velocities, in which only phase information of surface-wave data is utilized. Amplitude information of high-frequency surface-wave data can be used to determine quality factors of near-surface materials. Given S-wave velocity, compressional (P)-wave velocity, and Rayleigh-wave phase velocities, it is feasible to solve for S-wave quality factor QS and P-wave quality factor QP (for some specific velocity models) in a layered earth model down to 30 meters below the ground surface in many settings by inverting high-frequency Rayleigh-wave attenuation coefficients. Because an inversion system of this problem is unstable, we introduce a regularization parameter to limit a model length. Based on the linear nature of the inversion system, we search for a smooth model that is a trade-off solution between data (attenuation coefficient) misfit and model (quality factor) length. Several real-world examples demonstrate that the optimal regularization parameter can be found by the L-curve method and so can a smooth model.
Very Early Administration of Progesterone Does Not Improve Neuropsychological Outcomes in Subjects with Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract A Phase III, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (ProTECT III) found that administration of progesterone did not reduce mortality or improve functional outcome as measured by the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE) in subjects with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. We conducted a secondary analysis of neuropsychological outcomes to evaluate whether progesterone is associated with improved recovery of cognitive and motor functioning. ProTECT III was conducted at 49 level I trauma centers in the United States. Adults with moderate to severe TBI were randomized to receive intravenous progesterone or placebo within 4 h of injury for a total of 4 days. At 6 months, subjects underwent evaluation of memory, attention, executive functioning, language, and fine motor coordination/dexterity. Chi-square analysis revealed no significant difference in the proportion of subjects (263/280 progesterone, 283/295 placebo) with Galveston Orientation and Amnesia Test scores ≥75. Analyses of covariance ...
Using an online survey to assess knowledge of HIV in general and testing specifically among black and white college students.

Background Although there have been studies examining HIV knowledge among college population, current study is the first providing comparable information on HIV knowledge in general and testing specifically via online surveys among black and white college students. Methods Blacks (N=222) were recruited from 15 historically black college and universities (HBCUs) and whites (N=335) from a traditionally white institution. Results The majority of the students were aged 18–24 years. Reliability of the overall knowledge scale showed good internal consistency for both samples (alpha=0.70). Students overall scored higher on items related to HIV/AIDS in general (81.5% correct) and lower on items related to HIV testing (71.6% correct), with no significant difference between groups. However, blacks rated significantly higher on their subjective (or “perceived”) HIV general knowledge (item mean 3.55 vs. 3.26) and testing specific knowledge (item mean 3.13 vs. 2.54) (p Conclusions The knowledge scale assessed via the Internet demonstrated satisfactory reliabilities among diverse college students. Data showed that HBCU black students perceived significant higher knowledge levels, despite results showing similar knowledge scores as white students. Results have implications on HIV prevention among students attending their race/ethnic dominant institutions.
Neurocognitive Characteristics of Early Marijuana Use Initiation in Adolescents: A Signature Mapping Analysis.

Objective:Prior studies of the association between neurocognitive functions and marijuana use among adolescents are mostly cross-sectional and conducted in adolescents who have already initiated marijuana use. The current study used a longitudinal design on a preadolescent, substance-naive sample. We sought to identify demographic factors associated with neurocognitive functions and the complement of neurocognitive function characteristics that predict marijuana initiation in adolescents.Method:Substance-naive adolescents (n = 465) ages 10–12 years (51% male) were recruited from a community with high levels of adolescent marijuana use and prospectively followed to ages 12–15. Tasks measuring neurocognitive functions were administered and audio-assisted interviews were conducted. Two types of models were estimated for each outcome: forced-entry models and another using stepwise selection via bidirectional elimination with varying tolerance levels to account for selection misspecification.Results:About 10% ...
Interprétation Physiologique Des Relations Mathématiques Existant Entre le Taux du Glucose Sanguin et le Débit Urinaire de Cette Substance

SummaryOn a graph where the ordinales are « Excreted Glucose » and the abscissae « Blood Glucose », the relation is first (below the minimal threshold) a straight line superposed to the abscissae, then, (for moderate values of hyperglyaemia) a curve of exponential type, and finally (for high levels of blood sugar exceeding the maximum threshold) a straight line with the formula :Glucose excreted = (Blood glucose − Mean threshold) × Filtration.The meaning of the curvilinear portion has been rightly explained by H. Smith as being due to the unequal reabsorptive power of the individual nephrons.The author of the present paper underlines the reasons why three points of the relation « Excreted Glucose/Blood Glucose » deserve the name of threshold.a) The « Minimal threshold » is the lowest level of blood glucose at which sugar is found in the urine when the glycaemia is raising. This is the level ou blood sugar for which the reabsorptive power of the weakest, nephron is saturated.b) The « Maximal threshold » is the...
In vitro interactions between thymocytes and hemopoietic precursor cells.

The effects of thymocytes on in vitro hemopoiesis were evaluated by co-culturing mixtures of mouse marrow cells and syngeneic thymocytes for granulocyte/macrophage precursors (CFU-GM), and for early (BFU-E) and late (CFU-E) erythroid precursors. Co-cultures were studied which contained fixed numbers of marrow cells with increasing numbers of thymocytes as well as co-cultures in which the total number of cells was kept constant. In addition, the effects of thymocytes on cultures stimulated by optimal or suboptimal amounts of humoral factors, the effects of a liquid phase incubation of the marrow cells with thymocytes prior to semi-solid culture, and the effects of irradiated and disrupted thymocytes were studied. The growth of CFU-GM was stimulated by thymocytes less than the growth of the other progenitor cells studied; at most, minimal stimulation by thymocytes was detected and at some marrow cell: thymocyte (M:T) ratios inhibition was even suggested. The growth of BFU-E was more strongly and more consistently stimulated than that of CFU-E. Killed thymocytes did not effect stimulation of CFU-E or BFU-E. These studies suggest that, in unfractionated marrow cells, the various hemopoietic precursor cells differ in their sensitivities to in vitro stimulation by thymocytes. In addition, it appears that only viable thymocytes can effect stimulation of the hemopoietic precursors in the vitro culture systems used.
Methods to evaluate and develop the decision process in the selection of tests.

An objective, comprehensive method is described for organizing medical information that determines the most useful and sufficient test sets for separating diseases. The system is purposive, i.e., both its means and ends are known and tests results can be correlated with patient outcomes. The method is based on levels of information, probability and uncertainty and on measurement of comprehension and effectiveness. As the number of diseases in the system increases, the probability of their message sources decreases, which results in an increase in uncertainty. Resolution of uncertainty results in the diagnosis. Methods of reducing computational time are presented in this article.
Preoperative Paravertebral Block Improves Postoperative Pain Control and Reduces Hospital Length of Stay in Patients Undergoing Autologous Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy for Breast Cancer

Background Postoperative pain is a major challenge for patients undergoing breast reconstruction after surgical treatment of breast cancer, resulting in prolonged hospitalizations and additional resource utilization. Evidence on the efficacy of techniques to minimize postoperative pain in autologous breast reconstruction is lacking. We sought to determine whether preoperative paravertebral block (PVB), a regional anesthetic technique, affects postoperative pain control and hospital length of stay (LOS) in patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction.